🐈 A new pilot scheme will allow approved cat fosterers to keep up to 6 cats in HDB flats & 10 in private premises from Aug. 3.
➡️ https://bit.ly/459ArU9
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Here’s the full breakdown of the new rules from AVS, Singapore:
📅 Effective Date
Aug 3, 2026: Launch of the 2-year Responsible Cat Fosterer Pilot Scheme
Sep 1, 2026: Non-licensing of pet cats becomes an offence
🐱 Fosterer Limits (all cats in the household, including personal pets)
- HDB 3-room or larger flats: Up to 6 cats
- Private properties: Up to 10 cats
- Licensing fees are fully waived for approved fosterers during the pilot.
✅ Requirements to be an Approved Fosterer
- Proven experience caring for cats
- Sufficient time and financial resources
- Eligible housing: 3-room+ HDB sold flats or private premises
- All existing cats must already be sterilised and microchipped at application
- No complaints about pets/disamenities in the last 2 years
- No animal welfare or licensing offences under the Animals & Birds Act in the last 2 years
🩺 Sterilisation Rules
- All cats in the home must be sterilised.
- New kittens: Sterilise by 6 months old OR 2 months after fostering — whichever is later (unless medically exempt).
- Cats over 6 months: Sterilise within 2 months of fostering (unless proven infertile).
- Unsterilised foster cats get a one-time 1-year free licence; not renewable if still unsterilised after expiry.
📝 Pet Cat Licensing Rules (from Sep 1)
- Mandatory licensing: Fine up to S$5,000 for unlicensed cats or rule breaches.
- To license: Cat must be microchipped; first-time owners complete a free basic pet care course.
- Responsible keeping: Secure windows/balconies; keep cats in carriers or harnesses in public.
- Grandfather clause: Cats owned before Sep 1, 2024 and licensed during the transition period may be kept even if numbers exceed the new limits — permanently.
ℹ️ Other Notes
- AVS will review the pilot after 2 years to decide on long-term arrangements.
- Abandonment of cats carries penalties up to S$10,000 fine, 12 months jail, or both.
- Free microchipping and licensing sessions are ongoing across Singapore.