Can Cats Be Left- or Right-Handed?

Research indicates that it is possible for cats to be left- or right-handed. Deborah Wells, a senior lecturer at Queen's University Belfast School of Psychology in Northern Ireland, joined forces with Sarah Millsopp to conduct an experiment to determine what type of relationship — if any — there was between gender and left- or right-handed behavior in cats. What they found was that female cats tended to make use of the right front paw more often than the left, and male cats were more likely to favor use of the left front paw.

More facts about animals and left-handedness:

• Other studies involving animals indicate that a connection between testosterone levels and left-handedness exists in species other than humans, including non-human primates. Similar results are observed with apes and monkeys, although those results are sometimes described as weak preferences.


• Male dogs are more likely to use the left front paw than the right front paw for more complicated tasks. The preference also extends to tail wagging, with male dogs wagging their tails to the right when relaxed and happy, compared with wagging them to the left when agitated. When the dog has been neutered, however, the incidence of preferring the left front paw for certain tasks seems to decrease.


• The sulphur-crested cockatoo, a species of parrot, is known to be left-handed. By contrast, king parrots usually are right-handed. Most parrot species are considered to be ambidextrous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats have a preferred paw like humans have a dominant hand?

Yes, cats can indeed have a preferred paw, similar to how humans are left- or right-handed. Studies have shown that cats can show a preference for using one paw over the other when performing tasks, such as reaching for food or toys. This lateralization can be observed in both domestic and wild felines.

Is there a way to determine if a cat is left- or right-pawed?

To determine a cat's paw preference, observe which paw they use first or most frequently for activities like stepping down stairs, batting at toys, or reaching into narrow spaces. Consistent use of one paw for these actions can indicate their favored paw. However, some cats may not show a strong preference and are considered ambidextrous.

Do more cats tend to be left-pawed or right-pawed?

Research indicates that paw preference in cats is fairly evenly distributed, with no overwhelming majority being left- or right-pawed. However, some studies suggest that male cats may have a slight tendency to be left-pawed, while females might lean towards being right-pawed, although the reasons for this are not fully understood.

Does paw preference in cats indicate anything about their behavior or personality?

While paw preference itself does not necessarily correlate with specific personality traits, some research suggests that left-pawed animals, including cats, may be more assertive and have a higher propensity for aggressive behavior compared to right-pawed ones. However, individual personality differences are influenced by a wide range of factors beyond paw preference.

Can a cat's paw preference change over time?

A cat's paw preference can sometimes change due to circumstances such as injury or adaptation to their environment. However, in general, paw preference is considered to be relatively stable throughout a cat's life, especially once they reach adulthood and their motor patterns are well established.

Is there any significance to knowing my cat's paw preference?

Knowing your cat's paw preference can be useful for understanding how they interact with their environment and can be an interesting aspect of their individuality. It may also be helpful for veterinarians or behaviorists in assessing a cat's neurological health or in designing enrichment activities that cater to their preferred paw usage.