A Straits Times forum letter proposing supposedly sound reasons calling for HDB to ban cats in flats has been met with a reasoned rebuttal by the Cat Welfare Society:

In other words, cats aren't exactly the main problem, if you get the drift.

This is the CWS response in full:

Say it again, for the person in the back! ? This is our response to Mr Peter Khaw’s letter in the link below.

Point 1: "Cats can be a nuisance and are known to wander - and defaecate - wherever they please."

A lot of behaviorial issues are easily fixed with sterilization and inexpensive meshing. Sterilized males do not spray – this marking is sometimes confused for urination – and have a decreased urge to roam. Meshing is an additional measure to keep cats indoors. Cats are also not likely to defecate "wherever they please" as they have a natural instinct to bury their poop. Also, humans can be a nuisance too.

Point 2: "There are also diseases that can spread from cats to humans."

There are very few diseases that spread from cats to humans but one that is commonly mentioned is toxoplasmosis. While you can get infected if you handle an infected cat’s faeces and subsequetly forget to wash your hands, you are actually more likely to get toxoplasmosis from eating undercooked or uncooked food. Simple, conscientious hygiene practices will suffice. More information can be found here: http://www.health24.com/…/Diseases-from-cats-Client-20120721

Point 3: “We should be mindful that there are many Singaporeans who are not animal lovers.”

But Peter, if you’re on a diet, does that mean I’m not allowed to eat a donut? ?

You do not need to be an animal lover to recognize that someone else is. Many pet owners (of dogs, cats, birds, rabbits etc) are responsible and take the necessary steps to ensure happiness and peacefulness both in their homes and with their neighbours. Issues arise with the irresponsible owners but unfortunately, without proper legislation, it is hard to prosecute these errant and incorrigible people to the fullest extent of the law.

Should you need any cat-related assistance, please contact us at [email protected]. We are always happy to help.

Here are articles showing community cats coexisting peacefully with humankind in Singapore:

Enchanting fat cat enchants senior folks at Holland Drive with its lumpen adorableness

Cat hero policeman attracting even more cats: Still a better love story than Twilight

Socks, a Yew Tee cat, hangs out along the corridor like this in real life

LTA enforcement officer who saved cat from tree is lifelong cat lover, cared for 25 cats

15-year-old pawn shop cat Lao Mao nowhere to go after shop sold, another shop down the lane took it in

Top photo via Wikimedia

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