I am a cat lover, like many others living in Singapore's Housing Development Board (HDB) flats. Our feline friends are intelligent, independent, and provide comfort to us in our daily lives. However, current regulations prohibit us from legally owning cats within these residences. This rule is inconsistently enforced and creates unnecessary stress for responsible pet owners who simply want to share their homes with their beloved pets.

Many of us have lived overseas and wish to return home with our cats. Yet the existing rules make this difficult unless we can provide a private property address for the relocation of our pets - an unrealistic expectation for many residents.

The reasons given by HDB & AVS for this prohibition include concerns about shedding fur, defecating/urinating in public areas, and caterwauling. While these are valid concerns, they can be addressed through responsible pet ownership practices such as regular grooming, litter training and keeping cats indoors by meshing windows and gates. Sterilization is also another option to prevent caterwauling as usually those cats who caterwaul are looking for mates. Once they are sterilized, caterwauling will cease and residents don't have to worry about noise contamination.

It is estimated that there are thousands of cat owners living in HDB flats who are currently doing so illegally due to these restrictions (source: Cat Welfare Society). This not only puts them at risk but also undermines the efforts of animal welfare organizations working towards responsible pet ownership. 

According to studies conducted by Mayo Clinic and American Heart Association (AHA), owning a cat can reduce stress levels significantly and even lower heart disease risk.

We call on the authorities to review this outdated policy that separates families from their pets based on housing type. Let's work together towards creating an inclusive society where everyone - including our furry friends - has a place they can call home.

Please sign this petition if you believe that all residents should have the right to own cats regardless of where they live.