Leave cat inside or outside while on short vacation?
I'm thinking about taking about a 4 day/night vacation next week, but I'm worried about what to do with my cat. Some back story:
Before I moved in here he was a strictly outdoor homeless cat, who was self sufficient. I "adopted" him over 5 years ago and ever since he has eventually become a cat that spends about 3/4 of his time indoors (but could spend quite a lot more time outside, I just prefer him indoors with me). He's a very large, chubby kitty, by no means is he small. He still enjoys going outside, where he hunts and just hangs around the property. He never strays too far, I can always go out and call him to come inside. When he's inside he has food, a litter box, & obviously fresh water around the clock.
I've only left him inside overnight all by himself once and that was just over Christmas, I was only gone for around 36 hours. He seemed to do alright, he ate normally and used his litter box.
My question is, whether it would be a better idea to leave him inside or outside? If I left him outside there would be water & food left out for him, but the temp does dip into the 30's at night. There are places for him to cuddle up under a porch though. Also, like I said, he used to spend all day and night outside before I came into the picture, so he's experienced cold temperatures a lot. I don't have anybody who could come and check on him, whether he is inside OR outside, so that isn't an option.
If anybody has any questions to help better answer my question, I will gladly answer. Sorry this was long and rambling.. I just love my cat and want to do what's best for him. Thank you!