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.

“Scotland is a nation of cat lovers,” said Alice Palombo, the charity’s advocacy and government relations officer for Scotland, with almost a quarter of households owning a feline pet.

Cat lovers in Scotland can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The Scottish government will not be banning felines in the country home to an estimated 840,000 pet cats.

Did Scotland try to ban cats? Here’s what the government is saying by: AP. Posted: Feb 5, 2025 / 11:31 AM EST. Updated: Feb 5, 2025 / 11:32 AM EST.

“Scotland is a nation of cat lovers,” said Alice Palombo, the charity’s advocacy and government relations officer for Scotland, with almost a quarter of households owning a feline pet.

LONDON (AP) — 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 ...

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission said cats kill at least 700 million birds and other animals each year in the U.K. It advised the government to consider a range of measures, including ...

Cats won’t be banned in Scotland, the government confirms A cat poses for a picture in London, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) A cat poses for a picture … ...

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney gestures during a speech to representatives from organisations across the public and private sector at Playfair Library in Edinburgh, Scotland, Monday, Jan ...

“Scotland is a nation of cat lovers,” said Alice Palombo, the charity’s advocacy and government relations officer for Scotland, with almost a quarter of households owning a feline pet.

A cat poses for a picture in London, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) ...