Cat licensing rules will begin September 1, with a two-year transition period for owners to adapt
Cat owners are also required to ensure their pets are kept in a safe environment and to take reasonable steps to protect their pets from harm. This includes installing screens, grates, screens or other barriers to prevent cats from wandering or falling from heights.
When in public, cat owners will also need to ensure their cats are kept under physical control. For example, owners may use a harness or place the cat in a carrier to prevent the cat from roaming freely.
PET CATS STERILIZATION SUPPORT PROGRAM
Low-income families can get support from AVS through the Pet Cat Sterilization Support (PCSS) program, which will offer free spaying and microchipping.
“In doing so, the program aims to prevent the unintentional breeding of pet cats owned by families who cannot afford sterilization, facilitating early intervention. It also seeks to address downstream animal welfare issues and deficiencies arising from pet cat overpopulation,” AVS said.
More details about the eligibility criteria and application process will be available from September 1st.
Cat promoters will also receive support during the transition period. They will be able to apply to license their existing foster cats through the AVS Pet Licensing System, as long as they are able to ensure that the health and welfare of the cats are cared for.
AVS said it recognizes that adopters play an important role in managing cats.
“AVS will co-develop guidelines for cat keepers together with HDB and animal welfare group partners and will look at how responsible promoters who meet these guidelines can be allowed to keep more cats. AVS will take a phased approach to this and share more details when ready,” he added.
The Cat Welfare Society welcomed the cat management framework.
“CWS is pleased to see that the proposed licensing conditions are largely in line with the responsible cat ownership guidelines we have established and advocated for. We are happy to see our work raise the minimum standards of care for pet cats in Singapore,” it said in an Instagram post.
It added that the measures establish a standardized level of care and set clear expectations about responsible cat ownership.
