An animal welfare body, set up to advise the Scottish Government, recently suggested that domestic cat populations are causing significant damage to native mammal and bird populations, sparking debate as to effective measures that could be implemented going forward.
The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) has proposed, as a potential solution, that domestic cats could be banned or contained, in areas where wildlife is at risk.
This would involve compulsory restrictions to prevent cats from roaming outdoors, unless they were on a lead or in a purpose built run.
Fierce debate
The commission's report is expected to give rise to fierce debate across Scotland, with cat lovers shocked by the proposal.
"Scotland is a nation of cat lovers", explained Alice Palombo who works as government relations officer for Cats Protection. "Cats are much-loved pets, and for many people, they're part of the family".
"Ideally, all cats should have the option to access the outside world. Cats need to be able to perform natural cat-like behaviours if they're to live happy, healthy lives", she continued.
Commenting on the proposal to walk cats on lead, Alice voiced further concerns.
"As highly independent animals, cats do not like to be restrained, especially for long periods of time, so wearing a harness will likely be stressful for them".
Protecting wildlife
Research suggests that around 57 million mammals and 27 million birds are brought home by cats each year.
SAWC has called for a report into the effects of introducing cat containment areas and restrictions, in order to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of these potential plans.
The Scottish Government has confirmed they will consider the SAWC's recommendations.
