Great article Heidi! At first I thought it was your own writing..
My cats DO go outside with me or hubby,they get their collars on and out we go.
They seem to know their boundaries and I always keep them in sight,all they do is sniff around,run around like crazy,have no interest in what goes on on the other side of the fence.
In the winter,maybe we are outside 15min,but in the summer for a few hours,when mostly the lay in the sun snoozing,while we. garden or swim in the pool.
With all my bird-feeders and the occasional mouse,there is enough to keep them busy
However,they are just as happy when it's time to go inside and all three run in like little obedient children.I am very proud of them!!