In Louisiana, we pride ourselves on treating animals with respect and compassion. But right now, cats across our state are suffering needlessly because elective declawing is still legal.

Declawing isn’t a nail trim—it’s an amputation. The procedure removes the last bone of each toe, equivalent to cutting off a person’s fingers at the last knuckle. And it’s usually done for convenience, not for any medical reason. Cats are declawed to stop them from scratching furniture, not to treat illness or injury.

But that convenience comes at a huge cost: lifelong pain, mobility issues, increased biting, litterbox problems, and a higher risk of being surrendered to shelters. That’s why major veterinary and public health organizations—including the CDC and the American Association of Feline Practitioners—oppose declawing for anything other than true medical necessity.

Louisiana has no law on the books protecting cats from this surgery. Meanwhile, states like New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts have already passed statewide bans. It’s time for Louisiana to join them.

We can’t let outdated practices override animal welfare. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats—used to stretch, relieve stress, and mark territory. Humane, effective alternatives like scratching posts, nail trimming, deterrent sprays, and soft nail caps already exist.

Declawing is not the answer. Protecting cats from needless pain is.

We, the undersigned, urge the Louisiana State Legislature to pass a statewide ban on elective cat declawing. This legislation should allow exceptions only when medically necessary as determined by a licensed veterinarian.

Let’s stand up for the animals who can’t speak for themselves. Louisiana can—and should—be a leader in compassionate, commonsense animal care.

Sign now to demand that lawmakers ban non-medical declawing in Louisiana.