Did you know that dogs and cats have a paw preference? It’s true! Dogs are split pretty evenly between right-pawed and left-pawed but cats apparently have a 10% chance of being ambidextrous.
So, are you ready to find out if your pet is a lefty or a righty?
If you have a dog, see which paw they use to wave or shake hands with. Dogs may also use a particular paw when they stabilize a kong or get up off their bed. You can also tell by the way they spin as left-pawed dogs usually spin counter-clockwise.
Kitty parents can get an idea by seeing which paw they use to swat at a toy. The more accurate way, however, is to determine which paw they step with first when they get out of bed, exit the litter box or when they walk downstairs.
Although studies on left pawed-ness have not been extensive, research suggests that left-pawed animals may be more prone to anxiety and reactivity.
Lefty and ambidextrous cats were generally less friendly and playful than their right-pawed companions while left-pawed dogs were usually more wary of strangers and more easily startled.
On the other paw, it’s said that left-handed dogs and cats are usually more intelligent than their right-pawed counterparts.
It’s important to note that these aren’t hard and fast rules. Every pet, whether they’re a lefty or a righty, is wonderful in their own way!