Dogs and cats like humans are either right handed or left handed

Dogs and Cats: Are They Right or Left-Pawed?

Have you ever wondered if dogs and cats have a dominant paw preference, similar to humans being right-handed or left-handed? The fascinating truth is that just like us, our furry companions also have a preferred paw. This intriguing fact generates the question - are dogs and cats either right-handed or left-handed?

According to a study published by the journal “Animal Behaviour,” dogs tend to show a paw preference, with approximately 70% being right-pawed and the remaining 30% favoring their left paw. This study further discovered that male dogs were more likely to be right-pawed, while females exhibited a more balanced distribution between right and left.

But what about our feline friends? Cats are known for their agility and grace, and it turns out they too exhibit a paw preference. According to a study conducted by researchers at Queen’s University in Belfast, cats displayed a more evenly distributed preference for either paw. Around 50% of cats were found to be right-pawed, while the other 50% favored their left paw.

Determining whether a pet is right or left-pawed involves observing their behavior in certain tasks. For instance, during playtime, watch which paw they use to bat at toys and objects. Another method is the “Kong test.” Fill a Kong toy with treats or peanut butter and see which paw your pet uses to hold it, indicating their favored paw.

It’s important to note that while the majority of dogs and cats have a preferred paw, not all of them exhibit a strong side preference. Some animals are ambidextrous, meaning they don’t favor one paw over the other.

Understanding whether a pet is right or left-pawed can be beneficial for several reasons. First, it can help trainers customize their teaching methods to suit the animal’s dominant paw, leading to more efficient training sessions. Second, it aids veterinarians during medical procedures, as the dominant paw can be useful for providing injections or performing gentle examinations.

So, what causes this paw preference in dogs and cats? Much like human-handedness, paw preference is believed to be influenced by the brain’s structure. In fact, studies have shown that paw preference in animals is linked to cerebral hemispheric specialization, similar to how human brain lateralization affects hand dominance. However, further research is still needed to fully understand the underlying neurobiology of this phenomenon.

Discovering whether your beloved pet is right or left-pawed can be a fun and interesting experience. By paying attention to their preferred paw, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their unique personality and behavior. So, why not conduct a little experiment and find out if your furry companion is a righty or a lefty?

Source: AKC - Dog Right or Left Pawed