Issued by the Board of Directors, October 31, 2026
The Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations (FAAWO) strongly opposes the elective declawing of domestic cats for non-medically necessary purposes.
As an organization representing animal shelters, rescues, and animal welfare professionals throughout Florida, FAAWO believes protecting animals’ physical and behavioral well-being is a fundamental responsibility.
Declawing is not a simple nail removal procedure. It is a surgical amputation of the last bone of each affected toe, which can result in significant pain, lasting physical complications, and behavioral challenges. An alternative procedure, deep digital flexor tendonectomy, leaves the claws intact but unable to extend. Long-term painful foot stiffness and nails overgrowing into the pads are common outcomes.
It has been postulated that some owners may relinquish their cats to shelters if they cannot be declawed to stop destructive behavior. There are now multiple studies showing no increase in cat relinquishments in the years following the institution of declaw bans.
Claw injuries in people with fragile skin or immunocompromised conditions has been mentioned as a reason to declaw cats to avoid relinquishment, but declawing is not recommended by CDC to prevent scratches and injuries, and this is not reported as a significant source of shelter cat intake.
FAAWO believes that no cat should be subjected to an unnecessary surgical amputation simply for human convenience or to prevent normal feline behavior.
Understanding the Impact of Declawing
Scratching is a natural and essential behavior for cats. It allows them to stretch, maintain healthy claws, mark their territory, and express normal instincts.
Elective declawing removes an important part of a cat’s anatomy and can interfere with its ability to engage comfortably in these behaviors.
The potential consequences include:
- Acute and chronic pain, infection, and surgical complications.
- Changes in gait, mobility, and long-term joint health.
- Increased biting or defensive behavior in some cats.
- Litter box avoidance and other behavioral concerns.
- Physical discomfort that may affect a cat’s overall quality of life.
Research and veterinary consensus indicate that declawing does not reliably prevent unwanted behaviors or reduce relinquishment risk (AAHA; ASPCA; ISFM). Instead, declawed cats may develop aggression, biting, or litter box avoidance. Problems that can increase the likelihood of surrender (PPG; CVMA).
Humane Alternatives and Responsible Pet Ownership
FAAWO recognizes that scratching behavior can be frustrating for cat owners. However, there are effective, humane ways to manage this behavior without compromising an animal’s welfare.
Providing appropriate scratching posts and surfaces, regular nail trimming, positive reinforcement training, environmental enrichment, and soft nail caps can help protect household furnishings while respecting a cat’s natural needs.
Education and access to practical resources are essential to helping families successfully care for their pets and preventing unnecessary relinquishment to shelters.
Medical Exceptions
FAAWO recognizes that surgical removal of an affected digit may be medically necessary in limited circumstances, including severe trauma, malignant tumors, chronic infection, or other diagnosed medical conditions.
These medically necessary procedures must be clearly distinguished from elective declawing performed for non-medical convenience or behavioral management.
FAAWO’s Commitment to Animal Welfare
FAAWO encourages animal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinary professionals, and pet owners throughout Florida to adopt practices that protect cats from unnecessary surgical procedures.
We support:
- Organizational policies prohibiting non-therapeutic declawing.
- Public education regarding normal feline behavior and humane alternatives.
- Veterinary guidance and responsible pet ownership practices that prioritize animal well-being.
- Appropriate care and accommodations for cats that have already been declawed.
- Legislative and regulatory measures prohibiting elective declawing and tendonectomy while preserving veterinary discretion for medically necessary procedures.
Conclusion
Our responsibility as animal welfare advocates extends beyond providing shelter and medical care. It includes speaking on behalf of animals when their health and well-being are at risk.
Cats should not have to endure a painful and potentially life-altering procedure simply to accommodate human preferences. Through education, compassion, and responsible care, we can protect both the welfare of cats and the relationships they share with the people who love them.
The FAAWO Board of Directors stands firmly against elective, non-therapeutic declawing of domestic cats and supports humane, evidence-based practices that put the welfare of animals first.
References
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Declawing: Position Statement. Revised 2021.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Declawing of Domestic Cats: Backgrounder. July 23, 2019.
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Position Statement on Declawing Cats.
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Partial Digital Amputation (Onychectomy or Declawing) in Domestic Felids. 2022.
- International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) & International Cat Care. Position Statement on the Declawing of Cats.
- Pet Professional Guild (PPG). Position Statement on Cat Declawing. October 21, 2019.