Pet owners take note: California has banned declawing cats.

Following a 25-year debate over local laws, state bills and legal battles between the state’s leading veterinarian organization and animal welfare groups who say declawing is cruel, painful and unnecessary, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday that prohibits all veterinarians in California from removing the claws of cats unless it is medically necessary.

Scratching people or furniture doesn’t qualify.

“After years of pushing to make this a reality, I’m proud to see California create a more compassionate society for our feline friends by moving away from this inhumane practice,” said Assemblyman Alex Lee, D-Milpitas, the author of the bill, AB 867 , and the owner of two cats.

The law, which takes effect on Jan. 1, is expe

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