My cat attacked me today and it was pretty much all my fault.

[davidpdx]

6. Cats can act very aggressive when they feel like they are cornered

My suggestion is pay attention to his ears and his tail as those will give you some indication if he is agitated. I wouldn't let him out on the balcony unless it is enclosed. It's way too dangerous.

We have an enclosed terrace with two large windows looking down on to the parking lot (not much a view I know). When the weather isn't freezing cold, we let them out there. During the summer they can go in and out and we leave the window open when we are home so they can hear what is going on outside. Sometimes they get lucky and a bird will land on the air conditioner (that freaks them out).

My cat is VERY aggressive. He'll come up from behind and attack (though he's learned I'll attack him back either by wacking him or squirting him with water). A few years ago my wife rescued a street cat and now he bits her mostly, so we have to break up the cat fights.