Laterality in cats: paw preference and performance in a visuomotor activity

Area of Science:

• Ethology
• Comparative Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Paw preference, or lateralization, is a common trait in many animal species.
• Understanding the functional implications of lateralization provides insights into brain asymmetry and motor control.
• Previous research suggests lateralization exists in domestic cats, but detailed performance analyses are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate paw preference and its relationship with visuo-motor performance in domestic cats.
• To determine if lateralized cats exhibit performance advantages compared to non-lateralized cats.
• To explore potential asymmetries in paw preference within the feline population.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study over 6 years involving 44 domestic cats.
• Cats were trained to perform a reaching movement towards a moving light spot.
• Paw preference was assessed using a 90% criterion, and visuo-motor performance metrics (reaction time, movement time, accuracy) were recorded.

Main Results:

• No significant group paw preference was observed at a 50% criterion.
• A significant paw preference was found in 23 out of 44 cats at a 90% criterion.
• Lateralized cats showed faster reaction times than non-lateralized cats.
• The preferred paw demonstrated shorter reaction and movement times and higher accuracy compared to the non-preferred paw.
• A majority of lateralized cats (17) were left-pawed, while 6 were right-pawed.

Conclusions:

• Paw lateralization in domestic cats is associated with enhanced visuo-motor performance.
• A functional advantage exists for lateralized individuals in tasks requiring coordinated movement.
• The findings support the existence of paw preference asymmetry in cats and its link to performance efficiency.