California banned declawing of cats under the new state law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

California officially banned the declawing of cats, a big win for animal welfare advocates and merciful pet care. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 867 on Thursday, making California the largest state in the country to restrict the controversial process.

A historic win for animal welfare

One of the major organizations behind this law, In Defense of Animals, said this step in a statement was “a historic win for cats and a kind society.”

The organization’s President, Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, said, “Removing the claw is not a nail cut; it is a painful body dissection, which has no place in a kind world. California is leading in prioritizing the well-being of cats over human convenience.”

Claw removal involves cutting or severing the first bone of each leg, which allows the claws to spread—a process critics say causes lifelong pain, behavioral problems, and mobility issues. Studies have linked this surgery to chronic pain, arthritis, infection, and even increased aggression and litter box avoidance.

According to In Defense of Animals, removing the claws “often causes lifelong suffering,” and many cats who suffer complications after declawing eventually end up in shelters.

An old and inhuman practice

Assembly Member Lee appreciated this law, calling it an important step toward ending unnecessary surgical deformities.

Lee said in a statement, “Cutting claws of cats is an old, cruel, and unethical process that causes permanent deformity and pain.” He further said, “Many countries have already banned this inhuman practice. With AB 867, California shows the world that we do not support the arbitrary removal of healthy parts of cats for human convenience.”

With this new law, California, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have now jointly joined the U.S. states that have imposed a full statewide ban. Many California cities had already implemented local restrictions, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, Burbank, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood. West Hollywood was the first to implement a ban in 2003.

Veterinarians expressed concern

Despite massive public support, some veterinarians opposed this law, arguing that it could interfere with medical decision-making. The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) expressed concern that in some medical or safety-related cases, declawing might be necessary.

CVMA Director of Regulatory Affairs, Grant Miller, said during a legislative hearing, “When the vet removes the claws, it is usually for patients who are elderly, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking blood-thinning drugs. These are people who cannot afford to be scratched.”

Miller said surveys show that about 80% of veterinarians in California no longer perform declawing, indicating that the profession has already moved away from the practice. However, he warned that AB 867 could limit appropriate exceptions for safety or therapeutic needs.

Exception for medical reasons

Under the new law, declawing will only be permitted when a licensed veterinarian determines that the procedure is therapeutically necessary—such as for serious infections or conditions threatening the cat’s health. Any surgery performed for convenience or aesthetic reasons will now be strictly prohibited.

A change towards compassion

This law is seen as a broader cultural shift in society’s approach and behavior toward companion animals.

“California has long been a pioneer in animal conservation,” said In Defense of Animals in a statement. “AB 867 signifies the state’s commitment to compassion and moral behavior toward animals.”

With this law, California once again places itself at the forefront of humane reforms—sending a clear message that the well-being of animals should always come first.

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