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 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.

The Scottish government has said it will "under no circumstances" be banning cats after being urged to order a report to explore measures for protecting at-risk wildlife.

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

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. It suggested the government take drastic measures including keeping cats locked inside - and even banning ownership altogether.

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.