CA Declawing Ban: A Paws-Down Victory for Felines

By: Samantha Morin, Laboratory Assistant
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Late last year, Assembly Bill 867 was signed into law, officially banning declawing surgery on cats for non-medical reasons. This places California alongside New York, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and many major US cities that have already adopted a ban.
 

Why is Declawing Discouraged by Veterinarians?
 

Much like the preventative dental care we discussed recently, feline wellness is about protecting a cat's natural anatomy. Many people think of the declaw procedure as an extreme nail trim, but it isn't that simple. A cat's nails grow directly out of the bone. To declaw a cat, the entire last joint of the toe must be amputated.
 

This is not only physically painful but can be psychologically damaging. Just as a hidden tooth infection can cause a cat to hide or stop eating, the damage to its feet from declawing can cause:
 

• Behavioral changes: Hiding, biting, or lapses in litter box use.
• Long-term medical issues: Early-onset arthritis and chronic nerve pain.

How to Save Your Furniture (Without Surgery)
 

Fortunately, there are a lot of alternatives to declawing that can help save your furniture!
 

• Texture Deterrents: Use double-sided tape or clear plastic sheeting on chairs; cats dislike the slick or sticky feel.
• Regular Maintenance: Nail trims and claw caps are great for households with young children or the immunocompromised.
• Natural Outlets: The best thing you can do for any kitty is... let them scratch!

Expert Tip: Not all scratching surfaces are equal. Provide both horizontal and vertical options (like cat trees and wall-mounted scratchers) to see what your cat prefers. Applying a feline attractant like catnip or Feliway spray can help "seal the deal."
 

DIY Cat Scratchers: A Crafty Alternative
 

If you're the crafty type, you can even make your own scratchers... from scratch (sorry, couldn't resist). Plans for DIY scratchers are easily found online, and most can be built with cheap materials like wood scraps, cardboard, and carpet samples.
 

Keep on being clawsome, California!