ALOR SETAR: Cows are known to eat grass or cattle feed, but for a cow in Kampung Batu 14, Pokok Sena, here, she has an appetite for more.
A heifer, 'Tam' has developed a taste for biscuits, roti canai and black coffee.
According to 'Tam's' owner, Abdul Mutalib Chin, 55, she would make an appearance in front of his house every afternoon to enjoy the snacks.
This has been going on for a year.
Telling the story of how it all began, Abdul Mutalib said the 30-month-old cow had ventured into his living room one day and helped herself to some biscuits on the table.
"At the time, my family did not notice that 'Tam' was already in our living room. When I realised, she had eaten all the biscuits. Since then, every afternoon she will come by the house and I will personally feed her various types of biscuits and roti canai.
"In the morning, 'Tam' would graze with his mother in the area behind my house. But her appetite changes in the afternoon.
"After she is done with the biscuits and roti canai, 'Tam' would wash it down with black coffee or tea served to her in a big bowl," Abdul Mutalib, who is an army retiree, said.
It is no surprise that Abdul Mutalib loves and cares for 'Tam' like his own child.
Abdul Mutalib, or Pakcik Lid as he is more affectionately known as, said 'Tam' sometimes behaves like a human being and enjoys playing with children. She is also very concern when it comes to her mother, much like the cartoon character 'Ferdinand'.
"If I call her, she will come immediately, infact she will even cry out if her mother is hungry or feels too hot from being out in the sun. If I take too long to go look at them behind my house, she will come calling for me," he said.
Pak Lid remarked that 'Tam's' capacity for love is extraordinary that he could not bear the thought of tying her up or slaughtering her for food.
"Eventhough 'Tam' has black-coloured skin and looks angry, she is very lovable and the bond between us is strong," he said.
'Tam' however does have one weakness, according to Pak Lid. The 150-kilogramme animal is afraid of the family's pet cat, and will run away whenever she sees the cat coming out of the house.