Stop the Irreversible and Painful Practice of Declawing
Ohio has the chance to join a growing movement to protect cats from one of the most painful and unnecessary surgeries still being performed: declawing. Senate Bill 252 (S.B. 252) would make it illegal to declaw cats in Ohio, except in rare cases where it is medically necessary for the animal’s health.
What Declawing Really Is
Declawing is not just a nail trim. It is a surgical amputation that removes the last bone of each toe—equivalent to cutting off a human finger at the last knuckle. This irreversible procedure often causes:
Chronic pain, arthritis, or nerve damage
Loss of natural behaviors like scratching and stretching
Increased biting or litterbox avoidance
Emotional stress and reduced quality of life
Cats depend on their claws for balance, communication, and defense. Removing them takes away a fundamental part of their health and well-being.
There Are Humane Alternatives
Many people turn to declawing because of concerns about furniture or scratching. But there are safe, humane solutions that protect both cats and couches:
Provide scratching posts and pads near furniture
Use nail caps or sticky deterrents
Keep nails trimmed regularly
Reinforce positive scratching behavior with catnip or play
These alternatives work without inflicting permanent harm.
Momentum Is Building
Declawing is already banned in 28 countries, including most of Europe, Australia, and Brazil. Here in the U.S., states like New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia have all passed bans.
In fact, just this summer, Rhode Island became the latest state to prohibit declawing. Read our blog about Rhode Island’s win here. Their progress shows that change is possible when advocates speak up—and Ohio can be next.
Take Action Today
We need your voice to help pass S.B. 252 in Ohio:
Contact your Ohio Senator and urge them to support the bill. Find your senator here.
Use our action alert to send a message: Stop the Irreversible and Painful Practice of Declawing.
Share this with friends, family, and coworkers to raise awareness.
By passing S.B. 252, Ohio can ensure that no cat is subjected to the needless pain of declawing. Together, we can protect our feline companions and make humane, commonsense legislation the law of the land.
Every call, every email, and every signature adds up. Together, we can strengthen protections for animals, prevent future suffering, and ensure no pet endures such horrific neglect again.
