Rhode Island General Laws Title 4. Animals and Animal Husbandry § 4-1-44. Declawing cats prohibited

(1) “Declawing” means an onychectomy or any other surgical procedure to amputate or modify a portion of a cat's paw in order to remove the cat's claws.  “Declawing” does not include the trimming of nonviable claw husk or placing nonpermanent nail caps.

(2) “Tendonectomy” means a procedure in which the tendons to a cat's limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified in order that the normal functioning of the claws is impaired.

(3) “Therapeutic purpose” means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, that compromises the cat's health.  “Therapeutic purpose” shall not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat more convenient to keep or handle.