Durable outdoor cat house suggestions - rabbit hutch?

SensibleSarah

I have three cats. They always have access to the house (via flap) but all of them like to spend plenty of time in the garden and so I like to provide them with waterproof shelters out there, which are very much liked and used. However, I've been through numerous wooden cat houses and small dog kennels which, despite being treated at least once a year, seem to rot and fall apart after a couple of years. I live up north, so get loads of rain, but my garden is south facing, so also gets quite strong sunshine when it manages to break through the usual clouds. 
Plastic ones get way too warm in the summer for them to use, which is why I prefer wooden ones, but I'm fed up of them rotting away after a couple of years - they're not cheap. I was thinking of going the rabbit hutch route next time (door open all the time, so the cats can get in and out at will) - with a rolled-up waterproof cover on it year-round, so the rain doesn't get through to the roof/wood as easily. I've never had rabbits so unsure how good these covers are at protecting the wood underneath. Anyone used a hutch for something like this? 

sheramber

Is there anybody local who makes garden sheds?   

Ask them to make you a kennel. Sheds withstand the weather so a kennel made from the same wood would also withstand the weather ,with regular proofing.

SensibleSarah

sheramber said:

Is there anybody local who makes garden sheds?   

Ask them to make you a kennel. Sheds withstand the weather so a kennel made from the same wood would also withstand the weather ,with regular proofing.

Good idea thanks. I've actually already had a couple of quotes from people that were upwards of £100 just for a little cat kennel - so thought I'd see if there was a more budget option people had personal experience of. 

sheramber

I don't think rabbit hutches are made of any stronger wood than the kennels.

Could you cover the whole kennel with roofing felt to avoid the wood getting wet?