If you have a cat, there’s a good chance you’ve had to deal with them getting into things they shouldn’t. Whether it’s climbing up the curtains or sneaking into the trash can, cats can be quite determined when they put their minds to it. One place you might not want your cat getting into is your baby’s bassinet. So here are a few tips on how to keep cat out of bassinet and keep your baby safe.
There’s nothing more precious to you than your kitty as a cat lover. But when that feline starts scratching and jumping at your new bassinet, it can quickly become a headache. So in this post, we’ll share some tips on how to keep cat out of bassinet so both you and your furry friend can enjoy a good night’s sleep.
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Are Cats Suffocate Babies?
No, cats cannot suffocate babies. However, they can pose a serious threat to infants by climbing into bassinets and cribs. Cats are attracted to the warmth and coziness of these enclosed spaces, and they may curl up next to the baby’s head, blocking the infant’s airway. This can cause potentially fatal respiratory distress.
To keep your baby safe, take steps to prevent your cat from gaining access to the bassinet or crib. For example, keep the door to the nursery closed and use a child gate to block off any stairways or other areas where the cat might be able to jump into the crib.
You can also put a thick blanket over the bassinet or crib to deter the cat from climbing in. Finally, make sure that you never leave your baby unattended with a cat in the room.
Why Do Cats Love the Bassinet?
The bassinet is a great spot for your cat to curl up and nap. It’s warm, comfortable, and usually has plenty of soft bedding. But, unfortunately, this also makes it the perfect place for your cat to have a little accident.
There are a few reasons why cats love to use the bassinet as their personal litter box. First, the bassinet is often located in a quiet spot where your cat feels safe and relaxed. Second, the soft bedding is ideal for covering up any messes. And finally, the height of the bassinet makes it easy for your cat to climb in and out without being seen.
Why You Should Keep Your Cat Away From the Bassinet:
If you have a newborn baby, it’s important to keep your cat away from the bassinet. While cats can be gentle and loving creatures, they can also carry bacteria and viruses that could potentially harm your child. In addition, cats are known for sharpening their claws on furniture and other household items – including bassinets.
So if you want to keep your baby safe and sound, it’s best to keep the cat out of the bassinet area altogether.
14 Ways on How to Keep Cat Out of Bassinet:
1. Keep Their Food Away From the Bassinet.
The first step to keeping your cat out of the bassinet is to keep their food away from the area. If they know that they can find a meal in the bassinet, they will be more likely to try and get into it. So instead, keep their food in a separate room or in a high place where they cannot reach it.
2. Make the Bassinet Unappealing.
Another way to keep your cat out of the bassinet is to make the area unappealing to them. This can be done in a number of ways, such as:
- placing aluminum foil or double-sided tape on the bassinet
- spraying the area with a citrus-scented spray
- using a motion-activated air freshener
If you find that your cat is still attracted to the bassinet, you may need to try a more drastic measure, such as covering the bassinet with a net or placing it in a room that your cat does not have access to.
3. Provide an Alternative.
If you want to keep your cat out of the bassinet, it’s important to provide them with an alternative option. This could be a cat tree, a scratching post, or another type of pet furniture. By giving your cat another place to relax and play, they’ll be less likely to bother the bassinet.
4. Use a Litter Box.
If you have a litter box for your cat, make sure it’s placed in an area that’s far away from your baby’s bassinet. You don’t want your cat to associate the bassinet with the litter box and start using it as a bathroom.
5. Keep Their Food and Water Bowls Full.
Cats like to have their food and water close by, so make sure their bowls are full and easily accessible. This will help keep them from going into your bassinet in search of a snack.
6. Put Double-sided Tape on the Bassinet.
If your cat likes to jump into your bassinet, you can put some double-sided tape around the edge of the bassinet. The sticky tape will deter your cat from jumping in and getting comfortable. You may need to replace the tape every few days, but it is much cheaper than buying a new bassinet!
7. Get a Motion-activated Sprinkler.
If your cat is particularly pesky, you may need to get creative with your deterrents. For example, a motion-activated sprinkler can be a great way to keep your cat out of places they’re not supposed to be. Set up the sprinkler near the area you want to protect and train your cat to stay away from it.
7. Use an Air Horn or Citronella Sprayer.
If you want to be really serious about keeping your cat out of your bassinet, you can try using an air horn or citronella sprayer. Both of these will startle your cat and hopefully deter them from going near the bassinet again. Just make sure you don’t use either of these products too close to your baby.
7. Use Essential Oils Around the Bassinet.
If you have a diffuser, you can use it to fill the room with a calming scent. This may help to keep your cat away from the bassinet. Try adding a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil to the diffuser. You can also put a few drops of these oils on a cotton ball and place it near the bassinet.
7. Set Up a Cat Deterrent Mat.
There are mats available that give your cat a mild electric shock when they step on them. These can be placed around the bassinet to help keep your cat away. Of course, you will need to train your cat to avoid the area around the bassinet, but this can be an effective way to keep them out of the bassinet altogether.
8. Use a Lid or Cover.
If you are using a bassinet that does not come with a lid or cover, you can purchase one separately. This will help keep your cat out of the bassinet and protect your baby from germs and bacteria.
9. Create a Physical Barrier.
The best way to keep your cat out of your bassinet is to create a physical barrier. This can be done in several ways, such as:
- Placing a piece of furniture in front of the bassinet
- Putting up a baby gate
- Closing the door to the room
If you have an especially determined kitty, you may need to try a combination of these methods. Just be sure that whatever barrier you use is safe for both your baby and your cat.
10. Keep the Bassinet in a Safe Place.
Make sure that the bassinet is in a safe place where your cat cannot reach it. This may mean keeping it on a high shelf or in a room that your cat does not have access to. You may also want to consider using a baby gate to block off the room where the bassinet is located.
11. Train Your Cat.
You can train your cat to stay away from the bassinet by using positive reinforcement, rewarding your cat when it stays away from the bassinet, and punishing it when it goes near the bassinet.
12. Use a Piece of Furniture as a Blockade
If you have a small piece of furniture that your cat can’t jump over, you can use it to block the entrance to the bassinet. This will effectively keep your cat out of the bassinet without having to resort to any other methods.
13.Get a Pet Gate
If you have a pet gate, you can use it to block off the entrance to the bassinet. This is an effective way to keep your cat out of the bassinet, and it will also prevent them from getting into other areas of the house that they are not supposed to be in.
14. Use Positive Reinforcement.
The best way to keep your cat out of your bassinet is to use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your cat when they stay away from the bassinet. You can give them their favorite treat or toy or pet and praise them. Consistency is key, so make sure you reward your cat every time they stay away from the bassinet. Your cat will learn that staying away from the bassinet is a good thing with time and patience.
Conclusion
This article provides several tips on how to keep cat out of bassinet. Using these methods, you can effectively keep your cat away from the bassinet and protect your baby. Keeping your cat out of the bassinet can be challenging, but it is not impossible. With a little effort and some creative solutions, you can keep your kitty safe and sound. Have you had success keeping your cat out of the bassinet? Let us know in the comments below.
