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

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It is an unusual topic for John Swinney, who is more often seen discussing issues such as the state of the NHS and proposed increases to council tax. But the First Minister has now been forced to insist publicly that Scotland will “not be banning cats” following a series of bizarre reports at the weekend.

First Minister John Swinney has responded to reports that the Scottish Government is considering banning cats. Reports emerged over the weekend of a report from the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) – a group of independent experts – which recommended the Scottish Government look at potentially instituting containment areas for cats to protect local wildlife.