The bill amends the Public Health Code to introduce Section 18830, which prohibits licensed individuals from performing certain surgical procedures on domestic cats unless they are necessary for therapeutic purposes. Specifically, the bill bans onychectomy (declawing), partial or complete phalangectomy, tendonectomy, and any other surgical procedures that hinder the normal functioning of a cat's claws, toes, or paws. The legislation emphasizes that these procedures can only be performed to address specific medical conditions that compromise the cat's health, rather than for cosmetic or convenience reasons.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to its provisions. A "cat" is identified as a domestic cat of the species Felis catus or its hybrids, including various breeds such as savannah and Bengal cats. The term "therapeutic purpose" is clarified to encompass physical medical conditions affecting a cat, such as illnesses or injuries, while explicitly excluding cosmetic motivations. This legislative change aims to protect the welfare of cats by limiting unnecessary surgical interventions.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.1101, 333.25211