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Related Experiment Videos

Paw preference in cats: distribution and sex differences.

U Tan1, M Yaprak, N Kutlu

  • 1Atatürk University, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology, Erzurum, Turkey.

The International Journal of Neuroscience
|February 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

This study found a right paw preference in cats, particularly in females, suggesting a biological influence. Paw preference remained consistent over time, with no learning effects observed.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Behavior
  • Comparative Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Paw preference, a form of lateralization, is observed in many animal species.
  • Understanding paw preference in domestic cats (Felis catus) can provide insights into brain lateralization and its underlying factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate paw preference in male and female domestic cats using a food-reaching task.
  • To determine if there are sex differences in paw preference and its strength.
  • To assess the consistency of paw preference over time.

Main Methods:

  • A food-reaching test was administered to 66 domestic cats (24 males, 42 females).
  • Paw preference was categorized as right-preferent, left-preferent, or ambilateral based on reaching behavior.

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  • Data analysis included statistical comparisons of paw preference distributions and reach counts between sexes.

    • Main Results:

    • Overall, 51.5% of cats were right-preferent, 36.4% left-preferent, and 12.1% ambilateral.
    • Males showed a higher proportion of left-pawed individuals (50.5%) compared to right-pawed (41.7%).
    • Females exhibited a stronger right-bias, with right-preferents showing significantly greater right-paw bias than male right-preferents. Paw preference was consistent over a 10-day testing period.

    Conclusions:

    • Domestic cats display a general right-paw bias, influenced by female right-preferents.
    • Sex differences exist in paw preference strength, with females showing a more pronounced right bias.
    • Paw preference in cats is stable and not significantly affected by short-term learning or practice.