AVS survey: 90% of respondents support having cats as pets, most support having them in HDB flats

A survey by the Animal & Veterinary Services (AVS) has found that 90 per cent of its respondents support having cats as pets, with most of them supporting the possibility of cats living in HDB flats.

AVS launched this public survey in September 2022 to seek feedback on the proposed approach to improve the management and welfare of pet and community cats in Singapore.

With over 30,000 responses, the survey sought the public’s views and feedback. Some areas include expanding the licensing and microchipping scheme to include pet cats, extending the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme for free-roaming dogs to community cats, and new engagement and outreach programmes to promote responsible cat ownership, the adoption of cats, and responsible community cat caregiving.

Over 80 per cent of the respondents agreed that pet cats should be microchipped and licensed. They believe that licensing could help to improve the health, welfare and traceability of cats.

Around 80 per cent of respondents also felt that the proposed TNRM for cats would be effective in managing the community cat population.

More than 90 per cent of respondents agreed that cat owners should ensure the safety of their cats and protect them from encountering hazards. Close to 80 per cent of respondents also agreed that first-time dog and cat owners should attend a mandatory short course for them to be equipped with basic pet care skills.

To improve standards of pet care, AVS will, in continued partnership with the community and animal welfare groups, explore new ways to promote responsible pet ownership, the adoption of cats, and responsible community cat caregiving.

Additionally, AVS will continue to engage stakeholders and members of the public who expressed their interest to be engaged further during the public survey, through focus group discussions (FGDs).

These FGDs will discuss the proposed approach to cat management and its potential impact on pet cats and their owners, as well as community cats and their caregivers.