Kay, I think you have a wonderful idea about building the catrun and getting a kitty. The only thing I would offer is that I agree with getting two to make sure kitty isn't lonely when you're not able to be there.

I don't understand why PIF is so adamant against this either. The way I see it is your kitty/kitties would have the best of both worlds. They'd be inside, loved and adored, AND they'd be able to go outside in a safe, secure environment. I know Tubby really loves to go outside and he would just be in kitty heaven if I was able to build a catrun the size of the one you're thinking about building. He'd never want to come in.

I do have some concerns about Simba, but she is bigger than the kitty would be, so you could maybe somehow build a second "safety trap." Like a second door that has a hole that is only kitty size that he/she could run through, but Simba wouldn't be able to get through. That way kitty would always have an escape route if somebody accidentally left the main gate open.

I think living with you inside and outside would be a dream world for a kitty. Soooo much better than life at a shelter.

Good luck and remember to take lots and lots and lots of pics when kitty finally comes home!