“What Will Really Change if Cats Are Officially Allowed in HDBs, Since It’s Already Happening? “

For an HDB resident, which is more troublesome: one cat or two dogs? The answer may surprise some—neither are technically allowed. Under current HDB rules, keeping multiple dogs or even one cat in a flat is prohibited, and violators can face fines of up to S$4,000.

Yet, for years, many HDB residents have kept both cats and multiple dogs in their homes, largely without consequence. Now, Singaporean authorities are finally considering officially allowing what has long been a common practice—keeping cats in HDB flats.

The Reality of the Cat Ban
For the most part, the enforcement of the cat ban has been inconsistent. Many cat owners in HDBs openly keep their pets without fear of repercussions, as long as their neighbors don’t complain. It’s been a “close one eye” situation where HDB authorities largely ignore the presence of cats unless specific issues, such as complaints or disturbances, arise.

However, if a cat is allowed to roam freely, causing trouble such as urinating or defecating in common areas, HDB has the legal right to step in and fine the owner up to S$4,000.

Will Responsible Cat Owners Benefit?
Some argue that responsible cat owners, who keep their cats indoors and maintain proper care, have little to worry about under the current rules. But the fear remains that a disgruntled neighbor might use the presence of a cat as leverage in unrelated disputes. Officially allowing cats in HDB flats would give these responsible owners peace of mind, knowing they can continue caring for their pets without fear of sudden enforcement or complaints.

Addressing Irresponsible Ownership
On the flip side, changes to the rules could also help authorities address issues with irresponsible cat owners. Currently, there’s no requirement for cat owners to register or microchip their pets, making it difficult to trace owners if a cat is abandoned. A proposed change could extend the dog licensing and microchipping system to cats, ensuring better accountability for lost or abandoned pets and enabling authorities to take more direct action against neglectful owners.

Official Adoption and Clear Guidelines
If the rules are changed, it would also make it easier for Singaporeans living in HDB flats to officially adopt cats. While many already adopt cats unofficially, legalizing cat ownership would streamline the process and ensure adoption agencies follow regulations, providing better care for the animals and clear guidelines for owners.

Moving from a “close one eye” approach to “open both eyes” would provide a more structured and transparent framework, benefiting both cats and their owners.

Why Were Cats Banned in the First Place?
The cat ban dates back to when public housing first began in Singapore, with the present-day restriction formalized in Rule 3 of the Housing and Development (Animals) Rules in 1989. There wasn’t much debate about the issue at the time, as Parliament had other pressing matters, like public housing prices.

The reasoning behind the ban mirrors concerns raised about dog ownership in HDB flats, such as the potential nuisance caused by pets running loose and causing disturbances to neighbors. These concerns have remained relevant, but the current public consultation process aims to balance the needs of all stakeholders.

What Could Public Consultation Change?
The six-month public consultation exercise may seem excessive, especially since lifting the cat ban would simply formalize a practice already in place. However, authorities need to address various unresolved issues, such as the number of cats allowed per household. For example, while multiple dogs are not permitted in HDB flats, would the same rule apply to cats? The public survey also asks whether rescuers and fosterers should be allowed to keep more cats than regular homeowners.

A Step Toward Clarity
While allowing cats in HDB flats might seem like a straightforward decision, secondary issues like the number of cats per household and regulations for rescuers need to be resolved. As the consultation process continues, the hope is that clearer guidelines will emerge, ensuring a balance between the rights of pet owners and the concerns of the wider community.