Sexual Dimorphism in Body and Brain Weight and Its Association with Paw Preference in Cats

Sexual dimorphism in body and brain weight was studied in cats. Paw preference was assessed by food reaching test. Sexual dimorphism in body weight related to paw preference. Males weighted more than females in total sample and non-right-handed (NRH) cats (no significant difference in right-handed group). NRH males weighted more than right-handed (RH) males (no difference in females). Absolute total-brain weight did not show sexual dimorphism. Relative total-brain weight was sexually dimorphic only in NRH cats (females more than males). RH males weighted more than NRH males (no significant difference in females). Only absolute right-brain weighted more in males than females (total sample). Otherwise, no significant difference was found between absolute right- and left-brain weights of male and female cats. The relative right- and left-brain weighted more in females than males only in NRH cats (no sexual dimorphism in RH cats); more in RH males than NRH males; no difference in RH and NRH females. The overall results indicated that sexual dimorphism in body and brain weight is associated with cerebral lateralization in cats.