Thanks for replying, i am south cheshire/ north staffs border. Its not that we live by a busy road or anything - Alan used to go out to the loo, sniff around and would come back in which suited him and us, as i do work (school hours) so i liked knowing he was in,warm and safe . I have only ever known that really. I think i may panic a bit if he or she didnt come back so a cat who likes staying close would be better! My friend suggested a Persian may suit as they are very chilled and dont go far, but i dont know? I wondered if Al was cross persian, he had a lovely long coat and little legs, huge paws!. We do have cats next door, 4 of them, and they all use our garden as a cut through, Alan didnt seem to mind?!?