SINGAPORE – More than 24,000 pet cats have been licensed and microchipped since new rules for cat ownership took effect in September 2024.

Of these animals, 97 per cent have been sterilised.

About 24,000 cat owners have also completed the online pet ownership course, which is mandatory for first-time cat licence applicants.

These updates were given by Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How during a cat microchipping drive at Bukit Merah Secondary School on Feb 8. 

Mr Tan said that “very good progress” has been made on the licensing and microchipping requirements under the new Cat Management Framework from the National Parks Board’s Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS).

He added that one of the areas of focus for 2025 would be providing more support for microchipping – this procedure, whereby a tiny microchip is inserted under the animal’s skin, is needed for traceability in the event of an outbreak in disease.

“Last year (2024), we organised 11 sessions to provide free microchipping services for pet cats. We microchipped more than 2,800 cats. And this year, we organised another 30 sessions in response to strong demand,” Mr Tan said.

The AVS said that microchipping drives will be held at schools, community centres, and veterinary clinics that have offered their support, as well as at community pet-related events in various neighbourhoods across Singapore that are convenient for cat owners to access.

The new framework states that up to two cats can be kept in each HDB flat, and up to three cats in each private residence.

Owners are required to license and microchip all their pet cats by Aug 31, 2026.

Licensing is free for two years from Sept 1, 2024, after which it will cost $15 for a one-year licence for a sterilised cat and $90 for an unsterilised cat, same as ...