Due to recent confusion, the Scottish government has clarified that it does not plan to ban cats, but instead, suggests imposing more restrictions and laws on their ownership.

The main focus of the “ban” is to protect endangered birds and species whose populations are decreasing due to felines. According to AP.com, domesticated cats kill an estimated 700 million birds and small animals yearly in the U.K. Although that is a high number, it is unknown how many specifically died in Scotland. The potential laws suggest keeping domestic cats indoors at all times or on leashes when outside and restricting the introduction of cats in “vulnerable areas,” which many consider a ban.

Cats.org states that around 22% of households in Scotland own feline companions, making a “ban” or “restriction” on cats very controversial. Scotland’s government has faced resistance from citizens regarding these proposals but has assured the public that all feedback will be considered when implementing these restrictions.

https://apnews.com/article/scotland-cats-wildlife-186c3c2d2c586a57c831ec4061f246b3 

https://nypost.com/2025/02/04/world-news/scotland-denies-rumored-ban-on-cats/ 

https://www.cats.org.uk/media/2sznedmy/ed_687-cats-report-2023_scotland_digi.pdf