I’ve never let my cats out, either, and in this area, it’s more of a safety thing than a preference. There are some coyotes in the arroyo to the south and west, and they prey on cats and small dogs, both of which are plentiful because people just don’t care.
It sounds like you miss Rocket about as much as I still miss The Late Great PV. *hug*
I will miss my Rocket until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge,
in which I firmly believe. He is waiting there. We have a bond.