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.

Exasperated Swinney forced to deny he plans to ban cat ownership in Scotland - Independent report says domestic cats kill 27 million birds in the UK each year

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