Southpaw, northpaw ... animals take sides too

MANY household pets show a tendency to use their left or right "hand", just like their owners.

Scientists previously believed animals were ambidextrous. But now new research suggests dogs and cats prefer to use one paw over another.

The trait is not limited to these pets. Even parrots and fish also appear to favour one side, whether with a claw or an eye. The researchers believe that many creatures are genetically wired to prefer using one side.

It means that they become more expert at using one hand or foot over the other, which means they can react more quickly and efficiently to potential threats and opportunities.

Chris McManus, professor of psychology at University College London and author of Right Hand, Left Hand, said: "It's only recently we've been able to stand back and look at the bigger picture. Asymmetrical behaviour has always been seen as little more than an evolutionary curiosity.

"We now know that it pays to specialise, whether we are talking footballers, whales or worms. It enables mammals and animals to act quicker and more instinctively, to know exactly what they're going to do."

In dogs and cats, the link to this or that handedness seems attached to gender, with females favouring use of their right paw and males the left.