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Female cats ‘more likely to use right paw’
“There is some suggestion that limb preference might be a useful indicator of vulnerability to stress," said Dr Deborah Wells.
Preference could be down to hormones, scientists say

A new study by Queen’s University Belfast suggests female cats may be more likely to use their right paw than males.

Researchers from the School of Psychology recruited 44 cats for the study and asked their owners to collect ‘spontaneous’ data on which paw their cats used for certain tasks. A ‘forced’ test was also carried out where cats had to reach for food inside a three-tier feeding tower.

Previous research on limb preferences in animals have focused solely on ‘forced’ experimental challenges. In this study, cats were also studied in their own homes and information was gathered as they went about their everyday lives.

According to findings published in the journal Animal Behaviour, the majority of cats showed a paw preference when reaching for food (73 per cent), going downstairs (70 per cent) and stepping over objects (66 per cent). Their preference for right or left was consistent for the majority of tasks, whether spontaneous or forced.

In all cases, male cats showed a significant preference for their left paw, while females were more likely to use their right paw. The cats did not appear to have a side preference while sleeping, however.

Further research is needed to find out why there is a gender preference, but Dr Deborah Wells believes it could be down to hormones.

The findings could also help cat owners to understand how their pets deal with stress.

“There is some suggestion that limb preference might be a useful indicator of vulnerability to stress,” Dr Wells added. “Ambilateral animals with no preference for one side or the other, and those that are more inclined to left-limb dominance, for example, seem more flighty and susceptible to poor welfare than those who lean more heavily towards right limb use.”

She added: “We have just discovered that left-limbed dogs, for example, are more pessimistic in their outlook that right -limbed dogs.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.