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

Scottish Animal Welfare Commission had called for containment zones with restrictions on cats but John Swinney ministers were not poised to impose a ban, or restrictions, on cats.

The report advised the Scottish Government that domestic cats should be subject to restrictions in some areas.

The SNP are considering banning domestic cats in a bid to protect wild animals, it has been reported. Under new proposals owners could be ordered to keep moggies indoors or even be stopped from owning a feline altogether in some areas.

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) has recommended a ban on cats in Scotland as well as the introduction of curfews and leads for the animals

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.

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.

Households in Scotland could be prohibited from owning cats as part of new plans aimed at protecting the country’s wildlife. A report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) - ordered by the Scottish Government - states that cats are wreaking havoc on the local population of mammals and birds.