Animals: cats; certain medical procedures for declawing a cat; prohibit. Creates new act.

HB 5208 prohibits the surgical removal of a cat's claws (declawing) unless it is medically necessary to treat an existing injury, illness, or health condition. It directly affects veterinarians, pet owners, shelters, and breeders who might otherwise perform the procedure for convenience or aesthetics. The bill defines "therapeutic purpose" narrowly to exclude cosmetic reasons, and violations carry civil fines of up to $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for repeat offenses. Enforcement would be handled by county prosecutors or the state attorney general.