Cat proofing the baby things!

[birdybirdbird]

Does anyone have any ideas about how to cat proof our baby stuff?! I’m the owner of (slave to) a big floofy house cat. He’s been thoroughly spoilt for the last 8 years and currently has free run of the house and everything in it. I’m not worried about interactions with the baby, more about stopping him claiming the Pram bassinet, bedside crib, changing table etc etc as his own new and exciting places to sleep. Obviously we can keep him shut out of certain rooms but I imagine sleep deprivation will mean this ends up forgotten and then I’ll end up with a fur covered mattress when I really need to put the baby down for a nap!
Any suggestions? Can you buy lids or nets to cover things over? Any other top tips?

When I was born I became the sibling of 3 entitled housecats. Apparently they took priority over me and we often shared the crib if they were there first. It's a miracle I survived in hindsight!

I suspect that you're just as likely to forget to put a cover on the crib as you are to forget to close the nursery door.

Ha this sounds like my situation! I've had the baby things out for a few weeks (due imminently) and have filled everything with balloons - I know cats don't like them and also trying to get the novelty factor off of the new things as my cat is very curious and loves to be up high. Good luck!

Another thing I may do (my cat loves being up high) is to treat him to a new very tall perch so he can occupy that instead - maybe a new bed or perch may be more interesting?

Our big fluffy cat turned out to be terrified of the baby so wasn't such a problem going near the baby but we kept the nursery door shut as much as possible and when the moses basket wasn't in use it was lent against the wall so she wouldn't curl up in it. Invest in some sticky rollers in case the cat does get fur on things. Changing table can easily be wiped (and will be frequently) don't worry about that. We also bought our cat a monster sized scratching post so she would have a high perch (a more inviting place to sit than the baby furniture) for the most part it worked although she did like the changing table.

I was worrying about this with my cat before I had dd. He never once got in her crib or Moses thankfully, but when I side-car the cot to the bed when she was about 5 months he did occasionally sleep in there with her (I know I know) but as she was right next to me I could keep an eye and he was always at the other end, just loves her and liked the comfy mattress.
He did love the changing table but that was a non issue because a quick once over with a wet wipe did the job

I have 2 cats. I initially tried to just keep them out of the rooms that had all the baby stuff in, I found after a few weeks, my level of caring disappeared and I accepted that things were going to be covered in cat hair. They never got in the cot or moses basket, they did like to sleep in the basket under the pram and the bouncer chair though!

I have a cat and 2 toddlers. They just stay out of each other's way. It's never been a problem.

Did have a net for the pram at first though.

I have the same problem! I was bought a cat net from mothercare to put over the crib when baby was is it in but touch wood the only thing that my girls are interested in is the changing table, and like PP said this will be getting wiped down enough once baby is actually here that it is a non issue really.

Is your cat obsessed with laying his head and spooning your bump yet? Mine are all girls and not sure if this is why they seem to love it!

I heard a theory..
If you line the crib or whatever with something like sticky tape/cardboard wrapped in double sided tape. The cat would go in out of curiosity (as they do!) A few times, HATE the feel of getting stuck and would learn to avoid it. So given they are around it long enough to learn to hate it..

Thanks everyone. He is a real lover of boxes so figured things like the crib would be similarly appealing - I think investment in some industrial level sticky rollers and wipes and stationing them everywhere is a good idea. @Thegirlhasnoname The changing table is going to be in a place that gets a lot of sun for part of the day, so think it will be a prime spot