The State of Declawing Today: Why This Practice Is Disappearing — And Why Florida Should Lead Next

Tim Weber
6 days ago
3 min read

Declawing used to be common in the United States, but the world has moved on. The science is clearer than ever: declawing is not a “nail trim.” It is the amputation of the last bone in each toe.

Every major veterinary, behavioral, and welfare authority outside the U.S. has condemned it as unnecessary, painful, and harmful long-term. As more states, cities, and countries ban the procedure, Florida has a rare chance to step into a modern, humane standard that protects pets and the people who care for them.

What Declawing Actually Is

Declawing removes the entire last phalanx (P3 bone) of each toe. Scientific reviews show cats often experience chronic pain, arthritis, litter box avoidance, increased biting, and long-term behavioral stress — not because the cat is “angry,” but because the surgery changes how they walk, jump, and balance. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) oppose declawing unless medically necessary, and international veterinary bodies have banned it outright.

Laser, scalpel, guillotine — the tool doesn’t matter. The outcome is the same: amputation.

Global Bans and International Consensus

More than 40 countries, including the UK, Australia, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and much of Scandinavia, have banned or strictly regulated declawing. The European Council’s Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals states clearly that surgical alteration for non-medical purposes is prohibited.

Long-term studies from the UK and Europe show no decline in pet retention when declawing is banned. In fact, cat welfare improves — fewer behavior issues, fewer surrenders, fewer post-surgical complications.

The United States Is Catching Up

The U.S. is slow, but the momentum is building.

California, New York, and Maryland have passed statewide bans on elective declawing. Cities like Denver, Austin, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and San Francisco have enacted local bans. Veterinary schools, including UC Davis and Colorado State, no longer teach declawing except for medical amputations.

Shelters across the country increasingly refuse to adopt out declawed cats because data shows they have higher rates of litterbox problems and behavioral stress. Many veterinarians now refuse to perform the surgery altogether.

Why Florida Should Be Next

Florida has already shown it can lead on animal protection. Governor Ron DeSantis has signed multiple animal welfare bills in recent years, including enhancements to cruelty laws and strengthened protections for dogs in extreme weather. The political appetite for humane standards is demonstrably here — across both parties.

Declawing bans align with:

• Public health goals

• Reduced shelter surrender rates

• Lower taxpayer burden

• Stronger tenant protections in rental housing

• Modern veterinary standards

Florida’s climate means cats spend more time active and weight-bearing than in colder climates. That increases the long-term physical impact of amputations. Banning declawing would prevent thousands of cats from experiencing lifelong pain, arthritis, and disability.

Tampa Bay and Pinellas County: The Local Impact

Here in the Greater Tampa Bay region, shelters and rescues already see the downstream effects of declawing:

• Increased surrenders due to biting

• Cats abandoned outdoors after post-surgical behavior changes

• Chronic pain diagnoses requiring medical management

• Higher stress levels in declawed cats entering shelters

With a strong rescue network, active community cat programs, and a growing animal-advocacy community, our region is well positioned to champion the end of declawing in Florida. Ending this practice would align perfectly with the humane priorities we already support — from TNVR to improved shelter live-release rates.

What Community Members Can Do

Ending declawing in Florida requires both public support and clear education. Whether you sign a petition, speak at a city meeting, share research online, or volunteer with advocacy groups, you help bring our state in line with global veterinary standards. Humane, science-based policy doesn’t just protect cats — it strengthens communities, reduces long-term cost burdens, and improves the human–animal bond.

If you want to help advocate for a statewide declawing ban, you can sign our petition, join our advocacy list, or contact us at info@catsofsafetyharbor.org to get involved today.

Sign the Petition