Phone:
(206 ) 992-71256
Physical address:
Everett, Washington
Email address:
info@whiskerfoundation.org
If you’ve seen social media posts claiming “declawing is now illegal everywhere” or asking whether trimming cat nails is still allowed — you’re not alone. Confusion around changing declawing laws has sparked widespread debate online.
Let’s clear it up:
Normal nail trimming is legal, safe, and encouraged everywhere.
Declawing is a surgical amputation — and that is what laws are restricting or banning.
At Whisker Foundation, a cat rescue in Everett, Washington, we are firmly against declawing. It is inhumane, unnecessary, and causes lifelong physical and emotional harm to cats. Below, we explain exactly what the law says, what veterinary authorities confirm, and how to care for your cat’s claws humanely.
What Declawing Really Means
Many people don’t realize what declawing involves.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) — the leading professional body for cat veterinarians — defines declawing as amputation of the last bone of each toe (P3), not a simple nail removal.
Similarly, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that declawing is a surgical removal of the distal phalanx, and strongly recommends humane alternatives instead of elective declawing.
In contrast:
Claw trimming = clipping the sharp tip of the nail
Declawing = removing part of the toe bone
Only declawing surgery is being restricted by law — not nail trimming.
Why Declawing Laws Are Changing
Growing scientific and veterinary consensus recognizes declawing as harmful. As a result, several U.S. states and cities have passed laws restricting or banning the procedure except when medically necessary.
These laws are passed by state legislatures, governors, or city councils, and enforced through state veterinary licensing boards.
U.S. State Declawing Laws (Therapeutic Exception Only)
New York became the first U.S. state to ban elective declawing. The law allows declawing only when medically necessary.
Maryland prohibits declawing except for therapeutic veterinary purposes.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts law bans feline declawing unless medically necessary.
Virginia
Virginia passed a statewide ban on non-therapeutic declawing.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island prohibits declawing except for medical necessity.
California’s statewide law banning non-therapeutic declawing took effect January 1, 2026.
City-Level Declawing Bans
Some cities enacted bans before their states did.
Declawing is illegal except for veterinary medical necessity.
Los Angeles, California
LA city ordinance bans declawing except for therapeutic reasons.
Tacoma has a city-level ban on cat declawing.
Washington State: Current Status
As of now, Washington State does not yet have a statewide declaw ban, but legislation has been introduced.
Washington House Bill 1904 (2025–26 session) proposes a statewide prohibition of non-therapeutic declawing.
And again — this does NOT affect nail trimming.
National Animal Welfare Authorities Oppose Declawing
ALDF tracks U.S. declawing laws and advocates for nationwide bans.
How Declawing Affects Cats Physically
Declawing causes:
• Surgical amputation of bone
• Acute post-operative pain
• Risk of infection and tissue damage
• Possible nerve damage
• Long-term gait changes
• Increased arthritis risk
How Declawing Affects Cats Mentally and Behaviorally
Cats scratch to:
• Stretch muscles and tendons
• Mark territory
• Relieve stress
• Maintain claw health
• Feel secure in their environment
When deprived of this natural behavior, cats may develop:
• Increased biting
• Litter box avoidance
• Anxiety and fearfulness
• Loss of confidence
Whisker Foundation’s Position
Whisker Foundation is strongly against declawing.
Declawing is an unnecessary amputation that causes lifelong harm. No furniture or convenience issue justifies removing part of a cat’s toes. There are always humane alternatives.
We proudly adopt out cats only to homes that agree not to declaw.
Humane and Legal Claw Care Alternatives
Claw trimming
Safe, legal everywhere, and recommended every 2–4 weeks.
Scratching posts and pads
Provide tall vertical and flat horizontal options.
Behavior training
Reward correct scratching locations.
Nail caps
Soft caps protect furniture without surgery.
Address underlying stress
Scratching increases when cats are anxious or bored — enrichment helps.
The Bottom Line
✔ Nail trimming is legal everywhere
✔ Declawing is a surgical amputation
✔ U.S. laws increasingly ban non-medical declawing
✔ Veterinary authorities oppose elective declawing
✔ Humane alternatives work
✔ Whisker Foundation stands for compassionate, science-based cat care
If you’re preparing to adopt, Whisker Foundation in Everett, WA is here to support you before and after adoption.
🐾 Visit our Cat Care Education Library
🐾 Learn about kitten health, safety, and home care
🐾 Support local rescue efforts
👉Read more helpful articles
If you’re interested in adopting a kitten, visit our adoption page to view available cats and learn about our adoption process: Available Kittens