Cats Banned in HDB Flats: Is this unfair to cat lovers?

Mr Alfredo Seow had posted a letter that had been sent to his friend by the Housing Development Board (HDB) regarding his cat that had to be “removed” from his home by 11 January 2017. The letter explained that according to the policy by HDB, the keeping of cats in HDB flats is strictly prohibited.

It had also explained that cats were not allowed to be kept in these flats as cats are “difficult to be confined within flats”, and that “cat-related nuisance” such as shedding of fur, defecation in public areas, and noise disturbance could potentially “spoil the estate’s living environment and disrupt good neighbourliness”.

This post garnered over 2,000 shares, over 1,000 reactions, and 711 comments since it was uploaded Mr Seow’s Facebook page last Saturday. It angered many cat lovers, who commented on the post with displeasure at the unfairness shown to cats as pets. Cat owner Susan Tan commented: “Punish irresponsible cat owners who let cats roam freely without supervision who live in any form of housing! Don’t punish all cat owners by banning cats for those who live in HDB flats.”

Netizens also chose to see the other side of the coin, with a comment that said: “I have friends whose cats have leapt (out) of their windows trying to catch birds, or just to escape home. Many cats have such tendencies, and HDB flats aren’t built with ledges and corrugated surfaces that are conducive for cats that like to chill outside. I think HDB is just being cautious by discouraging flat owners to keep cats in flats.”

According to the HDB, a total of 62 breeds of dogs are currently allowed in flats, while cats are not allowed at all. The maximum fine for keeping a cat in your flat is $4,000. In 2015, the Cat Welfare Society managed to resolve about 2,400 cases, of which 70 percent were about pet cats. For cat owners who might be facing a similar problem, you could contact the Cat Welfare Society for help and advice at info@catwelfare.org.