I believe that one reason Butter is with us now (we found his previous owner) is because he can come inside whenever he wants to. I still believe that if traffic is not furious, that mine are ok to come in and out of the house as they please. And believe me, they let me know quickly when it is time to come inside. In fact, they will find the window in the room I am in, no matter where I am, and give me the big "YEOOOOOOW" to let me know its time to open the door! I would be happy for them to stay inside if that is what they preferred, but neither of mine would be very happy. The positive thing is that they mostly hang out in the backyard with the dogs anyway, or next door at my neighbor's house, so I count myself as the lucky one. All I have to do is go to the door and call their name, and both come running....but never at the same time!!!