California is set to join a growing list of states banning the practice of cat declawing, under a new law taking effect in January.

Assembly Bill 867 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Fremont) was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this year. The bill passed both houses of the legislature without any opposing votes.

"This important legislation shows our commitment to protecting our cat companions," Lee said in a statement Wednesday . "After years of pushing to make this a reality, I'm proud to see California create a more compassionate society for our feline friends."

Under AB867, cat declawing is only allowed for a medically necessary purpose that benefits the cat's health.

According to the San Francisco SPCA , declawing is the cutting and amputating of the first joint of a

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