Question:
Can animals be left or right handed?

I think that both of my cats are left handed. When they were kittens (especially Max, the feral) we would always have our hands in an around their dishes to try to deter any food aggression.

If there was ever a time when they couldn't get to the food with their mouth, they would reach in with a paw and scoop some out. Jason noticed that both of them would always reach with their left paw. We started setting them up so that they had to reach in...and even try to get it with their right paw...but it was always left handed.

Has anyone else noticed a tendency of their pet to use a specific paw?


Answer:
You know, I have never thought to watch, but now I am eager to find out! I will let you know if I notice any tendancies!


Answer:
If you put your hand over their bowl, or toy, or treats, like a claw so that they can't get their mug in there, they will usually resort to reaching. We test them every now and then to see if they change paws...but it's always left pawed. They must have learned from Jason (who's left handed).


Answer:
hm, i will have to pay more attention and give a multi kitty report, but i do know that tisconi is a water kitty who has to make it swirl round and round and round in the dish before he will drink and he always uses the left paw. i watch him all the time and i always tease him that if i were to tie up that paw, he would dehydrate because he won'tdrink without swirling and only swirls hat way! i am going to order this water fountain thing from drs smith and foster...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2002+113282

i can't wait to see his reaction!!!


Answer:
Sasha uses her right foot for everything,,,,,,but i will have to check the cats!!


Answer:
Very interesting! I will have to see what BB does. I can't wait to hear all the results.


Answer:
My cats are right-pawed.. I know that's the paw that Wilson lighly touches my face with to wake me up in the morning..


Answer:
I think Lavander is right-pawed. She's trained to give her left paw for a handshake which is the paw that automatically comes up whenever we're holding a treat that she loves but she uses her right paw to dig for treats, especially if I hold the treat in my fist.