The cat in the flat: Singapore lifts ban on pets in public housing

Rescued cats found at Singapore’s first cageless cat adoption centre and cat cafe at Joo Chiat. Singapore’s ban that excludes cats from much of its housing will be overturned this year. Photograph: Amrita Chandradas/The Guardian

Tommy is, without doubt, the head of his household. If he wants the air conditioning switched on, he simply glares at the unit on the wall. If he wants an early night, he’ll miaow for the TV to be silenced.

But, until now, he has been living in violation of a law that bans cats from much of Singapore’s housing.