It has been estimated that cats across the UK bring home tens of millions of animals each year - including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

The report advised the Scottish Government that domestic cats should be subject to restrictions in some areas.

Scotland is not planning to ban cats, the leader of the devolved government insisted Monday, after welfare experts gave ministers pause for thought in a new report.

Reaction to a report into the impact of cats in Scotland on the country's wildlife has caused anger among charities.

The first minister rules out the idea after experts suggest ways to reduce the impact domestic cats have on wildlife.

Households in Scotland could be prohibited from owning cats as part of new plans aimed at protecting the country’s wildlife. A report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) - ordered by the Scottish Government - states that cats are wreaking havoc on the local population of mammals and birds.