Cat Declawing Ban

California enacted a statewide standard that bans cat declawing except in cases where a veterinarian determines it is medically necessary.

This matters because declawing is not a “nail trim”it involves removing bone at the last joint of each toe. A medical-only exception keeps legitimate clinical care available while stopping convenience declawing.

For animal advocates, this is a clear example of policy catching up to veterinary ethics and public expectation.

What the Law Does

• Prohibits declawing unless medically necessary
• Creates a statewide baseline (not just city-by-city rules)
• Keeps legitimate veterinary care intact via a medical exception

Why This Matters

When a state draws a bright line, it changes norms. A clear ban reduces preventable suffering and helps shift “declawing” into the same category as other non-therapeutic, high-harm procedures.

Sources & Citations