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Paw preferences in cats and dogs: Meta-analysis
Sebastian Ocklenburg1, Sevim Isparta1,2, Jutta Peterburs3
1Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum , Bochum , Germany.
Laterality
|February 12, 2019
Summary
This study investigated paw preference in cats and dogs, finding most animals were lateralized. Unlike humans, neither species showed a population-level rightward paw preference, with female cats more likely to be right-pawed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ethology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Functional hemispheric asymmetries may evolve due to predator-prey dynamics.
- Lateralization in predator species is understudied, with conflicting and underpowered research.
- Paw preference is a common indicator of lateralization in domestic animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To statistically integrate findings on paw preferences in domestic cats and dogs.
- To investigate population-level paw preferences and sex differences in lateralization.
- To contribute to understanding the evolution of brain lateralization in predators.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of existing studies on paw preference in cats and dogs.
- Statistical integration of paw preference data from multiple studies.
- Analysis of population-level lateralization and sex-specific differences.
Main Results:
- Both cats and dogs showed significantly more lateralized individuals than non-lateralized ones.
- 78% of cats and 68% of dogs exhibited a paw preference.
- No population-level rightward paw preference was observed in either species; female cats were more likely to be right-lateralized than males.
Conclusions:
- Paw preference is common in cats and dogs, indicating significant lateralization.
- The lack of rightward population bias in these predators contrasts with humans.
- Sex differences in lateralization exist in cats, suggesting complex evolutionary drivers.
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