Providing outdoor stimulation to Carson (sp. Felis catus carsonii) in order to determine entertainment value to one human (Homo sapiens amyii)

Introduction:
I have made the radical decision to risk my mental well-being by letting our cats go outside . . . on a leash of course! On the one hand, after cats have been introduced to the glory and independence of the outdoors, they will always want to be outdoors, making it hard to walk near a door without hearing that nagging meowing. However, animals that are "caged" need stimulation to keep their minds young and healthy. For example, at the zoo animals are presented with challenges to keep them active. The cheetahs share a chain fence with the kangaroos, keeping both sides of the fence "stimulated" (i.e. cheetahs pace back and forth, frustrated by the tease, while the kangaroos shit their pants). Therefore, my experiment is to provide our cats, who recently made the stressful move from a fairly large condo to a much much smaller abode, with exciting new experiences. Thus, given freedom within certain limitations, Carson should respond to outdoor simulation in a way that benefits all.


Methods:
-The experiment has been tested on Carson first, because she is more dog-like than Corin. Whereas Corin is more afraid to do something, Carson has no concern for her personal safety. An ideal test subject
- Carson is required to wear a cat harness (not a collar, to prevent any accidental hanging, no matter how frustrated I am with her) and a light rope attached to our awning at all times when outdoors.
- Some human figure must also be outdoors with Carson for monitoring and data recording purposes
-Carson is not to be made to do anything she does not wish (and she makes this very clear)

Results:
- While Carson is annoyed by dragging around the rope, she has explored to the extent of her capabilities. The extent of her capabilities is also an annoyance (she cannot reach anything that may result in a hanging, such as the fence, tree, or shed).
- Carson seems happiest sitting by her safety place (the back door), on the concrete, where she can be discreet in her observations of potential prey, but can also absorb the maximum sunlight. Sometimes said sunlight is a distraction from potential prey, resulting in grogginess.
- In warm but overcloud conditions, Carson is much more likely to "explore"
- Carson has yet to meow when she wants to go outside, but will follow diligently if offered.

Conclusion:
Provided the weather is warm enough, Carson enjoys being outside with company for up to an hour at a time. Unfortunately for her, her human companions do not always want to be outside for this duration, and occasionally her liaisons are cut short. In such cases, Carson goes and sleeps on the couch. The potential benefits of this study are mostly found in the entertainment value, as well as keeping Carson active during her normal daytime nap hours, allowing her to sleep more fully at night, to the well-being of everyone involved.

Further Research:
Should this study prove successful, it will be applied to Corin, who currently wears his sexy blue harness around the house to adjust to the feeling.