Exotic Shorthair Cat

　　When your cat scratches your beloved chair, don't think that the cat is just being naughty. In fact, the cat is using this way to trim its claws while marking its territory with its special scent. If you don't want your expensive furniture to be damaged, the best way is to prepare a scratching post for your cat. The younger the cat is, the easier it is to train it to use this item. It's best to install a pet door, so the cat can freely come and go. This device is very simple, and most cats can quickly learn how to use it.

　　A homemade scratching post can be made by installing a section of a log with bark in the garden, which will be an ideal natural scratching post. If indoors, you can wrap an old carpet around a wooden board, turning it into a scratching pad.

　　When training your cat to use the scratching post, whenever you see that your cat seems about to scratch the furniture, warn it, then gently place its paws on the scratching post. Rub some catnip on the post to make it more attractive to the cat. Manufacturers produce scratching posts in many different designs. One style features a high platform where the cat can sit, along with a ball for it to play with.

　　Using a pet door: The pet door should be installed about 15 centimeters above the ground. When training the cat, first prop the pet door slightly open, 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 soon learns to push the door open by itself.

　　Types of pet doors: Most pet doors can swing back and forth in both directions. There is magnetic tape around the door to keep out drafts. Regardless of the form, the pet door should be easy to open so the cat can push it open with its head without risking getting its neck or paws caught, which could be dangerous. You can make a pet door yourself by using a double-sided swinging door. If you don't want your cat going outside at night, and you also do not want wild cats entering, a pet door with a lock will be very useful. Therefore, you will also need a lock.