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

It has been estimated that cats across the UK kill tens of millions of wild animals each year - including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Countries such as Australia have set up initiatives including curfews and containment areas in response to the problem.

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.

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

First Minister John Swinney issued the statement after a report by independent experts suggested felines be contained to reduce threats to local wildlife.

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission said cats kill at least 700 million birds and other animals each year in the U.K.