Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and the UK Prime Minister’s spokesperson have firmly denied rumors that the Scottish government intends to ban cat ownership following a report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission.

The report, published last Monday, recommended measures for responsible domestic cat ownership, including promoting vaccination, neutering, and potentially restricting cat access in rural areas with red-listed bird species.

These proposals, part of broader feline welfare considerations, sparked outrage after media outlets misinterpreted them as a cat ownership ban.

The report, which explored restrictions in other jurisdictions, suggested keeping cats indoors or using leashes to protect local wildlife, particularly bird species.

However, it also acknowledged the negative effects of limiting outdoor access on cat welfare.

The proposal included potential stipulations for new housing developments in rural conservation areas.

The controversy reached a peak after online claims that the Scottish government planned to ban cats altogether.

An exasperated Swinney swiftly denied the rumors during an interview with Bauer Radio, stating, 'The government’s not going to be banning cats or restricting cats.

We have no intention of doing so and we’ll not be doing it.'

The UK Prime Minister’s spokesperson also dismissed the idea, stating there were no plans for restrictions on cats in the UK. Alice Palombo of Cats Protection, a UK charity, raised concerns about the impact of such measures on feline welfare, especially regarding the use of leads, which could cause stress to cats.

The Scottish government’s clarification comes as public and media interest in the issue continues to grow, with figures like former Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls expressing disbelief over the controversy.