The Scottish government wants everyone to know it does not plan to ban cats. First Minister John Swinney was forced to issue the statement after a report by independent experts branded felines a threat to Scotland’s wildlife and suggested “containment” measures be considered to reduce the damage.

The country's first minister was forced to issue the statement after a report branded felines a threat to Scotland’s wildlife and suggested “containment” measures be considered.

It has been estimated that cats across the UK kill tens of millions of wild animals each year - including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Countries such as Australia have set up initiatives including curfews and containment areas in response to the problem.

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) has recommended a ban on cats in Scotland as well as the introduction of curfews and leads for the animals

The SNP are considering banning domestic cats in a bid to protect wild animals, it has been reported. Under new proposals owners could be ordered to keep moggies indoors or even be stopped from owning a feline altogether in some areas.

An SNP report about cat ownership has produced a flurry of headlines over an approaching “cat ban” in Scotland. But is it true?

The first minister rules out the idea after experts suggest ways to reduce the impact domestic cats have on wildlife.

Scotland is not planning to ban cats, the leader of the devolved government insisted Monday, after welfare experts gave ministers pause for thought in a new report.

The cat’s out of the bag — and is here to say. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney dispelled rumors Monday that the country was planning to ban cats after an independent commission produced a report calling for “containment” of felines to protect endangered birds and other wildlife.

ScotRail have seemingly poked fun at the Scottish Government following rumours that ministers were planning to ban cats in the country. It comes after the Glasgow Times revealed that John Swinney completely rejected reports put forward from the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) – a group of independent experts – which recommended the government look at potentially instituting containment areas for cats to protect local wildlife.