Petme · Singapore

Cats are now legal in HDB flats

License your cat with the AVS by 31 August 2026. Here is what changed, and how to do it.

After a 34-year ban, cats can now live legally in HDB flats under Singapore's Cat Management Framework. This guide covers the rules, the licensing deadline, and how to arrange care for your cat.

Find a cat sitter
31 Aug 2026
Cat licensing deadline
Up to 2
Cats per HDB household
20,000 €
Vet protection per booking
0%
Service fee for owners

What changed

The 34-year HDB cat ban has ended

For decades, cats were not permitted in HDB flats, even though they are well suited to apartment living. Under the new Cat Management Framework, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) now allows cats in HDB homes, subject to licensing and responsible-ownership conditions.

The change brings HDB rules closer to those for private housing and recognises how many households already keep cats. Licensing helps reunite lost cats with their owners and underpins the new responsible-ownership standards.

How to license

Licensing your cat, step by step

Microchip first

Have your cat microchipped by a vet. The microchip links the licence to your cat and helps with recovery if they ever get lost.

Apply online with the AVS

Submit your application through the AVS Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS). You provide your details and your cat's microchip number.

Beat the deadline

License by 31 August 2026. Doing it early during the free transition window avoids any penalty for keeping an unlicensed cat.

Care for your cat

Travelling? Your cat can stay home

In-home drop-in visits

A verified Petme sitter visits your flat once or twice a day for feeding, fresh water, litter, and play. Your cat keeps their routine in familiar surroundings.

20,000 € vet protection

Every Petme booking includes up to 20,000 € in vet expenses at no extra cost, which matters given Singapore vet bills.

0% owner fee, cashback

Petme charges pet owners 0% service fee, and you earn automatic cashback on every completed booking.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are cats now allowed in HDB flats?
Yes. Cats are now legal in HDB flats after a 34-year ban, under the Cat Management Framework introduced by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). Owners must license their cats and follow responsible-ownership conditions.
What is the deadline to license my cat?
Cat owners should license their cats with the AVS by 31 August 2026. Licensing during the transition window has been offered free; after the deadline, owning an unlicensed cat can attract penalties.
How many cats can I keep in an HDB flat?
Under the framework, HDB households may keep up to two cats. Private property limits differ. Always check the latest AVS rules, as conditions can be updated.
How do I license my cat?
Apply through the AVS via the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS). You will need your cat microchipped and details of your household. The process is online and designed to be quick.
What happens if I do not license my cat by the deadline?
Keeping an unlicensed cat after the transition period can lead to fines. Licensing also helps reunite lost cats with owners and supports responsible ownership, so it is worth doing early.
Can a Petme sitter look after my cat while I travel?
Yes. Petme connects you with verified cat sitters for drop-in visits (feeding, litter, play) or overnight in-home care. Every booking includes 20,000 € in vet protection, with 0% service fee for owners.

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Drop-in visits or overnight in-home care from background-checked sitters across Singapore. 0% owner fee, 20,000 € vet protection.

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