I'm going to agree here with tokolosh. Keeping a cat inside that is determined to go outside is next to impossible. I think we all agree that outside isn't the safest place for animals, but as was mentioned earlier, outside under supervision or for brief periods with a way back inside is a much better alternative than what some kitties experience. I know the risks are higher for shorter lifespan and other dangers, but sometimes that is the reality. Morgan was a strictly inside cat and when I got Aroara, that was the plan with her. She definitely had other ideas. My house was in the country with woods and fields and those things tempted her way too much to keep her inside all the time. Plus she is terribly destructive in trying to get outside. I could take photos of the carpet and doors for you. She has her routine. That is the main reason that when I moved into a new house, I had to leave her at my parents. She would be miserable if she couldn't go outside, and she would make me miserable. And I couldn't let her go outside at all here safely. So I get visitation and pay child support and she lives at my parents' house.

Also, I completely agree with the over analyzing of what to do about a new cat. Along with my new house, I inherited a cat. My grandmother had to move to assisted living, so I'm in her house and with her cat. He is neurotic to say the least. But then living with her for his first 4 years didn't help. We've made great progress in the last 7 months or so, but I miss normal kitties so much! I have had dozens of kitties and know they all have their own personalities. Morgan was the absolute best kitty I could ever imagine. And I know that I'll never get another one like him. And it isn't fair to kitties to expect them to be like him either. But being with Tommy isn't what I'm used to either. I do go home to visit and play with my kitties there, but I've seriously been thinking of getting another one for here. I've been running through all the possibilities in my head similar to what you've mentioned and haven't come up with a solution yet either. I guess I'll just keep my eyes and ears opened and when I see someone that is desperate for a home, I'll adopt. A few towns away from me there was a call from the humane society that they had over 300 cats and kittens. I desperately wanted to go and pick one out, but then I got anxiety picturing myself trying to decide on just one. I'd feel guilty about not taking them all. So I didn't go. And now I feel guilty about that. I know that I'll help some needy kitty eventually. Anyway, the point of this was to say that I completely understand all sides of all the issues here. And I don't think it is fair for any one of us to judge another one of us. We're all here for the love of animals, particularly cats being discussed here. I hope everyone remembers that. And I also hope that when you make your decision, you'll be willing to share that and lots of pictures with us!