LONDON — The Scottish administration has made it clear that there are no intentions to impose a ban on cats.
This clarification came from First Minister John Swinney following a report by independent experts that identified cats as a potential danger to wildlife in Scotland, proposing “containment” measures to mitigate the harm they cause.

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission highlighted that in the United Kingdom, cats are responsible for the deaths of approximately 700 million birds and various other animals each year.
It encouraged the government to explore several options, such as keeping cats indoors or on leashes, in order to safeguard threatened species like the Scottish wildcat.
The report also mentioned that “cat containment” could involve introducing limits on how cats are brought into homes in sensitive locations, which some individuals perceived as a de facto ban.

The Scottish government has pledged to “fully consider” the recommendations made by the commission.
However, in a country renowned for its love for animals, these proposals triggered sensational headlines. The Daily Mail proclaimed, “Fury as households in Scotland could be banned from getting a pet cat,” while the Scottish Daily Express dismissed the idea as a “madcap scheme.”

To defend the government’s stance, Swinney addressed the media, emphasizing the commitment to the feline populace.
“Let me clear this up today,” he stated on Monday. “The government’s not going to be banning cats or imposing restrictions on them. We have no plans to do so.”

Cats Protection, the largest cat charity in the U.K., was quick to dismiss the notion of stringent containment strategies.
They advocated for more practical solutions, such as keeping cats indoors during dawn and dusk to reconcile the needs of both domestic cats and wildlife.

“Scotland is a nation of cat lovers,” remarked Alice Palombo, the charity’s advocacy and government relations officer in Scotland, pointing out that nearly 25% of households in the country have a cat residing with them.

“Cats serve as wonderful companions for various reasons, offering solace to the elderly, comfort to those with health challenges, and helping children understand the responsibilities of caring for others,” she added.
“We believe that anyone who can provide for a cat should have the opportunity to reap the rewards these pets offer.”