Well, it's taken almost two months, but Raymi the cat is back to his normal self!
Yes, he's happy to go outside again. (You can read about his problems here)
After a few weeks he was OK going out at night, albeit very nervously. Even then he'd come back and miaow every ten minutes or so - just to check we're here, I guess. He began to stay out longer and longer before returning to check on us.
Then last weekend he came downstairs at 11am. And went outside!
Now he's back to his normal schedule of going out during the day and coming back in at night. More importantly he is less demanding when he is inside now.
He's found himself a 'spot' and casts his baleful eyes around at Kita playing the fool with her special ball.
The mouse population is diminishing though. One per night so far.
We are going to have to put a cat-flap in before we go away in the summer. I cannot imagine the carnage we may come back to.
Luckily, he doesn't feel the need to bring me presents, alive or dead, he just leaves them on the patio.
Let's hope this practice continues while we're away.