The Scottish government has clarified that it has no intention of banning or restricting cat ownership after reports suggested containment measures could be introduced to protect local wildlife.
First Minister John Swinney addressed the concerns on Monday, assuring the public that Scotland remains a nation of cat lovers and that no such ban is being considered.
His statement followed a report by independent experts that described felines as a threat to Scotland’s wildlife and recommended measures to limit their impact.
The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission released a study highlighting the dangers domestic cats pose to native species. According to their findings, cats kill around 700 million birds and small animals annually in the U.K.
The commission advised the government to explore possible containment strategies, such as keeping pet cats indoors or requiring owners to use leashes.
The report also suggested limiting the introduction of cats into certain areas where wildlife is at risk. Some interpreted this recommendation as a potential ban, sparking strong reactions from pet owners and animal welfare organizations.
Swinney responded to the growing concern by firmly rejecting the idea of any restrictions on cat ownership. “Let me just clear this up today,” he stated. “The government’s not going to be banning cats or restricting cats. We’ve no intention of doing so and we will not be doing it.”
Despite this assurance, the government confirmed it would carefully consider the commission’s recommendations before making any policy decisions.
The report’s suggestions led to sensational headlines across the media. The Daily Mail warned that Scottish households “could be banned from getting a pet cat,” while the Scottish Daily Express dismissed the idea as a “madcap scheme.”
Animal welfare organizations also criticized the notion of strict containment policies. Cats Protection, the U.K.’s largest cat charity, argued that extreme measures were unnecessary. The charity recommended a balanced approach, such as encouraging owners to keep cats indoors at dawn and dusk to protect wildlife without restricting pet ownership.
Alice Palombo, Cats Protection’s government relations officer in Scotland, highlighted the benefits of feline companionship. “Scotland is a nation of cat lovers, with nearly a quarter of households owning a pet cat,” she said. “Cats provide companionship, comfort, and teach important life skills. Everyone who can care for a cat should have the opportunity to experience these benefits.”
