Are cats allowed in HDB and private premises in Singapore?
Keeping cats in HDB and private premises in Singapore used to be illegal. However, after a public consultation with over 30,000 respondents, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), found strong support for its proposed cat management framework.
On 11 May 2024, the AVS announced the finalised Cat Management Framework, set to take effect on 1 September 2024. Cats are finally allowed in both HDB and private residences, industrial or commercial premises!
How many cats are allowed to be kept in HDB, condo and landed properties?
During the transition period from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026, you can keep all your existing cats as long as they are licensed during this period. This excludes new cats purchased from pet shops during this period.
However, after 31 August 2026, you can keep up to 2 cats and 1 dog in HDB and a combination of up to 3 cats or dogs in private premises. See the illustrations below for a clearer picture:
| Maximum Dogs Allowed | Maximum Cats Allowed | |
| HDB | 1 | 2 |
| Private Premises (Condo, Landed Properties, Industrial Premises, Commercial Premises) | 3 Dogs + 0 Cat 2 Dogs + 1 Cat 1 Dog + 2 Cats 0 Dog + 3 Cats | |
What are the requirements for keeping cats?
Keeping a cat is a lifelong commitment. The average lifespan of your pet cat may range from 13 to 20 years. Carefully review these requirements and ensure you comply with them before deciding to keep a cat:
- Bring your cats for microchip implant.
- Complete a free online pet ownership course if you are a first time cat license applicant.
- Sterilisation is optional but sterilised cats will enjoy discount off license fee.
- Provide a safe environment for your cats.
- Take reasonable measures to protect your cats from hazards like roaming freely or falling from height by installing mesh, grilles, screens or other barriers.
- When in public, ensure your cats are kept under physical control and do not roam freely. This can be done by using a harness or placing them in a carrier.
- Adhere to the minimum standard for animal housing, management, and care under Code of Animal Welfare. Some of the standard includes providing your cats with a clearly defined to rest, eat, exercise and explore as well as a well-balanced diet adequately at regular intervals. Read these infographics or booklet for more details on the minimum standard.
How to license your cats in Singapore?
Cat licensing can be done online via AVS’s Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) from 1 September 2024.
- Login to PALS with your SingPass
- Fill in your personal details such as mobile phone number and email address
- Under E-Service, click on ‘Apply License”
- Start the application for your new cat. You will require the following details on your cat:
- Microchip details such as microchip number and whether it is done in Singapore or overseas
- Sterilisation certificate (if any)
- Where did you cats come from? (animal welfare group, pet shop, pet farm, breeder, import)
- Optional cat details such as estimated date of birth and name
- Choose from 1-year, 2-year or 3-year license, upload the sterilisation certificate and submit
- Make the license fee payment online. Payment modes include credit cards, debit cards (VISA/ Mastercard) or GIRO (for those with existing GIRO arrangement with AVS).
How much is a cat license in Singapore?
During the transition period from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026, free one-time licenses with lifetime validity will be available for all sterilised cats. For unsterilised cats, free licenses covering the 2-year transition period will be provided.
After 31 August 2026, the following license fee per cat applies:
| Fee Per Cat | 1-year license | 2-year license | 3-year license | One-time license (lifetime) |
| < 5 months old | S$15 | NA | NA | NA |
| first 3 cats | Sterilised: S$15 Unsterilised: S$90 | Sterilised: S$25 Unsterilised: S$165 | Sterilised: NA Unsterilised: S$230 | Sterilised: S$35 Unsterilised: NA |
| 4th cat and after | S$180 | S$325 | Sterilised: NA Unsterilised: S$460 | Sterilised: S$460 Unsterilised: NA |
| 4th cat that is sterilised and adopted: S$15 | 4th cat that is sterilised and adopted: S$25 | NA | 4th cat that is sterilised and adopted: S$35 |
Note:
- A 10% rebate will be offered for payments made via GIRO, or online using credit cards, debit cards, or AXS.
- 4th cat needs to be adopted from AVS’s animal welfare rehoming partner to enjoy reduced license fee.
What will happen to the community cats under this framework?
Starting 1 September 2024, the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) program will replace the Stray Cat Sterilisation Programme (SCSP).
