The cat’s out of the bag — and is here to say. 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 to protect endangered birds and other wildlife.

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.

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.