It has become a routine lately that the cats go outside for ten or fifteen minutes every Sunday. I put Frankie’s harness and leash on and walk around the yard with him while Rose keeps an eye on Chris and Puck. It seems that Frankie has gradually come to realize that there are plenty of interesting things in our own back yard and has become less envious of what is on the other side of the fence. The last time I had him on the leash he did not even attempt to go through the fence.
It was then that I decided it was time to lose the leash and let Frankie play with Chris and puck unencumbered. I was pretty confident that he would stay close if I watched him and “herded” him away from the fence if needed. I was also certain he would return home since he has done so before and he was now very familiar with the area. I did need to hedge my bet a little in case I was wrong so I decided to stop at PetSmart last week. They have a machine there that engraves tags, so I bought one for Frankie and put his name, our address and phone numbers on it.
On Sunday I put the tag on a collar that I have had for awhile and put the collar on Frankie. We then crossed our fingers and let them all out.
Surprising, Frankie was not a bad cat and stayed close most of the time. The only issue I had was when he walked into our neighbor’s patio like Chris did a few weeks ago. Chris, however, caught a lizard and ran into the house with it. Oh well, at least they had fun.
Bad Cat Chris 
Very cute!
Thanks
such adorable kitties!!!
Thanks Caren.
Frankie’s EXCELLENT Adventure! Hes sure looks like hes having a HOOT!
Kisses
Nellie
They all love it outside.
Go Frankie!!!
Thank you. I am very proud of his behavior.
What a great adventure for Frankie ! Purrs
He already wants to do it again.
Looks like a good time! My human does not think ANY of us would be well-behaved outside off leash.
We hope Frankie continues to be a good boy when outside.
That really looks like so much fun. Good job jumping up in that tree, Frankie. We all wear collars with name tags and our parents’ info all the time. Never know when one of us might escape the catio. Sorry you don’t get outside more than once per week. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Reblogged this on Bad Cat Chris and commented:
Here is a post from March 2015 for Throwback Thursday. We decided to let Frankie out without a leash and it didn’t backfire.
Ahhhhh…..just realized this was a reblog! LOL I guess Frankie was (at least back then) bonded to being around the other cats and home.
Hugs, Pam
Frankie has always like to venture away from home but I think there was a lot to do in the backyard and with the other cats around perhaps he was compelled to stick around.