The procedure is a controversial one in the veterinary community. Studies have linked the surgery to complications such as infection, pain, hemorrhage, and anesthetic complications.3 Onychectomy is also associated with an increased likelihood of behavioral changes such as biting, aggression, and litterbox avoidance.3,4 Research has also found that declawed cats are more prone to developing back pain and having residual bone fragments.4
According to the AVMA, the CVMA opposed AB 867 throughout the legislative session, arguing that the surgical procedure should remain within veterinarian’s discretion rather than be legislated.1 The AVMA echoed the importance of professional discretion, writing, “The AVMA also emphasizes the importance of respecting a veterinarian’s professional judgment when it comes to performing surgical procedures on individual patients.”1
The American Animal Hospital Association and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, formerly the American Association of Feline Practitioners, both oppose elective declawing and advocate for non-surgical alternatives.
Illinois, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have also banned feline declawing. Washington DC; Austin, Texas; Denver; Madison, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh and Allentown, Pennsylvania; and St. Louis, have also banned the procedure.
“AB 867 marks a historic milestone for animal welfare by banning cat declawing,” California Assemblymember Alex Lee said in a state press release.1 “This important legislation shows our commitment to protecting our cat companions. After years of pushing to make this a reality, I’m proud to see California create a more compassionate society for our feline friends by moving away from this inhumane practice.”
References
Nolen RS. California latest state to ban cat declawing for nonmedical reasons. America Veterinary Medical Association. October 30, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/california-latest-state-ban-cat-declawing-nonmedical-reasons?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-newsAssembly Bill 867 (Lee). Veterinary medicine: cat declawing. California Legislature; 2025–2026. Chapter 479. Approved October 9, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB867.California bans cat declawing. News release. Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee. October 10, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://a24.asmdc.org/press-releases/20251010-california-bans-cat-declawingMartell-Moran NK, Solano M, Townsend HG. Pain and adverse behavior in declawed cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2018;20(4):280-288. doi:10.1177/1098612X17705044.