According to The Straits Times, cats were prohibited in HDB flats starting in 1960 as part of a general prohibition on all pets and livestock. According to the HDB website, the rule is still in effect because it can be challenging to contain cats inside a unit.
It continues by saying that cats, "when permitted to roam indiscriminately... tend to shed hair and defecate or urine in public spaces, as well as create caterwauling sounds, which can inconvenience" other locals.
HDB said that it is collaborating with AVS to investigate the prospect of permitting cats to be maintained as pets in apartments and will take into account comments made during the consultation stage.
An HDB spokesman stated in response to questions from The Straits Times that retaining the current prohibition was done so as to promote a nice and peaceful living environment in HDB estates.
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The official continued, "We try to strike a balance between the interests of individuals who enjoy pet's company and those who might be negatively impacted by amenities as a result of irresponsible pet ownership.
