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

John Swinney has denied Scots could be banned from keeping cats as pets in a bid to protect wild animals. The First Minister was responding claims from the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) which warned domesticated felines have a "significant impact on wildlife populations".

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.

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.

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.

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.