New York became the first state in the country to ban cat declawing on Monday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law after state legislators passed the ban last month.

The procedure is already banned throughout areas of Europe and Canada. It's also prohibited in a growing list of American cities too, including Los Angeles and Denver.

Animal advocates call it a cruel and unnecessary practice.

Veterinarians will still be able to perform the procedure for medical reasons, such as injury or infection.