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Can You Declaw a Cat in Denver? (2025 Legal Update & Safe Alternatives)
- Christina Frapasella
- Oct 15
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 21
Can You Declaw a Cat in Denver?
Declawing cats is banned in Denver, except for verified medical reasons. Since 2017, Denver law prohibits elective or cosmetic declawing to protect cat welfare and align with modern veterinary ethics. Only licensed vets may perform it when medically necessary.
What Does Denver’s Declawing Law Say?
Denver bans elective cat declawing since 2017.
The Denver City Council approved the ordinance on November 13, 2017, making it illegal to remove a cat’s claws unless medically required. The measure aimed to prevent unnecessary pain and long-term harm.
This law was the first of its kind in Colorado and mirrors bans in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York State. Denver veterinarians may still operate on cats only if a licensed professional determines medical need, such as severe infection or injury.
Is It Illegal to Declaw Cats in Colorado?
Declawing is illegal in Denver but not statewide.
While Colorado state law has no statewide ban, Denver’s local ordinance makes declawing illegal within city limits. Other Colorado cities may follow similar legislation.
The Colorado Veterinary Medical Board discourages elective declawing, aligning with American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) ethics, which deem it inhumane unless medically necessary.
Penalties for violations may include fines up to $999 and license review for veterinary misconduct.
Why Was Cat Declawing Banned in Denver?
Denver banned declawing to protect cat welfare.
Studies show declawed cats may suffer chronic pain, infection, or behavioral changes. The AVMA and Humane Society report increased biting and litter box avoidance after surgery.
Denver’s City Council, urged by animal rights groups like the PETA Foundation and Denver Animal Shelter, passed the ban to promote ethical veterinary practices. The decision reflects a national trend toward humane treatment.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Ban?
Declawing is allowed only for medical necessity.
A veterinarian may perform the procedure if claws cause severe health issues. Examples include tumors, irreparable nail trauma, or chronic infection.
To comply, the vet must:
Provide written documentation stating the medical reason.
Keep detailed surgical records for inspection.
Avoid elective or convenience-based surgeries.
These safeguards ensure ethical care aligned with Denver Animal Protection guidelines.
Humane Alternatives to Declawing
Alternatives help protect cats without surgery.
We can maintain safety and comfort using simple methods:
Nail trimming: Regular clipping prevents damage.
Nail caps: Soft vinyl covers protect furniture.
Scratching posts: Direct natural scratching behavior.
Behavior training: Positive reinforcement reduces unwanted scratching.
Environmental enrichment: Toys and trees reduce stress.
These methods cost less, cause no pain, and preserve cat health.
How Much Does Declawing Cost in Colorado?
Declawing costs $400–$1,000 but is banned in Denver.
In Colorado areas without bans, costs vary by clinic and method. Laser declawing costs around $900, while scalpel procedures range from $400–$600.
Humane alternatives cost far less:
Nail trimming: $10–$30 per session.
Nail caps: $15–$25 per set.
Scratching post: $40–$80 one-time.
Procedure | Legal in Denver | Cost Range | Pain Level | Ethical Rating |
Declaw surgery | ❌ No | $400–$1,000 | High | Low |
Laser declaw | ❌ No | $800–$1,200 | High | Low |
Nail trimming | ✅ Yes | $10–$30 | Low | High |
Nail caps | ✅ Yes | $15–$25 | None | High |
Scratching post | ✅ Yes | $40–$80 | None | High |
What States Still Allow Cat Declawing?
Most U.S. states still permit declawing, but trends are changing.
Only New York, Maryland, and Colorado cities like Denver ban it. Other states have pending legislation.
State | Legal Status | Year Updated |
New York | Statewide Ban | 2019 |
Maryland | Statewide Ban | 2022 |
Colorado (Denver) | City Ban | 2017 |
California (Several Cities) | Local Bans | 2010–2020 |
Rest of U.S. | Legal (Varies by city) | N/A |
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) continues urging bans nationwide.
FAQs About Cat Declawing in Denver
Is it illegal to declaw cats in Colorado?
In Denver, Colorado, it is illegal to declaw a cat. Denver became one of the first U.S. cities to ban the practice in 2017 under a city ordinance aimed at protecting animal welfare. The law prohibits declawing for cosmetic or behavioral reasons but allows it for verified medical necessity, such as injury or infection. In other parts of Colorado, the legality varies by local ordinance. While declawing is not banned statewide, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) discourages the procedure unless medically justified and only after all humane alternatives are considered. Veterinarians must ensure appropriate pain management and provide documented medical reasoning when performing such procedures.
How much is it to declaw a cat in Colorado?
The cost to declaw a cat in regions of Colorado where it remains legal typically ranges from $400 to over $1,000, depending on the technique and clinic. However, this cost is irrelevant in Denver, where the practice has been banned since 2017. Pricing factors include the type of surgery (traditional scalpel or laser), the cat’s age and health, anesthesia use, and post-surgery care. Laser procedures can exceed $900, while older cats or complex cases may cost more. Additional fees often include pain medication, bloodwork, and hospitalization, making declawing both costly and controversial compared to humane alternatives like nail trimming or caps.
Can a vet refuse to declaw a cat?
Yes, a veterinarian can and often will refuse to declaw a cat. Ethical guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) state that declawing should not be performed for convenience or to prevent property damage. Vets have an ethical obligation to act in the animal’s best interest. If a client requests an elective declawing, many vets refuse on moral and welfare grounds, explaining that it causes unnecessary pain, behavioral changes, and long-term physical harm. Compassionate veterinarians instead educate owners on behavioral training, nail trimming, and scratching solutions as humane alternatives.
Is it cruel to declaw an indoor cat?
Yes, most animal welfare experts and veterinary organizations consider declawing cruel, regardless of whether the cat lives indoors or outdoors. The surgery, called onychectomy, amputates the last bone of each toe, comparable to removing a person’s fingertips at the last joint. This invasive procedure can result in chronic pain, infection, nerve damage, and mobility problems. Many declawed cats develop behavioral issues such as biting (because they lose their main defense) and avoiding litter boxes due to paw discomfort. The Humane Society of the United States and ASPCA both classify the surgery as inhumane when performed for non-medical reasons.
Is there a humane way to declaw cats?
No, there is no truly humane way to declaw a cat. All declawing methods, whether by scalpel, guillotine, or laser, involve amputation of bone and tissue. While laser surgery may reduce immediate bleeding, studies show that long-term pain, joint stiffness, and behavioral problems remain the same. The only justified reason for declawing is a medical emergency, such as removing cancerous tissue or severe trauma. For behavior-related issues, humane alternatives include nail caps, scratching posts, regular trims, and training techniques that allow cats to express their natural behaviors safely.
Do Americans still declaw cats?
Yes, some Americans still declaw cats, but the practice is rapidly declining. Nationwide awareness about its cruelty has led to fewer procedures and more legal restrictions. Organizations like the Humane Society, ASPCA, and PETA continue to campaign for nationwide bans. A 2011 AVMA study found that fewer veterinarians offer declawing, and public opinion has shifted toward ethical pet ownership. Today, many clinics refuse to perform it altogether, while others restrict it strictly to medical cases.
What states don’t allow declawing?
As of October 2025, several U.S. states and major cities have banned elective declawing:
New York (2019)
Maryland (2022)
Virginia (2023)
Massachusetts (2023)
Rhode Island (2025)
California (2025 statewide)
District of Columbia (2024)
Additionally, numerous cities, including Denver (CO), Pittsburgh (PA), Los Angeles (CA), and Austin (TX), have passed local ordinances prohibiting declawing. The national trend shows growing recognition that the surgery causes unnecessary suffering and violates animal welfare ethics.
Final Thoughts: Responsible Pet Ownership in Denver
We must protect cats through humane care. Denver’s ban shows leadership in ethical animal welfare. Declawing harms more than it helps, and alternatives work safely.
Before considering surgery, consult a licensed vet about medical necessity and safe care methods. Together, we can ensure every cat in Denver lives pain-free.
Key Takeaways
Declawing cats is illegal in Denver since 2017.
Allowed only for medical necessity.
Alternatives: trimming, caps, scratching posts.
Supported by AVMA and Humane Society ethics.
Reflects growing U.S. trend toward humane laws.
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