I need to stop cats getting upstairs and no door

[peekyboo]

I've just moved into a new house and the bathroom is downstairs. I want my cats to sleep in the utility area next to the bathroom but the stairs are open at the bottom so if I left them in there, I'd have bedrooms full of happy cats!

I've been looking at sliding doors but not sure they'd be the right thing. Whatever we set up has to be moved during the night when we need the loo.

Has anyone experience of having to create a temporary 'door', screen or whatever like this? For info, the space at the bottom of the stairs is the same width as a door but taller.

TIA!

In my experience, I've 4 cats, you can want them to do things but they will vary rarely comply and they'll do what they want whether you like it or not.

Why do you want them to sleep in that specific area? Can't you just close your bedroom door?

I can but they'd scratch and meow for an early breakfast and also my son sleeps in the loft where there's no door and a hatch can't be fitted, so his room would be full of cats! We're going to get that sorted out asap but until then they can't come up the stairs.

But you're right of course, all the good intentions and I'll probably end up with cats all over my bed at least.

Would a baby gate work?

A baby gate? To stop cats?

We have baby gates (we do have a baby but he's 4weeks so they're mainly for the dog). We also use it for one of our cats as she is not allowed upstairs as she goes toilet on the carpet. However our other cat has learnt to jump over them so a baby gate could work but depends on the cats.

I think you just need to accept them into your bedroom. Sleeping with cats is nice and you will soon get used to it

I, too old don't look male but can I swap with your son in his wonderful loft room with a bed full of cats?

How many do you actually have by the way? I'm imagining at least 6.

Psychic Spartacus!! We have 7 cats though one thinks he's a dog so I suppose we have 6 really.

My cat can't / won't jump over the baby gate lazy moo

My cats are shut in to back room/kitchen at night (with litter trays & cat flap)
They are very much not welcome upstairs!
Is there anywhere you can fit an actual door to shut them in, OP?

I'm thinking I could possibly make a false, narrow corridor and then have a door onto a stud wall.

It is either that or get used to sleeping with them all. I did used to sleep with my cats but then lost my lovely cat years ago who was my perfect little boy and I got out of the habit.