SINGAPORE – Under a new pilot scheme launched by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), cat fosterers in public Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats can now keep up to six cats, an increase from the previous limit of two. This initiative, starting August 3, aims to support those providing temporary care for vulnerable cats rescued from public spaces or referred by animal welfare groups.
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Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry, Alvin Tan, announced the initiative on July 18 at the Cats’ Day Out event at Wisma Geylang Serai. He highlighted that this change is essential for fosterers who often care for more cats than allowed under current regulations. The new limit strikes a balance between the needs of fosterers and their neighbors in public housing.
The cap aligns with findings from a survey of 61 fosterers conducted between December 2025 and January 2026, which revealed that over 80 percent cared for up to six cats at once. For those residing in private homes, the limit will be set at ten cats, recognizing the suitability of larger living spaces.
The scheme will undergo review based on public feedback and assessments of its effectiveness over the two-year period. The AVS stated that the efforts of fosterers help improve animal well-being while reducing the population of free-roaming cats.
Fosterers must ensure all cats, including their own, are sterilized by six months of age or within two months of being taken in. Licensing for foster cats will be free during the pilot, which concludes on July 31, 2028. Requirements for applicants include previous experience in caring for cats, the financial ability and time to provide for them, and a clean history with no complaints for two years prior to application.
Au Yeong Siew Pheng, a public relations executive who began fostering cats in May, expressed support for the new limits, stating that they adequately meet the needs of most fosterers, who face challenges in caring for multiple cats.
Starting from August 3, interested individuals can apply to become recognized cat fosterers via a designated online form. This initiative coincides with Singapore's broader Cat Management Framework, which mandates licensing and microchipping for pet cats to enhance responsible ownership. As of now, about 66,000 pet cats have been licensed under this scheme, representing 70 percent of pet cats in Singapore, with a transition period for free licensing running until August 31, 2026.
After the transition period, keeping unlicensed cats will be against the law. Owners who have more than the permitted number of cats can register their existing pets during this time while ensuring their health and welfare.