He is 15 years old and since we moved into an upper-floor apartment he really misses his occasional foray outdoors in my back yard. He is a wise cat, one of those who comes when he is called, and one who understands No and OK. Neat cat.
Yesterday I borrowed a cat leash from a friend and put it on him. He took scarce notice of it so an hour later I put him in a carrier and took him to the hillside behind the apartment building. I stayed with him for an hour while he prowled and climbed and sniffed around and chewed the occasional grass blade. My dog stayd with him, seeming charmed at his interest in the world.
Eventually I put him back in the carrier - under protest - and brought him home. Tonight I'll take him out again. Maybe I'll tuck him under my arm so that he doesn't associate the carrier with his loss of freedom.