leash training

Question
Hello, I actually have 2 questions.  I hope that you can help with both.  The first being that my cat and I have just recently moved across town to a new home.  He had been an indoor/outdoor cat until now. He had free reign to come and go as he pleased prior to the move.But since the move, for fear of him running away, he has been kept strictly indoors. He seems to be adjusting well, eating, using the litter box, etc.  The only thing is now he seems extremely bored.  We have gotten some toys and that seemed to help a little bit, but I feel he misses his outdoor romps.  So, what would be the likelihood that he would try to find his way back to his old hunting grounds?  I have purchased a harness collar, which he is becoming used to, and have started taking him outside for walks.  So far, he is ok with the experience.  But still is not the happiest when we try to bring him in.  I will say that I have been pre-advised that this will be a long process and it will take an immense amount of patience.  My concern is that I'm doing more harm than good by garnering his freedom.  His behavior is still loving after the outings for now, but do you think he will ever be ok to be on his own again outside without the leash,be able to be let off the leash like a dog and then return back, or will he run away? I know most of that depends on each individual cat but if you have more insight I would sincerely appreciate your help.
Thank you,
Kat

Answer
Hello!

I would certainly encourage you to keep your kitty inside permanently.  My cats used to be allowed outdoors.  And I can't count the number of times they went missing, came home seriously injured, were riddled with mites, and got sick.  Like you, I just couldn't see taking their liberty away.

But when I moved away to an area on a highway, where cats were going missing left and right because coyotes were picking them off, I decided to make them indoor-only cats.  For the first few months, they did have cabin fever.  Now, though, I can say with all confidence that they are healthier, happier cats that are more affectionate and beautiful than ever.  They don't dash for the door anymore

A move is the perfect time to convert your indoor/outdoor cat into an indoor-only cat.  It will be much easier than trying to convert him to an indoor cat once he's used to his surroundings outside.  I would really urge you to take this opportunity to keep him inside.  It's safest and healthiest for him.

You may know that cats have a homing instinct - they have a cluster of magnetized cells in the brain that act as a compass.  A cat is able to find his way home from miles and miles away.  The consensus is that it takes about 2 months for this homing instinct to be reprogrammed to a cat's new home.  However, I've had a cat sneak out and return to our old place after 7 months.  So I would have to recommend that, if you DO decide to let him out, you wait at least 6 months.

The walks on the harness should be enough for him to soak up the sun and fresh air.  I have built several large outdoor kennels for my cats to do just that, safely.  The kennels are attached to the house, and the cats have access to them 24 hours a day through a cat door set in a window.  I don't know if this would be possible or desirable for you.  

If your yard is fenced in and you own your home, there are apparatuses you can place around the fence to keep your kitty in the yard.  Here's one type:  http://www.catfencein.com/brochure2.php

And if you don't own your home, something less permanent, like a kitty walk, might be an option.  My grandmother and a good friend use them, and their cats love them.  Here's the page in a pet supply catalog that sells them:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/general.cfm?gid=305&ctt=58&ref=oc&subref=br&source...