Hello everyone! I adopted a 3 year old Tom cat (I had him neutered as soon as I adopted him) about a month and a half ago from the local shelter. Considering he was found not neutered and as a stray, you would assume he would not be very friendly but he really is the sweetest cat that just loves attention (He's sprawled out across my desk right now 
)
The problem that I am having is taking him outside. I can't bear the thought of him being indoor-only knowing that he knows that the outdoor exists (unlike cats that have been indoor-only since birth). Also, the cats I have had when I lived with my parents have always been indoor/outdoor, free to roam as they please. But the area where my parents live is completely safe and the most threatening thing would be another cat. Where I live now on the other hand is not so safe. Firstly I don't have an enclosed backyard. I live in a townhouse that shares a very large field with other houses. Secondly, past the field is forest and I have seen a number of foxes out there. Thirdly there is a very large sewer drain next to the field that he could easily disappear into.This means that my cat going out unsupervised is not an option. So I have resorted to a harness and leash which he deals with considerably well. He lets me put them on without a hassle and he runs to the door as soon as they're set. He walks normally in it too. The actual issue I'm having though is him wanting to explore every nook and cranny of the outdoors. I understand that he IS a cat so that is to be expected, but when he wants to go up trees and onto neighbors' porches and when I don't allow him to just BE a cat I feel like he's absolutely miserable! He just meows and pulls and whines. And I have a limited amount of time I can stay outdoors with him (usually 20-30min) so when it's time to bring him back in he just pulls and whines some more. Once he's inside he gets into this agitated state for a while where he stampedes around the house twitching his tail and grumbling almost. I feel like I'm doing more harm then good when I take him outside!
I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows of other options that will allow him to enjoy the outdoors like a cat should? Sorry for the long post
)The problem that I am having is taking him outside. I can't bear the thought of him being indoor-only knowing that he knows that the outdoor exists (unlike cats that have been indoor-only since birth). Also, the cats I have had when I lived with my parents have always been indoor/outdoor, free to roam as they please. But the area where my parents live is completely safe and the most threatening thing would be another cat. Where I live now on the other hand is not so safe. Firstly I don't have an enclosed backyard. I live in a townhouse that shares a very large field with other houses. Secondly, past the field is forest and I have seen a number of foxes out there. Thirdly there is a very large sewer drain next to the field that he could easily disappear into.This means that my cat going out unsupervised is not an option. So I have resorted to a harness and leash which he deals with considerably well. He lets me put them on without a hassle and he runs to the door as soon as they're set. He walks normally in it too. The actual issue I'm having though is him wanting to explore every nook and cranny of the outdoors. I understand that he IS a cat so that is to be expected, but when he wants to go up trees and onto neighbors' porches and when I don't allow him to just BE a cat I feel like he's absolutely miserable! He just meows and pulls and whines. And I have a limited amount of time I can stay outdoors with him (usually 20-30min) so when it's time to bring him back in he just pulls and whines some more. Once he's inside he gets into this agitated state for a while where he stampedes around the house twitching his tail and grumbling almost. I feel like I'm doing more harm then good when I take him outside!
I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows of other options that will allow him to enjoy the outdoors like a cat should? Sorry for the long post
Wessie used to be outdoors, as it is pretty safe where we live. Unfortunately, he went into our neighbors garden, and did his stuff there. One day, our neighbor shot him. Luckily, Wessie didn't have fatal wounds, but he can't go outside anymore. It was pretty bad for him at first, but he seems to be coping with staying indoors better now.
