The Animal Legal Defense Fund is currently supporting legislation in Arizona that will ban cat declawing with exceptions for the cat’s health such as cancer of the nail bed.

Declawing (onychectomy) actually involves removing the last bones of the cat’s toes, not just the claws. Without these bones, changes in the cat’s balance and posture occur. These changes can lead to chronic pain and behavioral issues such as biting. The cat feels vulnerable – they can no longer defend themselves with claws.

Many cat owners use declawing as a method to stop the natural inclination of scratching. Is amputating the end bones of the toes the only way to change this natural behavior?

For more information see aldf.org/protectpaws