American Shorthair Cat

　　The younger a cat is, the easier it is to train it to use such devices. It is best to install a flap door so the cat can freely come and go. This device is very simple, and most cats quickly learn how to use it. A homemade scratching post can be made by installing a piece of original wood with bark in the garden; it will be an ideal natural scratching post. Indoors, you can use an old carpet wrapped around a wooden board to make a scratching pad.

　　Use the scratching post to train the cat. Whenever your cat looks like it wants to scratch the furniture, warn it and gently place its paws on the scratching post. Rub some catnip on the post to make it more attractive to the cat. Manufacturers produce many different designs of scratching posts. This style has a high platform where the cat can sit, and also a ball for it to play with.

　　Use the flap door: The flap door should be installed about 15 centimeters above the ground. Start training by slightly propping the flap open and placing a small amount of food on the other side to entice the cat to pass through. When the cat wants to go out, it quickly learns to push the door open by itself.

　　Types of flap doors: Most flap doors can swing back and forth in both directions, with magnetic tape around the door to prevent wind. Regardless of the type of flap, it should be easy to open, so the cat can push it open with its head without getting its neck or paws stuck, avoiding danger. You can make a flap door yourself with a double-sided flap. If you do not want your cat to run out at night or outside stray cats to come in, a flap door with a lock is very useful. So you will also need a lock. (Source：PetsZone)