Expressing opposition to the use of onychectomy, also known as declawing, for elective surgery in cats.

opposes declawing, as defined in this resolution, when performed for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, or for reasons of convenience in keeping or handling a cat, and encourages veterinary professionals to discourage the practice with vigor;

recognizes that these practices should only be performed when medically necessary for a therapeutic purpose for the physical health of the cat, meaning a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring anatomical pathology issue such as infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone that jeopardizes the cat’s health, and not for the purpose of convenience, property protection, or behavioral modification;

urges State legislatures that have not yet banned onychectomy (declawing) and tendonectomy for elective reasons to consider this on the grounds of animal welfare and public health; and

affirms the commitment of the United States to advancing the cause of animal protection and animal welfare.