Resolution Declares Cat Declawing Inhumane, Urges States to Ban Elective Surgery

This resolution takes a firm stand against elective cat declawing, defining the procedure—known scientifically as onychectomy—as inhumane and urging state legislatures to ban it. The core of this resolution is the finding that declawing, which involves surgically removing a cat’s claws and part of the toe bone, is a painful procedure linked to lifelong physical and behavioral problems. Essentially, this is a policy document that says declawing for convenience or property protection needs to stop.

Why Your Cat Might Start Biting

The resolution’s findings hit hard on the real-world consequences of declawing. It explicitly states that the procedure is linked to lifelong pain, lameness, and chronic issues like litter box aversion—a common reason cats are surrendered to shelters. Perhaps the most surprising finding is the public health risk angle: the resolution argues that declawed cats are more likely to resort to biting as a defense mechanism, which increases the risk of human infection. Think about it: if a cat can’t scratch to defend itself, its only remaining weapon is its teeth. This shifts the risk from scratched furniture to potential emergency room visits.

Defining the Ban: Beyond the Claw

One critical detail for current and future cat owners is how broadly this resolution defines “declawing.” It’s not just about the standard onychectomy (removing the toe bone). The definition also includes tendonectomy (cutting tendons to disable the claw) and any other procedure—surgical, chemical, or mechanical—that alters the claw’s normal function. This means the resolution aims to close loopholes that might allow vets to perform less obvious but equally disabling procedures. The only recognized exception is when the procedure is medically necessary to treat an existing injury, disease, or infection that threatens the cat’s health, affirming that it should never be performed for cosmetic reasons or to protect your new couch.

The Push for State-Level Action

Since this is a resolution, it doesn’t create a federal ban but instead serves as a powerful policy statement urging state legislatures to act. It highlights that many countries and several U.S. cities and states have already outlawed the practice. For veterinarians and cat owners, this means that while the practice isn't banned nationwide today, the pressure is mounting significantly. The resolution emphasizes that humane alternatives exist, such as regular claw trimming and using scratching posts, which allow cats to express their natural behavior without causing harm. If your state hasn't banned elective declawing yet, this resolution is a clear signal that change is likely coming soon based on animal welfare and public health concerns.