Cats.
Some say cats evolved just to confuse humans, and others are too scared to say anything about them for fear of death.
But even though we’ve yet to ascertain whether cats actually like us or are just using us for food or as scratching posts, they are, undeniably, adorable.
Here in sunny Singapore, residents have a particular fondness for these little felines.
They can be found roaming our streets, in themed cafes, and of course, in our homes.
Sadly, cats are not actually permitted in HDB flats.
No Cats Here Please
If you’re a responsible Singaporean, you’d probably check HDB’s website for their regulations concerning pet ownership before adopting a pet.
But let’s face it, you’re not and neither am I. So, let me tell you what HDB allows in high-rise buildings.
Not cats.
In their website, HDB makes it clear that cats are not allowed in flats because they are “generally difficult to contain within the flat”.
They also tend to “shed fur and defecate or urinate in public areas, and also make caterwauling sounds, which can inconvenience your neighbours.”
But, as we all know, 7 in 10 of our HDB neighbours keep cats, and the remaining 3 declined to be interviewed.
According to the Goody Feed office cat, HDB typically turns a blind eye to cat ownership in HDB flats, though, and only takes action if neighbours complain.
Speaker of Parliament Supports Cat Ownership in HDB Flats
But one MP believes that should change.
Speaker of Parliament and Marine Parade MP Tan Chuan-Jin shared a post on Facebook about the newest addition to his family: an abandoned stray cat.
In his post, Mr Tan said he adopted a black and white kitten that was picked up by a friend as a stray.
He also urged residents to adopt strays if they can.
One netizen took this opportunity to ask a question that’s been on the minds of cat owners for decades: can we legalise cat ownership in HDB flats?
The Marine Parade MP replied that the authorities should certainly do so.
Nee Soon MP Also in Favour of Lifting Cat Ban
Perhaps no Singaporean politician is as fervent in their desire to lift the ban on cats in HDB flats as Nee Soon MP Louis Ng.
In September, Mr Ng penned a lengthy post on Facebook about his disgruntlement with HDB’s policy on cat ownership.
“The policy of not allowing the keeping of cats in HDB flats has to be reviewed and changed. I’ve spoken up about this for more than a decade now,” he said.
With regard to HDB’s concerns about cats in flats, Mr Ng pointed out that dogs can also shed fur and defecate or urinate in public areas, and bark too.
“HDB’s concerns can be easily addressed. We can ensure that pet cats do not roam indiscriminately and are sterilised. Sterilised cats do not make caterwauling sounds. I have seen firsthand how all these simple measures can be taken and people can keep cats in their flats without affecting their neighbours”, he said.
He also noted that residents are only asked to remove their cats if HDB receives a complaint and goes down to investigate, meaning the ban isn’t actively enforced (which means our office cat was right after all).
“…what is the point of having a rule that we do not actively enforce?” he asked.
He certainly has a point.
Featured Image: Facebook (Tan Chuan-jin)
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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