HDB Cat Licensing in Singapore (2026): Free Until 31 August — Step-by-Step Guide
Cats are now allowed in HDB flats and licensing is free until 31 August 2026. How to microchip, sterilise & license your cat via PALS — a step-by-step guide.
Singapore has officially welcomed cats into HDB flats — and for a limited time, licensing your cat costs nothing. Under the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) Cat Management Framework, every pet cat must be microchipped and licensed, but during the two-year transition period — 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026 — licences are issued completely free. Sterilise and license your cat before the deadline and you lock in a free licence that lasts for life. Miss it, and standard fees apply — plus keeping an unlicensed cat becomes an offence. Here is the complete 2026 guide for HDB (and private-home) cat owners.
HDB cat licensing in Singapore — the essentials
- Cats are now officially allowed in HDB flats — up to 2 cats per flat (private homes: up to 3 cats and/or dogs combined).
- Licensing is free until 31 August 2026. From 1 September 2026, keeping an unlicensed cat is an offence.
- Sterilise + license now → a free licence valid for life. Unsterilised cats only get a licence covering the transition period.
- Microchipping is mandatory, and first-time owners complete a short, free online pet-ownership course before the licence is issued.
- You apply yourself in minutes via AVS’ Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) with Singpass.
There is a narrow window to lock in a free, lifetime cat licence. Microchip, sterilise and license before the deadline — after 31 August 2026 standard fees apply, and from 1 September 2026 keeping an unlicensed cat is an offence under the Animals and Birds Act. Always confirm the latest details on the official NParks / AVS website.
What is the Cat Management Framework?
Announced by AVS in May 2024, the Cat Management Framework is Singapore’s first nationwide system for cat ownership and welfare. For the first time, cats are formally permitted in HDB flats — ending decades of an unofficial ban — in exchange for a simple commitment from owners: microchip your cat, license it, and care for it responsibly. The Pet Cat Licensing Scheme launched on 1 September 2024, with a generous two-year transition period for every existing and new owner to get on board.
Can you keep cats in an HDB flat now?
Yes — and unlike dogs, cats face no “approved breed” list at all. The limits are simply by number:
| Home type | What you can keep |
|---|---|
| HDB flat | Up to 2 cats (plus 1 approved-breed dog under existing HDB rules) |
| Private property | Up to 3 cats and/or dogs combined |
Already have more cats than the limit? You are covered: existing owners may keep all their current cats, provided every cat is licensed during the transition period and their health and welfare are looked after. It is a one-time grandfathering window — another reason not to wait.
What the cat licence actually requires
Three straightforward things — and the framework rewards responsible owners:
- Microchipping (mandatory). Every pet cat must be microchipped, and you will need the scanned microchip number to apply. A vet can do this in minutes.
- Sterilisation (strongly encouraged — and worth it). Sterilise your cat and the licence issued during the transition is a one-time licence valid for life. Leave your cat unsterilised and you only receive a licence covering the transition period — meaning you will have to re-license (and pay) later.
- A short pet-ownership course. First-time licence applicants complete a one-time, free online course on basic cat care and responsible ownership before the licence is issued.
How to license your cat — step by step
- Microchip your cat at your vet (if not already done) and note the microchip number.
- Sterilise your cat — recommended, to qualify for the free lifetime licence.
- Complete the free online pet-ownership course (first-time applicants only) via AVS.
- Log in to PALS — AVS’ Pet Animal Licensing System — using your Singpass.
- Apply for the licence, entering each cat’s microchip number. During the transition period there is no fee.
- Receive your licence — sterilised cats get a lifetime licence. Keep the record with your pet documents.
Booking your cat’s microchip and sterilisation in one vet visit, then licensing the same week, is the cleanest way to lock in the free lifetime licence well before the 31 August 2026 cut-off.
What happens after 31 August 2026?
Two things change once the free transition window closes:
- Licensing is no longer free. Standard licence fees apply, with sterilised cats far cheaper than unsterilised — confirm current rates on AVS. (Cats sterilised and licensed before the deadline keep their free lifetime licence.)
- It becomes an offence to keep an unlicensed cat from 1 September 2026 under the Animals and Birds Act, with fines for non-compliance. Licensing now avoids all of it.
Buying a kitten? Licensing should be effortless
If you are bringing home a kitten, the licensing groundwork should already be done for you. Every CatzillaSG kitten goes home microchipped, vaccinated and vet-checked from our AVS-licensed cattery — so you simply complete the quick PALS application with the microchip number we provide, and we are glad to walk first-time owners through it. Browse our available kittens, or compare the best cat breeds for an HDB flat first.
Frequently asked questions
Is cat licensing mandatory in Singapore?
Yes. Under the Cat Management Framework, every pet cat must be microchipped and licensed. Licensing is free until 31 August 2026; from 1 September 2026 it is an offence to keep an unlicensed cat.
How many cats can I keep in an HDB flat?
Up to 2 cats per HDB flat. Private properties may keep up to 3 cats and/or dogs combined. Existing owners with more than the limit can keep all their current cats if they license them during the transition period.
Is it really free to license my cat?
Yes — completely free from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026. Sterilised cats licensed in this window receive a one-time licence valid for life; unsterilised cats receive a licence covering the transition period only.
Do I have to sterilise my cat?
It is strongly encouraged rather than forced — but it is clearly the better choice: sterilising before the deadline earns a free lifetime licence (no renewals, no future fees) and supports your cat’s long-term health.
How do I actually apply?
Through AVS’ Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS), using your Singpass and your cat’s microchip number. First-time applicants complete a short, free online pet-ownership course first.
What will it cost after 31 August 2026?
Standard licence fees will apply, with sterilised cats far cheaper than unsterilised. Exact figures are set by AVS, so confirm the current rates on their site — but the simplest way to pay nothing is to sterilise and license before the deadline.
Are CatzillaSG kittens microchipped and ready to license?
Yes — every kitten goes home microchipped, vaccinated and vet-checked from our AVS-licensed cattery. You just complete the quick PALS application with the microchip number we provide, and we are glad to guide first-time owners.
Thinking of welcoming a cat to your HDB flat?
CatzillaSG is a premium, AVS-licensed Singapore cattery and SME500 honouree. Every kitten is home-raised, microchipped and health-guaranteed for life — and ready to license in minutes. Lock in your free lifetime licence and your perfect companion before the window closes.
This guide is for general information and reflects the Cat Management Framework as of June 2026. Rules and fees can change — always confirm the latest on the official NParks / AVS Cat Management Framework pages.
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