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CountAllVotes

(21,997 posts)
Sat Oct 11, 2025, 10:13 AM Saturday

California bans declawing cats under new state law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom

California has officially outlawed the practice of declawing cats after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 867 into law, a measure animal welfare advocates are calling a historic win for animal protection and compassionate treatment.

The bill, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee and signed Thursday, makes California the largest state to prohibit the procedure, which involves amputating the first bone in each of a cat’s toes or severing tendons to prevent claw extension. Declawing will now only be allowed when medically necessary to treat a health condition, according to the legislation.

In a press release, In Defense of Animals, one of several groups that helped lead the years-long campaign to end declawing, celebrated the governor’s decision. “Declawing isn’t a nail trim, it’s a painful amputation that has no place in a compassionate society,” said Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, the organization’s president. “Today’s victory proves California is leading the way in protecting cats and prioritizing their well-being over human convenience.”

Declawing, while once a common practice to prevent cats from scratching people or furniture, has become increasingly controversial among veterinarians and pet owners. The procedure has been linked to chronic pain, infections, arthritis, and behavioral problems such as litter box avoidance and increased biting. According to In Defense of Animals, declawing “often results in lifelong suffering,” and many cats who experience complications are later surrendered to shelters.

https://ktla.com/news/california/california-bans-declawing-cats-under-new-state-law-signed-by-gov-gavin-newsom/

Long overdue but thank you so much Governor Newsom!

Nothing sadder than a cat that has been declawed.



11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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California bans declawing cats under new state law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (Original Post) CountAllVotes Saturday OP
Finally! 2naSalit Saturday #1
Stupid idiot neighbors CountAllVotes Saturday #2
Finally! SheltieLover Saturday #3
Fantastic Beringia Saturday #4
If you don't want cat claws in your house don't get a cat. Phoenix61 Saturday #5
I was a vet assistant in the South in the early 90s. Silver Gaia Saturday #6
I don't blame you CountAllVotes Saturday #7
Yes, I did. I had wanted to help animals, not hurt them. Silver Gaia Saturday #9
my rant CountAllVotes Saturday #8
I have never had a cat declawed and never will. MIButterfly Yesterday #10
I knew people that had a declawed cat CountAllVotes Yesterday #11

CountAllVotes

(21,997 posts)
2. Stupid idiot neighbors
Sat Oct 11, 2025, 10:19 AM
Saturday

I had some next door to me awhile back.

They had two cats. One was older and the other a kitten.

They were both declawed and left outside in a very rural area.

The kitten got beat up while it had the bandages on its paws. They thought it was "funny". I didn't.

They moved away with the two cats not long afterwards.

They did this to save their filthy furniture. They lived like pigs.

It is unforgettable to me and since this occurred, I've never really gotten over it. I have avoided the vet that was doing this. Greedy fuckers.

So glad this is no longer allowed in California!!!!!



Phoenix61

(18,586 posts)
5. If you don't want cat claws in your house don't get a cat.
Sat Oct 11, 2025, 12:45 PM
Saturday

It’s really that simple. I’m waiting for them to say Gavin signed the bill to lock in the Crazy Cat Lady vote.😂😂😂

Silver Gaia

(5,159 posts)
6. I was a vet assistant in the South in the early 90s.
Sat Oct 11, 2025, 04:55 PM
Saturday

I had to quit because of this. The look on their poor, sweet faces when they woke up in unimaginable pain after declawing was more than I could take. That, as well as docking puppy tails and trimming puppy ears to meet breed standards put an end to that career for me. I could not be a part of any of that.

CountAllVotes

(21,997 posts)
7. I don't blame you
Sat Oct 11, 2025, 05:50 PM
Saturday

What a horrible job that must have been. I hope you found something a lot better to do!



Silver Gaia

(5,159 posts)
9. Yes, I did. I had wanted to help animals, not hurt them.
Sat Oct 11, 2025, 11:41 PM
Saturday

After that I worked with special ed preschool kids. Much better. Today I teach college students how to use critical thinking.

CountAllVotes

(21,997 posts)
8. my rant
Sat Oct 11, 2025, 06:35 PM
Saturday

I've had cats my entire life. You CAN train them not to claw! It takes TIME, ENERGY and PERSEVERANCE!

I recently adopted two rescue cats. One of them is quite feral and he went to claw the sofa.

I pushed his paw away and said NO.

He went away.

I put a cheap fleece throw, something a cat would not care to claw and it is still there. He has never tried to claw the sofa again.

I have two big sisal cat trees for them to use to sharpen their claws on.

If I see them clawing something that is not appropriate I say, "NO CLAWING" and push their paws away from whatever it is.

I do this every single time I see one of them clawing something they should not.

They know what NO CLAWING and NO BITING means.

I never hit nor do anything to harm a cat. I teach them what the rules are in this house and yes, they do learn quite quickly.

TIME ENERGY AND PERSEVERANCE!

People want to look at their phones all day and ignore what is going on around them, one of them may be the cat clawing something that is not appropriate.

END of my rant!



MIButterfly

(1,483 posts)
10. I have never had a cat declawed and never will.
Sun Oct 12, 2025, 12:15 PM
Yesterday

I read about the procedure online and was horrified. It is cruel. My cats have plenty to claw on and they do a good job of it. They rarely claw on something they shouldn't.

Good for Governor Newsom for signing that bill.

CountAllVotes

(21,997 posts)
11. I knew people that had a declawed cat
Sun Oct 12, 2025, 03:10 PM
Yesterday

The husband thought it was a fine idea.

Not sure the wife thought.

It is sad to see it.

I don't have a house filled with clawed up furniture either as I use cat trees and discourage inappropriate clawing behavior.

I am so glad that Gov. Newsom did this!

YES!!!!



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