Lost cat found, should I keep him grounded?

[CowGull]

My seven month old kitten just gave us a scare by disappearing overnight. Usually he goes off for an hour or two at most then pops back for a snack so we were frantic when he did not come home for dinner. Turns out he was shut in a neighbour's garage so it's not as though he deliberately ran off. Now he's home and having filled the litter tray, eaten and wrestled with his brother he is at the door asking for freedom. I feel inclined to keep him in for a few days now, as much for my own sanity as anything! What did you/would you do when kitty returns from an adventure?

I treat them as normal - albeit with some mental strife - although I'll confess to special nosh and a roaring fire set just to persuade them of the joys of home. I keep them in at night anyway though - you're not thinking of letting him out now are you?

Not in UK so it's still light here, would not consider it otherwise!

I like the sound of persuading him to stay put for the rest of the day though, hopefully I will feel more relaxed about it after a good night's sleep (which obviously last night was not!)

Grounded. For the same duration that he was missing.

I'm probably wrong, but my emotional state couldn't cope with him buggering off again.

I had a cat that went missing for two weeks - he didn't do it again!

Ah - if it's still light outside, I'd let him out. I know your emotions will be screaming to keep him safe under your gaze but after all it wasn't his fault - and you don't need him getting a 'thing' about outside and about being 'trapped' inside by you.

I take it he's neutered by the way?

Cozie yes he's neutered, he had to pay for his freedom with his balls He eventually decided to nap while I procrastinated and it's now getting dark so he will be confined to barracks for today. Thanks for the advice, thought I had made my peace with risks of an outdoor cat (somewhat frowned upon here) but I suppose the worry will always be there.