Moving mother and kittens to outdoor enclosure

What is it with cats?  You bring them inside for awhile and they don't want to return outside?  They make me feel bad for them even though their lives are 100 times better than when I found them.

I moved the mother and 2 kittens in my house when the kits were 6 weeks old, rescuing them out from underneath a neighbor's home.  They are sheltering in my guest room which I would like to have back for guests and hobbies.  My dear husband built a nice enclosure for them and we are in the process of fitting it with proper cat amusements and comforts.  I have two freshly neutered males living in the enclosure...they have a power struggle occasionally but I'm surprised at how well they cohabitate.  The males are friendly with the female whom has just been spayed and one of them is the father of her kittens.

They will all stay and play together in my backyard for a couple of hours.  After that the mother wants back inside.  I have been letting them back in to nap during the day (its really hot) and tuck them in their room at night because I'm not sure the kittens at 12 weeks are old enough to stay outside.

Another troubling incident...the kittens were playing in the yard yesterday morning with their cat tunnel and fort and one of the males made a move towards the male kitten.  I didn't think it looked too threatening but the mother was worried enough to intervene and chased the male over the back gate.  The male has always seemed to merely swat at a kitten gently to correct it in the past.  This is the first time I've seen mom be concerned.  Yesterday evening all was well until I brought out the tunnel and fort and put it in the yard for the kittens to play in.  Once again, the male moved to the tunnel and laid along side it.  He didn't do anything but I thought it was an unusual thing to do.  Has he lain claim to the kitten's toy?

Am I just being too over protective?

They're being territorial - its normal.  Mom and kits will need some time to adjust to moving outside, plus they'll need to adjust to roommates.

I read somewhere that a single cat needs 500 square feet to feel comfortable, so if you have lots of verticle space, this should work.  I've seen sanctuaries with a dozen cats in one room, so your set up is like a palace!

Give them time but do watch the males.  They may be rough on the kittens, just to prove their "manhood."

Is there any chance you might find a home for the kittens?  It would certainly ease the space issue.

Trying to wait another month for neutering.  Hoping a couple of neighbors will take them eventually but I don't trust them to do the right thing.  So many people are ignorant about the importance of it.  I've just spent nearly 600.00 on vet bills...don't want anymore unwanted litters.

One of the males is very sweet and loving.  This other one must be the alpha of the group.  Also, I know it takes a while for the neutering to work its magic.  I've already noticed that they are not spraying as much.  I can't smell it anywhere!  My husband was at his wits end with them spraying the garage as they walked through.  He is an artist and right now, that is where his studio is.  But I'm wondering if they will calm down more since its only been three weeks.

Oh, yes, they will calm down more.  Having said that, though, once some Toms learn to spray, they don't stop.  If this happens to your boys, cleaning everywhere they've sprayed with an enzyme cleaner willl help.  It breaks down the smell of pee - the cat doesn't smell his old pee and isn't reminded to mark there.

Clean everything thoroughly - it should help.

You could also use Rescue Remedy in their water or calming treats, available on Amazon.  It will help all of them remain calm as they make their adjustments.