Great news for feline enthusiasts residing in Housing Board (HDB) flats!
A new Cat Management Framework, set to take effect in September, will permit HDB residents to keep up to two cats in each flat. This framework, overseen by the National Parks Board’s Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), also allows up to three cats in each private residence.
To comply with the new regulations, cat owners must license and microchip all their pet cats. AVS has announced a two-year transition period, starting in September, during which cat owners can license their pets and ensure compliance with the new rules.
Online licensing will be available through AVS’ Pet Animal Licensing System portal from September 1st. Additionally, first-time applicants will need to complete a free online pet ownership course covering basic pet care skills and responsible ownership.
During the transition period, licensing will be free, but thereafter, it will cost $15 for a one-year license for a sterilized cat and $90 for an unsterilized cat, similar to the cost of licensing pet dogs. It is encouraged for cat owners to sterilize their pets to prevent unintended breeding. Licenses issued during the transition period will have lifetime validity for sterilized cats, while for unsterilized cats, these licenses will only be valid during the transition period.
In addition, the Pet Cat Sterilization Support Program, also launching on September 1st, will provide free sterilization and microchipping for pet cats in low-income households. From September 1st, 2026, it will be an offense to keep unlicensed pet cats, with fines of up to $5,000 for non-compliance. This regulation mirrors existing regulations for dog owners.
The new framework comes after a two-month public survey that found 65% of respondents were supportive of or neutral about allowing up to two cats per HDB household. Under the new regulations, cat owners must ensure their cats are kept in a safe environment and take measures to protect them from hazards, such as installing screens or other barriers to prevent them from roaming or falling from height.
During the transition period, AVS will review pet cat sterilization rates and assess the need for further measures, such as mandatory sterilization.
Cat fosterers can also apply to license their existing fostered cats through the Pet Animal Licensing System, ensuring the health and welfare of the cats are taken care of.
AVS will continue to work with HDB and animal welfare groups to develop guidelines for cat fosterers, allowing them to keep more cats if they meet these guidelines. Overall, these new regulations mark a significant step forward for cat lovers in HDB flats, providing a framework that ensures responsible ownership while allowing them to enjoy the companionship of their feline friends.
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