Resolution Opposing Elective Cat Declaw Surgeries Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives

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WASHINGTON- Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY-12), with the support of 17 members of Congress, introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives expressing opposition to the use of onychectomy, also known as declawing, for elective surgery in cats. Cat declawing is an invasive surgical operation that is akin to cutting off the last knuckle of a human finger. Declawing can cause lifelong medical issues for cats, including permanent disability, nerve damage, chronic back pain, and lameness.

Endorsed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), the resolution " recognizes that [declawing] should only be performed when medically necessary for a therapeutic purpose for the physical health of the cat, meaning a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring anatomical pathology issue such as infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone that jeopardizes the cat's health, and not for the purpose of convenience, property protection, or behavioral modification."

"Elective declawing is a cruel and outdated practice that offers no medical benefit to cats and instead causes lasting harm," said Congressman Nadler. "Congress has both the opportunity and the responsibility to voice its opposition to this unnecessary procedure and to support humane, evidence-based alternatives. As the first state to ban elective declawing, New York led the way, and this resolution urges the rest of the country to follow suit."

"Cat declawing is a serious surgical procedure that comes with risks to the animal's wellbeing and should never be performed for the sake of convenience as a way to prevent cats from expressing their natural behaviors" said Allison Ludtke, Legislative Affairs Manager at ALDF. "This resolution builds on the momentum of states and municipalities across the country that have already banned the procedure. ALDF will continue to advocate for similar laws to protect cats from unnecessary harm, and thanks Congressman Nadler for his commitment to animal welfare and the protection of pets nationwide."

Declawing can cause lifelong adverse behavioral effects in cats because it removes their ability to use their claws to scratch, stretch, and mark territory. Issues with litterbox use and inappropriate marking are common in declawed cats, and some declawed cats resort to biting - which can lead to infection in humans - to defend themselves because they no longer can with their claws. All of these behavioral issues can make it more likely that cats are surrendered to shelters. There are many humane alternatives to control scratching behavior, including regular nail trims, scratching posts, and behavioral training.

The resolution urges "State legislatures who have not yet banned onychectomy (declawing) and tendonectomy for elective reasons to consider this on the grounds of animal welfare and public health; and affirms the commitment of the United States to advancing the cause of animal protection and animal welfare."

In June 2024, ALDF released poll resultsrevealing 70 percent of veterinary professionals oppose cat declawing. The poll also found that half of the veterinarians interviewed report that their practice does not perform any declawing procedures due to policy or no veterinarians willing to perform the procedure.

Currently New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California and Washington, D.C., in addition to several other municipalities nationwide have already banned declawing cats with narrow exceptions for a cat's health, and Virginia has banned the procedure with limited exemptions.

Additional organizations endorsing the resolution include the Animal Protection League of New Jersey, Animal Welfare Institute, Animal Rescue League of Boston, Associated Humane Societies, Best Friends Animal Society, DC Voters for Animals, Humane World for Animals, Humane World Action Fund, Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, MSPCA-Angell, North Shore Animal League America, The Paw Project, PETA, Social Compassion in Legislation, and Voters for Animal Rights.