Over 111,000 pet cats licensed since start of new ownership rules; transition period ends on Aug 31

From Sept 1, it will be an offence under the Animals and Birds Act to keep unlicensed pet cats. Those found to be doing so may be fined up to $5,000.

During the transition period, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) also supported close to 170 free microchipping drives islandwide, with over 13,000 pet cats microchipped, Tan said.

In addition, more than 6,300 pet cats from over 2,900 lower-income households have benefitted from free sterilisation and microchipping under the Pet Cat Sterilisation Support programme.

Cat owners are encouraged to sterilise their cats to prevent unintended breeding, which may lead to overpopulation.

Sterilisation can also reduce the risks of certain cancers and prevent womb infections, AVS said.

In his Facebook post, Tan said the standard cat ownership limits will also apply for new licence applications from Sept 1. Those living in HDB flats can have a maximum of two cats, while those in private residences can keep up to three cats or dogs.

Pet owners who have gone over the permitted limits are allowed to keep their existing pet cats if the animals were licensed during the transition period. These existing pet cats must have been owned before Sept 1, 2024.

Tan said that over 4,700 community cats have been part of the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage programme.

As part of this initiative, AVS provides enhanced funding support for the sterilisation and microchipping of community cats while funding additional components, such as trapping and boarding.

In August, AVS rolled out a pilot scheme allowing approved cat fosterers to keep up to six cats in HDB flats and up to 10 cats on private premises. All cats in foster care must be sterilised.

The pilot scheme was rolled out in recognition of the roll played by cat fosterers in providing a safe home for cats in need, as well as in reducing the number of free-roaming cats in the community.