Introduction

Cat declawing, or onychectomy, is a controversial surgical procedure that involves amputating the last bone of a cat’s toes to remove their claws. While some pet owners consider it for furniture protection or behavioral reasons, many countries and U.S. states have banned or restricted the practice due to ethical and health concerns.

This article explores:
✔ Laws banning cat declawing worldwide
✔ U.S. states and cities with declawing bans
✔ Health risks and ethical concerns
✔ Alternatives to declawing

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Why Is Cat Declawing Controversial?

Declawing is not a simple nail trim—it’s a painful amputation that can lead to:

• Chronic pain and arthritis
• Behavioral issues (biting, litter box avoidance)
• Infection and nerve damage
• Long-term mobility problems

Veterinary associations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), discourage declawing unless medically necessary.

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Countries That Ban Cat Declawing

Several nations have outlawed declawing, recognizing it as animal cruelty:

1. United Kingdom – Banned under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
2. Australia – Illegal in most states.
3. New Zealand – Prohibited by the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
4. Brazil – Declared unethical by the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine.
5. Israel – First country to nationwide ban declawing (2011).
6. Germany – Illegal under the Animal Protection Law.
7. Switzerland – Forbidden unless for medical reasons.
8. Austria – Banned under the Federal Animal Protection Act.
9. Norway – Prohibited as unnecessary mutilation.
10. Sweden – Considered animal cruelty.

🔗 Source: Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)

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U.S. States and Cities That Ban Declawing

While the U.S. has no federal ban, several states and cities have passed laws against declawing:

States with Full Bans

1. New York – First state to ban declawing (2019).

• Exceptions: Medical necessity (e.g., tumors, infections).
• 🔗 NY State Senate Bill S5532

1. Maryland – Banned in 2022.

• 🔗 Maryland HB 22

1. California – Multiple cities ban declawing (Los Angeles, San Francisco, West Hollywood).

Cities with Local Bans

• Denver, CO – Banned since 2017.
• Austin, TX – Prohibited by city ordinance.
• Pittsburgh, PA – Banned in 2020.
• Madison, WI – Illegal since 2018.
• St. Louis, MO – Banned in 2019.

🔗 Source: The Paw Project (Nonprofit advocating against declawing)

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Health Risks of Declawing

Studies show declawed cats face:
✔ Higher risk of arthritis (Cornell University study).
✔ Increased aggression (due to loss of natural defense).
✔ Litter box avoidance (pain from scratching in litter).
✔ Long-term lameness (abnormal gait).

🔗 Source: Cornell Feline Health Center

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Ethical Alternatives to Declawing

Instead of declawing, consider:

1. Regular Nail Trimming

• Use cat-specific clippers to trim claws every 2-3 weeks.

2. Soft Nail Caps (Like Soft Paws)

• Vinyl caps glued to claws (last 4-6 weeks).

3. Scratching Posts & Pads

• Provide vertical and horizontal scratchers.
• Use catnip spray to attract cats.

4. Double-Sided Tape or Sticky Pads

• Deters scratching on furniture.

5. Positive Reinforcement Training

• Reward cats for using scratching posts.

🔗 Source: Humane Society of the United States

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How to Advocate Against Declawing

1. Support anti-declawing legislation (contact local lawmakers).
2. Educate pet owners on humane alternatives.
3. Choose vets who refuse declawing.
4. Share resources (Paw Project, Humane Society).

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Conclusion

Declawing is increasingly recognized as inhumane and unnecessary, with many countries and U.S. states banning the practice. Instead, positive training, scratching posts, and nail caps provide ethical solutions.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Declawing is banned in over 10 countries.
✅ New York, Maryland, and multiple U.S. cities prohibit it.
✅ Alternatives like nail caps and scratchers are safer.

By choosing humane options, we can protect cats from unnecessary suffering while keeping furniture safe.

📢 Share this post to spread awareness!

🔗 Additional Resources:

• The Paw Project
• AVMA Declawing Policy
• Humane Society Declawing Guide

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“Discover which countries and U.S. states ban cat declawing, the health risks, and ethical alternatives. Learn how to protect your feline friend from unnecessary surgery.”