All of a sudden an outdoor cat?

I've had Otis for about 3 years now maybe 4, I let him and my other cat out on the deck , which is railed off. They usually stay inside of it. But lately Otis started going out into the woods, I would call him and he would come running back in. Well, about 2 weeks ago he went out and never came back, I went out in the woods and found him under some old farm equipment meowing. I walked over to him and he ran into the house. He was fine, just had one tic that I picked off of him. Just the other day he got out again, now its been almost a week that hes been out. I saw him yesterday and went to get him and he took off. It was like I saw a ghost. And the same thing about an hour ago. i saw him, called his name, and he split. he was nowhere to be found. I 've been leaving food out and it seems hes been eating it, I find his hair all over the chair outside... my question is, is it possible he just wants to stay outside now? I cant seem to get him to come in. Hes always been the cat to run when anyone comes over, and Im the only one that has ever been able to pick him up or even pet him..

Any ideas or advice?

Thanks
Xian

Do you mind if I ask what kind of area you live in? I'm afraid I dont have much advise, but is it safe for him outside? (no major highways, animals that would eat him in the woods, that kind of thing?) Was there any major changes in the household? (new cat or other animal, more people coming around, change in food).

I know all my cats have been indoor/outdoor cats, but we did have one that was born a barn cat and given to us, and after we got a dog, he just wouldn't come in anymore...at the time we lived in a desert type area, without any major issues to worry about outside, so we figured he went back to his barn.

Have you tried being outside when he comes around and petting him? (if you can figure out what time he comes around that is) and if you dont know, what about setting up a camera or something of that sort to find out?

Its woodsy and theres a sod farm right behind the house. Its pretty safe for him. He has all of his claws and is a fighter no doubt. nothing has changed around the house at all. I do believe he was a wild cat when he was a baby though. You can just tell. Its usually late at night, im going to pull an all nighter and see if I can talk him into the house. Once winter sets in he wont have a choice but to come back inside...

Originally Posted by Xian120

Its woodsy and theres a sod farm right behind the house. Its pretty safe for him. He has all of his claws and is a fighter no doubt. nothing has changed around the house at all. I do believe he was a wild cat when he was a baby though. You can just tell. Its usually late at night, im going to pull an all nighter and see if I can talk him into the house. Once winter sets in he wont have a choice but to come back inside...

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I'm certainly no expert, but if he was a "wild cat" as a kitty then maybe he's going back to his roots now that he's older. Some cats are meant to be indoor only cats and some were probably bread to be outdoor cats and that's what their instincts tell them to do.

Well, guess who decided to come back tonight, Just about 30 mins ago I saw him on the porch, I opened the door and just sat down and let him come in onhis own. Him and Mugs had a growling and hissing match for a bit but all seems well now... checked him for tics and war wounds but found none.. he looks a little skinny and feels lighter but hes eating....

Traveler, I was thinking the same exact thing..

I'm glad he made it back in. And the fact he wasn't hurt should help ease your mind if he does it again, I know it would mine

No kidding, hes dirty and a little skinny but hes good. I did another look for tics and did find one on his neck.. sometimes they're so small you cant find em until they start filling up... so to say.. lol