HDB Approved Cat Breeds in Singapore: What Is and Is Not Allowed (2026)

Unlike dogs, cats in Singapore HDB flats do not have a breed-specific approved list. Almost every domestic cat breed is permitted in an HDB flat. The only breeds that cannot be kept anywhere in Singapore are Bengal cats and Savannah cats, which are nationally prohibited from import and ownership. Every other commonly kept domestic breed is allowed.

Why There Is No "HDB Cat Breed List"

HDB's approved pet framework for dogs is built around a specific list of permitted breeds because large or aggressive dog breeds present welfare and neighbour concerns in high-density housing. For cats, HDB does not use the same breed-approval mechanism. The rules focus on the number of cats per household and licensing compliance, not on breed selection.

This means that if you are searching for a list of "HDB-approved cat breeds," the practical answer is: any domestic cat breed is permitted, provided it is not one of the two nationally prohibited breeds.

Prohibited Breeds: Cannot Be Kept Anywhere in Singapore

Two cat breeds are banned from import, ownership, and sale in Singapore at the national level. This is not an HDB-specific restriction — these breeds cannot be kept in HDB flats, condominiums, or private landed property.

No exemption exists for earlier generations (F1, F2, F3 etc.) or for animals imported before the restriction. If you are importing a cat to Singapore, confirm the breed is not a Bengal or Savannah before starting the process. Genetic testing may be required if the breed is uncertain.

For cats that were in Singapore before restrictions on their breed took effect, contact AVS at avs.nparks.gov.sg for guidance on your specific situation.

Permitted Breeds in HDB Flats

All domestic cat breeds not on the national prohibition list are permitted in HDB flats. The following are among the most commonly kept breeds in Singapore, all permitted:

Short-haired breeds: Domestic Shorthair (the most common), Siamese, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Abyssinian, Russian Blue, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Burmese, Tonkinese, Ocicat, Egyptian Mau, Bombay, Chartreux

Long-haired breeds: Persian, Himalayan, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Turkish Angora, Turkish Van, Birman, Balinese

Semi-long and medium-length coated breeds: Ragdoll, Ragamuffin, Somali, Siberian (Neva Masquerade), Scottish Fold, Scottish Straight, Munchkin

Hairless and low-shedding breeds: Sphynx, Peterbald, Donskoy

This is not an exhaustive list. If your breed is not listed here, verify directly with AVS before importing or acquiring. The key question is whether the breed has wild-cat ancestry in its recent lineage (within four or five generations), which is the basis for the Bengal and Savannah prohibitions.

The 2-Cat Per Household Rule

Cats have been officially permitted in HDB flats since 1 September 2024, ending a 34-year policy that prohibited them. The current HDB rules cap cat ownership at 2 cats per household, regardless of flat size.

This limit applies to the registered address, not the individual owner. If two family members share a 3-room flat, the household can keep a combined maximum of 2 cats total.

For households that had more than 2 cats prior to the rule change, AVS has not announced an exemption or grandfather clause for numbers above the limit.

Private property: Condominiums set their own pet policies through their management committees. Some condos allow more than 2 cats, some allow none. Check the strata regulations for your building before assuming the HDB limit applies. Landed properties generally face no cat number limit at the national level, though AVS licensing applies.

Licensing: The August 2026 Deadline

All cats in Singapore must be licensed via the PALS portal at pals.avs.gov.sg by 31 August 2026. During the free transition period (which runs until that date), there is no licence fee.

After 31 August 2026, unlicensed cats are an offence under the Animals and Birds Rules 2024, with fines of up to SGD 5,000.

What you need to licence your cat:

• ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip (arrange with a licensed vet if not yet chipped)
• SingPass login
• Proof of vaccination
• Sterilisation certificate if your cat is sterilised (sterilised cats receive a lifetime licence; unsterilised cats receive a renewable annual licence)
• Completion of the free PORK (Pet Owner Responsibility and Knowledge) online course (first-time applicants only, takes approximately 30 minutes)

For a full step-by-step walkthrough of the PALS application, see our cat licensing guide for Singapore.

Importing a Cat to Singapore and Planning to Live in an HDB Flat

If you are bringing a cat from overseas to Singapore and intend to live in an HDB flat, the breed check is one of the first steps — before you begin the import process.

What to confirm before starting an import:

1. The breed is not a Bengal or Savannah (nationally prohibited)
2. The breed does not have recent wild-cat ancestry that could fall under AVS restrictions
3. Your flat can accommodate a maximum of 2 cats (combined with any cat already in the household)

Most expats relocating to Singapore with a domestic cat face no breed-related obstacles. The import process itself covers microchipping, vaccination, titre testing (if coming from a Schedule II or III country), AVS import licence, CAPQ clearance, and mandatory quarantine at AQC (for Schedule III origins such as Malaysia). For help with the full import process, see importing a cat to Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a Bengal cat overseas. Can I bring it to Singapore? No. Bengal cats are nationally prohibited in Singapore. They cannot be imported, and no exemption exists for domestic or certified-pedigree animals. Rehoming before your move, or making alternative arrangements for the cat, is the only option.

Is the Scottish Fold allowed in HDB? Yes. Scottish Folds are permitted in Singapore HDB flats. There are no breed-specific restrictions for Scottish Folds at either the HDB or national level. Note that Singapore veterinary guidelines discourage breeding of Scottish Folds due to the genetic bone and joint conditions associated with the fold gene — but owning a Scottish Fold is not prohibited.

My cat is a mix of Ragdoll and Siamese. Is it allowed? Yes. Mixed domestic breeds are permitted in HDB flats as long as the mix does not include Bengal, Savannah, or other wild-cat hybrid ancestry.

Can I keep 2 cats and a dog in an HDB flat? Yes. The 2-cat limit applies specifically to cats. You can keep up to 2 cats and 1 dog in an HDB flat, provided the dog is from the HDB-approved breed list. For the dog breed list, see our HDB approved dog breeds guide.

I rent an HDB flat. My landlord says cats are fine, but I want to confirm the breed is allowed. HDB's September 2024 policy change permits cats at the public policy level. Breed restrictions in Singapore are national, not HDB-specific — if a breed is not nationally prohibited, it is permitted in HDB. That said, your tenancy agreement may still restrict pets. Confirm the breed is not Bengal or Savannah, then confirm with your landlord in writing.

Does the breed need to be registered with a cat club or official registry? No. AVS licensing via PALS does not require pedigree registration or breed club membership. You declare the breed on the PALS application and that is sufficient for licensing purposes.

Moving to Singapore with a cat? Contact our team for help with the full import process, from AVS import licence to CAPQ clearance and AQC quarantine.

Sources: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), Housing and Development Board (HDB). Verify current breed restrictions and licensing requirements before proceeding.