LONDON -- 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.

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.

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 Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) urged ministers to explore introducing containment zones -- within which there would be restrictions on cats -- to protect wildlife in "vulnerable areas".

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 SNP has considered a ban on owning cats amid concerns for local wildlife. An animal welfare body employed to advise Scotland’s government has said pet cats are decimating populations of local mammals and birds. Cats are believed to kill around 250,000 bats and a whopping 27 million birds in the UK each year.

The Scottish government clarified it has no plans to ban cats following a report suggesting cats pose a threat to wildlife. The report proposed 'containment' methods, sparking backlash. First Minister John Swinney assured the public there will be no cat ban,

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.

Cats are great pets for all sorts of reasons, whether it’s providing companionship for elderly people or those living alone, comfort for people with health conditions or help