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

Scotland’s first minister has been forced to knock down reports that the government is considering banning cats. John Swinney had to issue a statement over the matter after a report from independent experts branded cats as a threat to Scotland’s wildlife.