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

The country's first minister was forced to issue the statement after a report branded felines a threat to Scotland’s wildlife and suggested “containment” measures be considered.

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.