The cats have figured out Whip can't get to them.  Brent and Paul installed a baby gate in the doorway between the foyer and the kitchen.  Whip can go through the garage and into her run but not the rest of the house.  When Whip and I returned after our second-to-the-last jaunt for the day, there was Blitz.  She was at the far end of the kitchen but in full view of the foyer.  Whip gave a bark of excitement to see her.  Blitz laid down and rolled onto her back w/ all four paws in the air.  Whip got even more excited.  Blitz rolled back and forth as if to say 'nyah, nyah, nyah'.  Whip grew tired of it all and went to her dish to crunch on the last kibbles in her dish.  So I'm pretty sure Whip wouldn't hurt the cats if I did take down the barrier but I'd like it to be