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.

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

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

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 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.