Me-wow! New Claw Law Makes California a Better Place for Cats

Me-wow! A new claw law is coming to California that puts cats’ health and happiness first. Find out all the details about this exciting win for cats.

Why the Declawing Ban in California Is a Huge Win for Cats

The new law, signed into effect by Governor Gavin Newsom, prohibits declawing “for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose,” only allowing claws to be removed by a veterinarian if it is medically necessary for a cat’s health.

A cat’s claws are integrated into their toes, so “declawing” means amputating each toe’s last joint—the equivalent of cutting off a human’s fingers at the top knuckle. This crippling operation forces cats to relearn how to walk, permanently alters their balance, and causes chronic pain. Many declawed cats live with lifelong physical disabilities, which also lead to psychological stress, fear, and aggression.

Clawing is a natural, healthy, and necessary behavior for cats. They claw to exercise and enjoy themselves, maintain the condition of their nails, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory—visually and with scent.

Instead of amputating part of a cat’s paw to limit clawing, try some kind solutions like those found in the book 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know. To start, provide your cat with scratching posts, plenty of toys, and frequent nail trims.

Is Declawing Legal Where You Live?

California joins several U.S. cities, states, and nearly two dozen countries—including England, Australia, and Japan—that have prohibited or severely restricted veterinarians from performing the painful, permanently crippling, and mutilating procedure.

Cats need vocal advocates in places where declawing is legal. If you can intervene in someone’s decision to put their feline companion through this hell, start a conversation and explain why cats need their claws.

Learn How to Be a Better Cat Guardian

When it comes to understanding cats, we humans miss many feline cues. PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk’s book 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know: The Cat Guardian’s Bible has plenty of valuable advice to help you better understand the felines in your life.