To the surprise of pet owners, scientists have discovered that cats, dogs, parrots and even fish are right or left-handed.
Psychologists played with 42 pet cats for several weeks as part of the research, according to a report in the New Scientist.
The researchers from Queens University said:
"Male and female cats differ in their behavioural patterns, for example hunting styles and parental care, and it is possible that these place different demands on motor functioning."
Apparently, female cats are more likely to be "right-handed" while toms favour their left paw.
The same preferences occur in dogs.
Parrots have a dominant foot to pick up food and other objects with while toads are mostly right-handed.
When fish dodge a predator they tend to veer to one side more consistently to the other.
