Cats are smart. Cats are determined -- and even the most well-loved and pampered house cats can develop an obsessive interest in what lies on the other side of the front (or back) door, especially when the weather is fine. What can we do to keep them away from a dangerous outside world--and how do we preserve our own sanity in the process?

A water-filled spray bottle is one good tool. Adjust the spray to a fine stream. Coming in, be sure to open the door slowly and then--aim carefully. Most cats don't like this and will back away. Leaving, back out the door (I'm serious), again with spray bottle in hand.

Cats don't like sudden loud noises. If you have a tile or hardwood floor, you can drop your keys (or anything that clatters) in front of the cat. Or whap! the doorframe with a rolled-up newspaper. A really loud, well-timed clap also works.

It's as important to reward good behavior as to deter unwanted behavior. Try not to speak to your cat(s) until well inside the door. Then give them copious verbal affection and physical touch. You can even offer an "I'm home" treat-well away from the door.

Whatever strategy you choose, it's important to be consistent. Equally important is not doing anything that could harm the cat physically or threaten to damage the relationship of trust and affection between you and your cat. No one ever said that sharing our lives and our homes with our cats would always be easy -- but the rewards are oh, so worth it.