Rep. Barbara Hernandez Introduces Measure to Limit Cat Declawing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bill focused on humane treatment for cats by limiting declawing is progressioning through the House of Representatives thanks to state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora.

“As a cat owner, I know scratches can sting, and declawing used to be a common remedy; but as we’ve learned more we see that taking a cat’s claws causes them serious, lifelong discomfort and doing it without a clear medical need is not in their overall wellbeing,” Hernandez said. “Cats use their claws for stability and balance, and vets now know the significant negative impact suddenly losing claws can have on a cat.”

Hernandez filed House Bill 1533 to prohibit surgical claw removal, declawing, tendonectomies or other alterations of cats’ toes that would impair normal function, except for a clear medically necessary purpose. Cat owners could continue to have cats’ nailed trimmed or capped.  

This is an initiative of the Illinois Humane Society.

“Cat declawing is not purely cosmetic, science made that clear years ago,” Hernandez said. “I hope this legislation spells the end to non-therapuetic cat declawing in Illinois for good.”