California has taken a major step forward in animal welfare with the passage of Assembly Bill 867 (AB 867), a law that bans the declawing of cats unless it’s medically necessary. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 9, 2025, this legislation marks a significant shift in how the state views the health and well‑being of feline companions. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what AB 867 means for cats, cat owners, and veterinarians; why the law was passed; the potential consequences for non‑compliance; and safe, humane alternatives to declawing.
🐾 What Is AB 867 and Why It Matters
California’s Assembly Bill 867 prohibits veterinarians from declawing cats for convenience or cosmetic reasons. This change reflects a growing recognition among veterinarians, lawmakers, and animal welfare organizations that declawing is not a harmless grooming procedure — it is a surgical amputation of the end bones of a cat’s toes. These bones are equivalent to the last joint of a human finger. The surgery can cause long‑term pain, behavioral issues, and physical complications.
Previously, declawing was legal throughout the state, and many cat owners opted for the procedure to protect furniture or reduce scratching. However, mounting scientific evidence and advocacy work have made it clear that declawing can cause more harm than benefit when done for non‑medical reasons. With California joining other progressive states in restricting the practice, the welfare of cats is better protected than ever.
📅 How and When AB 867 Was Passed
Assembly Bill 867 was introduced by California Assemblymember Alex Lee, who advocated for the humane treatment of cats and greater oversight of veterinary procedures that can adversely affect animal health. The bill received support from lawmakers across party lines and was backed by numerous animal welfare organizations.
On October 9, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 867 into law. The law took effect immediately, meaning veterinarians are now legally bound to follow its requirements. The passage of the bill reflects a broader trend in the U.S. toward recognizing animal pain, behavior, and welfare as key factors in legislation affecting pets.
⚖️ What Veterinarians and Cat Owners Should Know
Under AB 867, veterinarians in California cannot perform declawing on cats unless there is a documented medical necessity. Medical necessity could include cases where the cat faces injury or disease that justifies removal of the claw tissue to preserve overall health. Non‑medical requests — such as preventing furniture scratching — are no longer valid reasons.
Violating the law can carry serious consequences:
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The Veterinary Medical Board may deny, suspend, or revoke a veterinarian’s license for non‑compliance.
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Fines or disciplinary action may be imposed on practitioners who continue to perform declawing without medical justification.
For cat owners, this means that conversations about declawing with your veterinarian will focus intensely on the cat’s health and welfare rather than convenience. If you’re considering declawing for non‑medical reasons, you’ll be guided toward alternative approaches that are safer and more humane.
📈 Why Declawing Is More Than Just Nail Removal
One of the biggest misconceptions among pet owners has always been that declawing is simply like trimming nails. In reality, declawing — medically known as onychectomy — involves removal of the last bone on each toe. This is equivalent to amputating a human fingertip at the last joint.
Scientific studies have shown that cats who undergo declawing can suffer from:
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Chronic pain
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Residual bone fragments
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Overgrooming and self‑injury
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Back and joint problems
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Behavioral issues such as biting and litter box avoidance
Because scratching is a natural cat behavior essential for stretching, marking territory, and nail health, removing a cat’s claws disrupts a key aspect of their physical and emotional well‑being. This understanding played a major role in the push for AB 867.
🐱 Who Supports the Declawing Ban
The ban on non‑medical declawing in California is supported by key animal welfare organizations, including:
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The Paw Project
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Animal Legal Defense Fund
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Humane World for Animals
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Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance
These groups have long advocated for legislative change based on scientific evidence and years of educational outreach. Their collaboration helped California become one of the leading states in prioritizing feline welfare.
The movement reflects a growing national trend. States such as New York, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts have implemented similar restrictions, creating a network of jurisdictions prioritizing humane treatment of pets.
🐾 Safe, Humane Alternatives to Declawing
If you’re a cat owner concerned about scratching but unsure of humane alternatives, there are several effective options:
1. Regular Nail Trimming
Trimming your cat’s nails every few weeks can significantly reduce the damage caused by scratching.
2. Soft Claw Caps
These are gentle, colorful caps that fit over a cat’s nails to prevent damage without interfering with natural behavior.
3. Scratching Posts and Pads
Providing multiple scratching surfaces around your home satisfies your cat’s instinctual needs.
4. Behavioral Training
Reward‑based training can redirect scratching to appropriate items.
These alternatives align with AB 867’s intent and support your cat’s quality of life without unnecessary surgical intervention.
🏁 A Better Future for Cats in California
California’s AB 867 represents a major step forward in animal welfare law. By banning non‑medical declawing, the state is protecting cats from unnecessary pain and prioritizing humane, science‑based practices. Whether you’re a long‑time cat owner or considering adopting a feline friend, understanding this law and its implications ensures you can make informed, compassionate choices for your pets.