People living in Housing Board flats will soon be allowed to keep cats, with a proposal by the Government to lift a ban of more than 30 years on cat ownership in public flats in the works.
Two cats will be allowed for each HDB flat, and three cats for each private residence, under a proposed framework on cat management announced by Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How on Dec 2.
Pet cats will also need to be microchipped and licensed, among a slew of measures proposed to improve the management and welfare of pet and community cats.
The proposed changes will be available for further input for two months before they are implemented in the later part of 2024, he said at the Pets' Day Out event held at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
A transition period of two years will be given to allow cat owners time to meet licensing conditions.
During this period, cat owners can get their licences for free.
When the changes take effect, it will be illegal not to license pet cats, and owners will be subject to penalties similar to those under regulations for dog owners.
Dog owners can be fined up to $5,000 for not complying with licensing conditions.
The limit of two cats per house-hold takes into consideration views of cat owners and non-cat owners, and aims to maintain a harmonious living environment for all, said Mr Tan.
HDB residents have not been permitted to own pet cats since 1989, and offenders may be fined up to $4,000 if found to have a pet cat in their flat under the Housing and Development (Animals) Rules.
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