It was said that cats kill 700 million birds a year, the Scottish government confirms that these pets will not be banned

The Scottish government wants everyone to know that it has no plans to ban cats.

First Minister John Swinney was forced to issue the statement after a report by independent experts labelled the cats a threat to Scotland's wildlife and suggested "deterrent" measures should be considered to reduce the damage.

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

He advised the government to consider a range of measures, including keeping domestic cats indoors or on leashes, to protect endangered species such as Scottish wildcats.

The report said that “cat containment” measures could also include “restrictions on the introduction of cats into households in vulnerable areas” – interpreted by some as an effective ban.

The Scottish government said it would "take full account" of the recommendations.

In a nation of animal lovers, the suggestions sparked alarmist headlines.

The Daily Mail reported: “Furious families in Scotland could be banned from owning a pet cat.” The Daily Express called the idea a “crazy scheme.”

Swinney, who heads Scotland's devolved government based in Edinburgh, spoke to reporters to defend the administration's pro-cat credentials. /Telegraph/

"Let me make this clear today. The government is not going to ban or restrict cats. We have no intention of doing that and we will not do that," he said on Monday.