Is handedness a purrrly human trait? Did you know that cats can also be right-pawed or left-pawed? Just like us hairless bipeds, cats have a dominant paw that they prefer to use for certain tasks.This quirky little trait says more about your kitty than you might think!
Which Paw Is Dominant?
One easy way to check is to observe which paw they use when reaching for something, like a treat under the couch or a toy dangling in the air. My little Tortie girl always comes up to me and reaches out her right paw to touch me, or to get my attention. With observance, over time, you’ll start to notice if yours consistently favor one paw over the other.
Another way to determine this is to pay attention when your cat kneads or makes “biscuits”. Many cats will instinctively lead with their dominant paw.
Is There Science Behind All This?
Studies have shown that about 40% of cats are right-pawed, 40% are left-pawed, and 20% are ambidextrous. WOW. Paw preference may also be linked to gender. Research suggests that male cats are more likely to be left-pawed, while female cats often lean towards being right-pawed.
So, how does this happen? Just like in humans, a cat’s brain controls its paw preference. The left side of the brain controls the right paw, and the right side of the brain controls the left paw. The dominant side of the brain most likely determines whether your cat is a righty or a lefty.
Does All This Really Matter?
I know. It’s kinda silly. Like – who really cares? It probably won’t affect your cat’s daily life, knowing whether your kitty is right-pawed or left-pawed. It’s just another way to appreciate their uniqueness. Plus, it’s a fun conversation starter when you’re showing off your fur baby’s quirks!
So, the next time you catch your cat in action, take note of which paw they’re using. Who knew that even in the world of cats, there’s such a thing as “righty” and “lefty”?
Happy handedness.
Ciao,
Disclaimer: The information and opinions herein are based on personal research. My Blog posts are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a Licensed Veterinarian nor am I any sort of medical professional. I am merely a human who takes caring for my pets seriously. My goal is to share my research with other like-minded individuals with the hope that it will help others in some small (or perhaps large) way.
