“My parents were surprised when I mentioned that it is illegal to keep cats in Housing Board flats. And they’re not even cat lovers,” said a member of the public.
The Independent Singapore reached out to different people for their opinions on cats being allowed in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats.
Someone said that cats “make people’s lives feel better, happier. There are people who benefit from having cats in their home life,” hence he was all for having cats at HDB flats.
Meanwhile, another woman said that having pets in homes was not wrong but could get messy.
“I think so because I think they (cats) can accompany people when they are bored,” said a young respondent.
“But the bad thing is that they have to clean up after the cat if they poop around the community. Then some people wouldn’t care, and then they’ll create a mess around the HDB,” she added.
One woman said cats shouldn’t be allowed because cats tend to roam around and might enter her house. “I prefer my space very much.”
I think it’s ok as long as they’re properly taken care of by their owners, said another respondent.
“And the owners should know they are responsible for the cats not affecting their neighbours.”
A woman noted that up to the permissible number of pets in HDB would be ok if people adhere to the rules. “Sometimes I saw they have 14 (pets),” she added.
Cats are not allowed in flats as they are challenging to keep within the premises.
“They are generally difficult to contain within the flat. When allowed to roam indiscriminately, they tend to shed fur and defecate or urinate in public areas, and also make caterwauling sounds, which can inconvenience your neighbours,” said HDB on its website.
However, those who really wish to keep a feline can consider an HDB flat in Chong Pang at Yishun.
Property website PropertyGuru noted in an article that since October 2012, about 120 households were allowed to raise one cat each under a pilot scheme named “Love Cats” as long as the cats are microchipped, sterilised and kept indoors./TISG
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