Most people know whether they are left-handed or right-handed, but have you ever wondered if your cat also has a preferred paw? Surprisingly, many cats do show a natural bias when reaching for food, stepping into the litter box, or performing everyday movements.

Researchers around the world have been studying feline pawedness, and their findings reveal an intriguing glimpse into the minds and bodies of our pets. Here is everything UK cat owners should know.

What Is Paw Preference?

Paw preference refers to whether a cat uses one paw more frequently than the other. Just like humans favour a specific hand, cats often favour a specific paw for tasks that require coordination.

Behaviours where cats show paw preference include:

• Reaching for food or treats
• Stepping into the litter tray
• Navigating stairs
• Holding or stabilising toys
• Pawing at objects

These subtle actions can reveal whether your cat is naturally left-pawed, right-pawed, or ambidextrous.

What Does Science Say About Pawedness in Cats?

Studies have shown that paw preference is not random. Many cats consistently use the same paw for specific tasks, and interestingly, male and female cats may show different tendencies.

Key findings from research:

• A large proportion of cats favour one paw over the other.
• Cats often use a dominant paw for fine motor skills, such as fishing out treats.
• Females are more likely to be right-pawed.
• Males are slightly more likely to be left-pawed.
• Some cats remain ambidextrous, using both paws equally.

Scientists are not completely sure why paw preference exists, but it may be linked to brain structure and the way animals process information.

How to Test If Your Cat Is Left-Pawed or Right-Pawed

You can carry out simple tests at home to discover your cat’s dominant paw, with no special equipment needed.

Test 1: Treat Puzzle

Place treats inside a puzzle feeder or under a small plastic cup and observe which paw your cat uses to reach or swipe first. Note whether they consistently favour the same side.

Test 2: Litter Tray Entry

When your cat steps into a clean litter tray filled with low-dust Pacha Litter, observe which paw moves forward first.

Test 3: Stair Test

If you have stairs, note which paw your cat uses to step down first .

Test 4: Play With a Toy

Hold a wand toy slightly out of reach and watch which paw your cat lifts first during play.

Record each attempt multiple times to notice patterns. A single swipe does not define preference; consistency does.

Does Paw Preference Say Anything About Your Cat’s Personality?

While research is ongoing, early theories suggest that paw preference may correlate with certain behaviour patterns.

Potential links include:

• Right-pawed cats may be more confident in unfamiliar situations.
• Left-pawed cats may be more emotionally reactive or cautious.
• Ambidextrous cats may adapt easily to different environments.

However, these are broad theories, and every cat is unique.

What About Litter Box Behaviour?

The litter tray is often one of the easiest places to observe paw preference. Cats frequently favour one paw when stepping into or out of the box.

To make observation easier, offer a clean and comfortable tray filled with Pacha Litter. This provides your cat with:

• A soft, low-dust surface
• A hygienic place to move naturally
• A stress-free toileting routine

The more comfortable your cat feels, the more naturally they behave, making observations more accurate.

Try It at Home — A Fun Activity for Cat Lovers

Testing your cat’s dominant paw is a great bonding activity. It is simple, entertaining, and helps you understand your feline companion better.

Step-by-step approach:

• Choose one of the paw tests listed above.
• Record 20–30 attempts across a day or two.
• Note the number of left-paw and right-paw movements.
• Look for patterns — most cats show a clear preference.
• Share the results with friends or family.

Final Thoughts

Whether your cat is a leftie, rightie, or uses both paws, discovering their paw preference is a fascinating way to learn more about their behaviour and personality. These small quirks make our cats even more unique and lovable.

If you want to observe your cat naturally and comfortably, providing a clean bathroom area with Pacha Litter helps create the ideal environment for natural feline behaviour.