Get a harness and leash for him, Cheryl. LittleBit was afraid of her own shadow and wouldn't go out, but Midnight, our first (and smarter
) kitty loved being out. I'm a firm believer in indoor cats since I love the birds, too, so Midnight was an indoor cat with outside privileges. When I would work in the garden, she would get leashed up and tied to the garden bench leg. She was perfectly happy laying there watching me, the birds, and neighbor kids. Loved eating the grass, too. Then I'd get to clean up when she came in... Still, if I had to run into the house to get more water to drink (or let some out), I knew I could go in for a few minutes and she wouldn't get into trouble. No mean cat to bother her, though, so you might want to take Mr. Blackie-Boo in if you leash him.