What a sweetie. Cats round here are all out and about exploring. It seems to be the way they like to live and while I would hesitate to say it's cruel to keep them inside all the time, I would think it's better for the cat to allow it the freedoms of the great outdoors. Given a choice, many cats will spend most of their time out patrolling their neighbourhood. It gives them stimulation and enjoyment. I wouldn't want to deprive a cat of that.