Cats have been officially allowed in Singapore HDB flats since 1 September 2024, ending a 34-year ban that dated back to 1989. If you live in an HDB flat and keep a cat, or are planning to get one, here is what the rules say and what you need to do before the licensing deadline.
The Rule Change: What Changed in September 2024
Before 1 September 2024, HDB regulations prohibited cats from being kept in flats. The rule was widely acknowledged to be poorly enforced, and many residents kept cats despite the ban. The formal change in September 2024 brought HDB policy in line with reality while introducing a proper regulatory framework.
From 1 September 2024:
- Cats are permitted in HDB flats
- A maximum of 2 cats per household applies
- All cats must be licensed via the AVS Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS)
- The licensing transition period runs until 31 August 2026
How Many Cats Can You Keep in an HDB Flat?
The limit is 2 cats per HDB household. This applies regardless of flat size (2-room, 3-room, 4-room, etc.).
If you currently have 3 or more cats in an HDB flat and were doing so under the old informal arrangement, you will need to rehome the excess cats or find alternative accommodation. AVS has not announced an exemption for existing multi-cat households above the limit.
For private properties (condominiums, terraced houses, bungalows), the HDB rules do not apply. Condo rules are set by individual management committees, so check your strata regulations or speak to your building management.
Licensing: The August 2026 Deadline
All cats in Singapore must be licensed by 31 August 2026. This applies to HDB cats, condo cats, and cats in private property. There is no HDB-specific exemption or separate timeline.
During the transition period (until 31 August 2026):
- Cat licensing is free
- Sterilised cats receive a lifetime licence
- Unsterilised cats receive a renewable annual licence
- Owners can self-declare sterilisation status without a certificate (subject to AVS confirming this provision remains in place)
After 31 August 2026:
- Unlicensed cats are an offence under the Animals and Birds Rules 2024
- Fines of up to S$5,000 apply
How to apply: Go to pals.avs.gov.sg, log in with SingPass, and follow the application steps. You will need your cat's microchip number. If your cat is not yet microchipped, arrange this with a licensed vet first.
First-time licence applicants must complete the free online Pet Ownership Responsible Keeper (PORK) course through PALS before their application is accepted.
For a full step-by-step guide to the licensing process, see our pet licensing guide.
Microchip Requirement
All cats being licensed must be microchipped. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785-compliant (15-digit). Most cats acquired from reputable breeders or shelters in Singapore will already be microchipped.
If your cat does not have a microchip, arrange the procedure with a licensed vet. It is a quick procedure typically done under minimal sedation or none at all, and the chip lasts the lifetime of the cat.
Breed Restrictions for Imported Cats
If you are importing a cat to Singapore and plan to keep it in an HDB flat, check the breed before you start the import process.
Singapore does not permit the import of Bengal cats or Savannah cats. These breeds are prohibited from entry, sale, or ownership in Singapore. If you are bringing a cat from overseas, verify the breed is permitted before committing to the import process. See the prohibited breeds list at avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Most domestic cat breeds (domestic shorthair, British Shorthair, Persian, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Siamese, Scottish Fold, etc.) are permitted.
What Responsible Cat Ownership in an HDB Looks Like
AVS has not published detailed rules about how cats must be managed inside the flat, but the general licensing conditions include keeping your cat in a safe environment and preventing escape or nuisance to neighbours.
Practical steps that reduce neighbour conflict:
- Screen windows and balconies to prevent falls or escapes (cats can and do fall from high floors)
- Keep your cat's litter box clean to manage odour in a shared building
- Sterilise your cat: it reduces vocalisation, territorial behaviour, and the risk of an unplanned litter
- Maintain your cat's annual vaccinations and parasite control
If your cat escapes and causes damage or disturbance in common areas, you are responsible as the owner under the Animals and Birds Act.
Renting in an HDB: Check with Your Landlord
The HDB policy change permits cats in HDB flats at the regulatory level. But if you are a tenant rather than an owner-occupier, your lease agreement may still have a no-pets clause or a clause requiring landlord consent for pets.
The HDB rule change does not override private contractual arrangements between tenants and landlords. Before bringing a cat into a rented HDB unit, confirm the position with your landlord in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been keeping 3 cats in my HDB flat. What do I do now? The current rule limits households to 2 cats. You will need to rehome the additional cat or move to a property that does not have the 2-cat limit (private landed property or a condo that permits 3 cats under its own rules). AVS has not announced a grandfather clause for existing households above the limit.
My cat is an indoor/outdoor cat that goes in and out of the void deck. Does it still count as my HDB cat? Yes. If the cat is under your care and associated with your flat, it counts toward your household's limit and must be licensed.
My HDB flat has a balcony. Can my cat go out there? Yes, but install proper cat netting or mesh to prevent falls. Cats can fall from significant heights and survive, but serious injuries from balcony falls are common. The AVS licensing conditions include keeping your pet in a safe environment.
Do I need my landlord's permission to keep a cat in a rented HDB flat? The HDB rule now permits cats at the public policy level. However, your tenancy agreement may require landlord consent. Check your lease before getting or bringing a cat.
My cat was born before the 2024 rule change. Does the licence deadline still apply? Yes. The August 2026 deadline applies to all cats kept in Singapore, regardless of when they were acquired. The transition period was designed to give owners of existing cats time to register, not to exempt them.
Importing a cat to Singapore? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised CAPQ agent.
Sources: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), Housing and Development Board (HDB). Confirm current rules before proceeding.