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.

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.

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.