More cats abandoned after owners misunderstand new rules

The misunderstanding of the cat-ownership framework has led some cat owners to give up their "excess" cats, contributing to the number of cat abandonment cases.

Under the new framework unveiled on Dec 2, HDB households will be allowed to have up to two cats per flat. The cats have to be microchipped and licensed, and the flat cat-proofed.

Owners who currently keep more than two cats can continue to keep the cats during the two-year transition period if the cats they keep meet the conditions of the licence.

Cat owners who choose to license their cats during the transitional period can do so for free. The Animal and Veterinary Service will provide free sterilisation and microchipping for pet cats from low-income households

Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao reported SPCA executive director Aarthi Sankar as saying that there are cat owners who misunderstand the terms of the transition period and that "other animal welfare organisations have witnessed more cases of cat abandonment in recent months".

Cat Welfare Society (CWS) president Thenuga Vijakumar said there was a sharp increase in cat abandonment cases following the announcement of the new framework.

Cat owners need to understand the framework, what they need to do and the help available during the transition period instead of abandoning their cats in a haste.

CWS is also hoping for the authorities to issue licences to cat fosterers.

Real estate agent Chen Shijia, 33, supports this request to help rescue and fostering efforts - but without a limit on the number of cats per flat.

"I know of fosterers who can take good care of 10 cats," said the HDB dweller, who has three cats and has fostered about 10 cats over the past four years.

"Cats are sociable. Some people keep more than one cat at a time to ensure that their pets have playmates. The authorities should take this into consideration."

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This article was first published in The New Paper. Permission required for reproduction.