Mazer, thanks for all the ideas. I do clean up the poop everyday, but it's amazing how much 3 can make in a day and by the end of the day the flies are swarming. I think you've answered a question, but I will ask for clarification. If I put their poop where I want them to go, they will realize that's where they should go? I was afraid it would turn them off to that space because it already smells. I put two wheelbarrows of nice soft shredded mulch under a tree that is 30 feet from the patio to give them a place to go that is still close by. I even take them there every morning, but they just run away, not interested. I think I will try your idea of using the litter box and gradually dragging it in that direction. Our shelters are way overflowing with cats. On the forms I checked the box that said "outside" and no one said that was not ok. In a city it would be very hard on an outside cat, but my last cats lived 15 years here in the country, so it can't be too hard on them. (I am bringing them in at night until they are bigger.) They will all be spayed/neutered. At the shelter I had to pay for it up front when adopting them. They give me a certificate for the vet, and I will be refunded the money after the vet signs off. A great idea as far as I'm concerned. There are already too many unwanted cats and I don't need to bring any more into the world. Thanks for the ideas. Still interested in any more people have.

Sweeby: I was reading your post and almost thought you were talking about MY house! Four years ago, we decided to put in a pool, which quickly became not just a pool, but a massive pool w/lots of features, an outdoor cabana with kitchen, fireplace, tv, sound system, etc, and a total transformation of the landscape. Our house is a rambling one story so many of my rooms are enclosed by other rooms. The kitchen happens to be one of them. The breakfast room with a large opening to the kitchen is on the left side of it. It has a door in there that enters the backyard and a walkway close to the cabana. The back side of the kitchen is our dining room that connects to our den (thru a large opening) The den and dining have a huge bank of windows going across where you see the entire backyard and side yard. Once you get into the den, there is another door that leads to the pool area. Either we go from the kitchen thru the b'fast room and it's door to the outside, or thru the dining room and step down into the den and out its backdoor to get to our cabana. I love it because it makes people flow thru the house and I entertain a lot like you, many times per year. Walking thru our den, dining or b'fast room is not a problem since I have slate floors w/oriental rugs. We had entertained the idea of building the pool on a different side of the house that was also accesible from the den. The concept that sold us on this location was thru our architect....he said why build all this and not see it from as many rooms as possible? Our master bedroom is like another wing of this house that connects thru a hallway from the den. Its windows/doors are also open to the pool area. We have never regretted the location, never have issues with walking thru rooms, and I, like other posters here, can keep a lot of equipment, etc. in the cabana. It's like having another den/kitchen outside. Hope this helps.

It's good. normally they make them even w/the trim piece on the bottom. If you ever decide to change to handles, you'll only have to make a top hole. your cabs are very tall. handles would eat up some of that space for a more proportional look.

The architect you choose will be more qualified to respond to your concerns then anyone over the internet. Allow them to do what they are educated, experienced, and licensed to do.