Cat wanting outside

Question
We have a 5 year old short haired neutered male. He's been in our family since we rescued him around 4 years ago. He's declawed and has always been an indoor cat.
Over the past couple days he has been acting very strange. He's loudly crying (he has a sound he uses with me that sounds like mommy) and wanting outside. He's taken to running out when the door is opened to our fenced backyard. Never tries the front door just the back. I am highly concerned about letting him out as he's declawed (front paws only), but don't know what to do.
He got out accidentally when I let the dogs out and I didn't realize he had gotten out but when I went out later he came right up to me letting me know.
I'm just at a loss as to what has gotten into him.
Everything else seems fine with him, he's eating, drinking, playing, going to the litter box just fine, just like always. He's just wanting outside to the point he stalks the back door waiting for someone to go out so he can make a mad dash for the outside.
I'm at a loss as to why he has suddenly become obsessed with outside. I did check to see if there were any other cats in the area that might be in season thinking maybe he was smelling them but there are no other cats around that I can detect.
At this point, any advice, or maybe insight would be great. I just want him to be happy and safe.
Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Kari,

It sounds like there is something out there that he sees and wants. You may not be able to see it but I bet there is a stray around. Or he is really wanting to go after the birds he sees. There isn't too much you can really do about this except guard the door real well. You also may want to try a little aversion therapy. Try using a spray bottle. Every time he goes near the door spray him. See if that works. I have one who used to make a mad dash all the time. I finally had to swat him and yell NO! That startled him and he hasn't done it in a while. You can try that. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen