I have a Bombay (short black haired cat) who has lived with me for two years now in my small Brooklyn apartment. He was rescued by a friend on a cold evening during which she heard him screaming by a dumpster. She took him inside and he immediately went to the litter box. I think that means he was thrown out of someone's house. He is extremely vocal, but I don't mind.

The problem is I just had a deck built outside my house, and I let him out with me, but he has jumped into the neighbor's yard causing me a huge pain in the butt. I feel terrible not letting him come out with me, but when I do, and I stop him from leaving the deck, he gets furious with me; hissing, meowing, tensing up. I've thought about sending him to a friend's farm, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet. I've thought about walking him on a leash, as embarrassing a prospect as that is, but I don't think that would satisfy his independent urges.

Other than wanting to go outside, he loves living with me. He's very happy around the house, he sleeps with me, he likes to be pet. Also, I can distract him by throwing his toys around with him and playing with string. But since I live in the City, and my lifestyle really won't permit it, I can't let him be an outside cat. It breaks my heart to see how much he wants to go explore but it would be really dangerous for him.

Please email any advice you can my way dnmadoff@comcast.net. I love him and I would hate to see him go. Thank you!

Daniel