BOSTON (WWLP) - On Thursday, Governor Maura Healey signed a law that bans cat declawing in Massachusetts. Thirty cats seek loving homes after being rescued from Massachusetts home The Animal Legal Defense Fund states that the governor signed An Act Prohibiting Inhumane Feline Declawing into law, which bans cats from being declawed, except in rare situations such as cancer in the nail bed or other conditions that jeopardize the cat’s health. The Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund released poll results last year in June, which revealed that 70 percent of veterinary professionals oppose cat declawing. What is declawing? Cat declawing is a surgical procedure that's similar to amputating the last knuckle of a human figure and can cause lifelong medical issues, such as permanent disability, nerve damage, chronic back pain, and lameness. This is a surgical procedure that removes the last bone in a cat's toes. Declawing can also cause behavioral effects in cats, as it removes their ability to use their claws to scratch, stretch, and mark territory. Some cats that have been declawed resort to biting, which can lead to infections in humans, to defend themselves since they can't with their claws. All of these issues can make it more likely for cars to be surrendered to shelters. Are there alternatives to declawing? The American Veterinary Medical Association lists the following alternatives to cat declawing: Providing appropriate scratching surfaces, such as dedicated posts and boards that are tall enough to encourage full stretching. Frequent nail trims - every 1 to 2 weeks Nail caps - replaced every 4 to 6 weeks Positive reinforcement training, beginning with kitten kindergarten if available Pheromone sprays and/or plug-ins Discourage use of inappropriate surfaces by attaching sticky tape or tinfoil Where else is it banned? Massachusetts isn't the only state that bans cat declawing. New York and Maryland have banned the procedure, as well as jurisdictions including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Madison, West Hollywood, Austin, Denver, Beverly Hills, Berkeley, and Washington, D.C. Virginia has also banned the procedure with limited exemptions.  “This law will protect countless cats in the Commonwealth from a painful and unnecessary surgical procedure that is typically performed for human convenience rather than the cat’s well-being,” said Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Legislative Affairs Manager Stephanie Harris. “Massachusetts joins other states that have effective declaw bans, alongside the many local laws that have been passed in cities of all sizes. We hope to build on this momentum in 2025 as we continue to advocate for cat declaw bills nationwide, including in neighboring Rhode Island.”   “As a leader in animal protection, Rhode Island should follow the precedent already set in our state and ban cruel and unnecessary cat declawing. Our humane state already prohibits landlords from requiring tenants’ cats to be declawed, and passing this bill is the next logical step,” said Rep. William O’Brien (D-Dist. 54). “It’s time for Rhode Island to join Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland in protecting cats from this unnecessary cruelty.”  “Declawing is an abhorrent practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane, but it is also a procedure that is widely misunderstood and requested by owners,” saidSen. Mark Montigny (D-Second Bristol and Plymouth). “By passing this law, veterinarians will no longer have to weigh the choice knowing that if they don’t provide the procedure an owner is likely to just look for someone who will. This is another step in my commitment to protect animals in the Commonwealth.”   “Cats’ claws are integral to their natural behaviors, including stretching and playing,” said Senate bill sponsor Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24). “Declawing is an amputation surgery with serious and often life-long consequences. Declawed cats often become fear biters and carpet wetters, putting them at greater risk for surrender or abandonment; many suffer from crippling arthritis in old age. Declawing has no place in our society. I appreciate my colleagues’ support for the Declaw Bill in 2025.”  Local News Headlines Amherst town manager hosts community discussion What this Massachusetts lottery winner plans to do with $1 million prize Chicopee police seek to identify man for alleged actions on PVTA bus Several Massachusetts school districts informed of PowerSchool data breach WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.