In a significant development for feline enthusiasts residing in Housing Board (HDB) flats in Singapore, a new Cat Management Framework, overseen by the National Parks Board’s Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), is set to come into effect in September. This framework aims to facilitate responsible cat ownership while addressing public concerns and ensuring the welfare of both cats and the community.
Key provisions of the framework include permitting HDB residents to keep up to two cats per flat, with a transition period of two years for cat owners to comply with licensing and microchipping requirements. Additionally, private residences will be allowed to accommodate up to three cats per household.
To ensure compliance, owners are required to license and microchip all their pet cats through the AVS’ Pet Animal Licensing System portal, with licensing becoming mandatory from September 1, 2026. During the transition period, licensing will be free, after which an annual fee of $15 for sterilised cats and $90 for unsterilised cats will be imposed.
As part of efforts to promote responsible ownership, first-time applicants must complete a free online pet ownership course covering essential pet care skills. Sterilisation of pet cats is encouraged to prevent unintended breeding, with a Pet Cat Sterilisation Support Programme offering free sterilisation and microchipping for low-income households.
To safeguard public health and safety, owners must ensure their cats are kept in a secure environment, take measures to prevent roaming, and restrain them in public areas using harnesses or carriers. Additionally, AVS will review sterilisation rates during the transition period to assess the need for further measures, including mandatory sterilisation.
The framework follows a comprehensive public survey conducted between December 2023 and February 2024, indicating significant support for allowing cats in HDB flats. AVS will also extend the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage programme to community cats, underscoring its commitment to humane and effective stray animal management.
With the implementation of the Cat Management Framework, Singapore seeks to strike a balance between promoting responsible pet ownership and addressing community concerns, fostering harmonious coexistence between cats and residents in HDB estates.
