Cat owners in Singapore have had to keep their pets secret for decades. But now it's open season for cat lovers. The city-state's cat ban is to be lifted.
Tommy the cat lives a comfortable life with his owner in Singapore – but an illegal one. His owner, Adam, is breaking a 34-year-old law that prohibits cats in Singapore's public housing. Adam is baffled as to why the ban was introduced in the first place.
Normally, cats are no problem, he tells The Guardian.
Adam, who is being interviewed under a pseudonym for fear of being caught with Tommy, risks being fined over 31 000 kronor and losing his four-legged friend.
But from September, the cat ban affecting around 80 per cent of Singapore's population will be lifted. So many live in public housing built in the 1960s to alleviate overcrowding in the city. The ban was introduced in 1989, citing difficulties in keeping cats in the flats.
The lifting of the ban is welcome. A survey shows that 90 per cent of those affected want the ban lifted. The number of cats in the country increased by nearly 10 per cent between 2019 and 2023.
When the ban is lifted, residents will be allowed to keep two cats, or more if they seek permission. Even a dog will be okay, as long as it's from an approved breed. Pet owners must attend a free training session and register and microchip their pets.
