The net around the cot didn't work for us either ... and we have 5 cats, one of which is deaf (so loud noises aren't a deterrent!) The only way we could keep them out of the baby's room was by physically picking them up and saying "no" right into their faces before placing them outside the room. I think though, all cats have attitude (it's in their nature!) and tend to do whatever they want.
Our 2yo DS is funny - he will still only sleep with the door closed, so we have no problems with the cats in his room (which will become the new baby's room, seeing as the cats already know this room is out of bounds!) But often, we will find the cats curled up with our older two (which isn't so bad). I have found though that the cats don't want to hurt the baby, they are just curious (because you're giving attention to someone that is not them!) and especially our cats are very protective of all our kids. Even our grumpy old intolerant tom cat has miles of patience when it comes to the kids!
Unfortunately, I don't have any other suggestions for you but for the constant physical removal of the cat from the room ... the stubborn little creatures eventually get the message!
I have never had a cat with this much boldness before! And I do love it about her, in fact that is why I picked her out. I wanted a cat that wouldn't be afraid of my dog. As it turned out my dog (one before the one I have now) was afraid of this little kitten! Then she got used to her and mothered her and licked her constantly. It was a very sad day when I lost my dog and my cat lost her companion. Even now Cookie tries to get Tyson to lick her, but he just doesn't understand why this cat keeps headbutting him! He still loves her though and they have great chasing games together. And I mentioned they cuddle up on the same bed at night. It is very cute!
I don't think she will try to harm the baby, she isn't a malicious tortie, but she isn't afraid to stand her ground! And won't be afraid to cuddle up to the baby in the cot which is why I am worried.
Someone else suggested putting a screen door temporarily on the bedroom. I'm not sure about this one though, if the cat darts in before the door closes and we don't notice, then the cat is far more likely to make herself comfy in the cot with the baby while waiting to be let out. She has been locked in cupboards for hours before without getting upset. We open the cupboard to find her asleep in a frying pan or saucepan!! So being locked in her favourite room certainly won't bother her!
Oh well, I will keep trying to come up with solutions. Orange peel and citrus smells don't work either....
When our kids were babies, the cats only ever slept at the foot of the cot - it wasn't til they got a bit older that the cats started snuggling up to them. I think sometimes cats just think they have full run of the place!! (No wonder the female cat is called a "queen"!!! )
GL and I hope you find a solution to keep your "queen" out of the baby's room!
Oh MummyTummy, you sure have one cat with serious 'tude there! Love cats like that even though they're a challenge at times! I have one like that myself, but lucky he's not a snuggler. He'd get grumpy at a wriggly baby disturbing his peace, and stalk off lol!
Only other thing I can think of is a good hiss in her face as you remove her? I used to do that with my little "I own the world" fella, and he understood mummy=boss! I also did it with roads, and to this day, he has pretty good road sense. I'm assuming she's not a swipey girl (might just want to make sure you have a good hold before you try it!). You feel mean doing it, but it does seem to work.
The only other thing I've heard, my neighbour got a sensor which set off an unpleasant noise when the cats went past...? Think he bought it online somewhere.
Good luck, love to hear how you go!
As well as my 'tude cat, I've also got an older snuggly female lapcat plus a 2.5 y.o belgian shepherd (female) so we're looking forward to seeing how they all integrate with our bubba. Snuggly lapcat never goes in my nursery which is good. And I think puppy will love bubba, the only risk is too much energy (and sloppy tongue!), but temperamentally I think she'll be fine as she's never been jealous at all. So saying, I haven't set up my nursery yet, so will be interesting to see if I have to try any of your tactics!
Thanks Belfie. She does have the 'tude down pat, but like I said that is why I picked her. i wanted a cat with a bit of spunk!
I will try the hiss thing, although I tried the blowing in the face trick when she was younger and that didn't stop her so she is quite likely to just look at me like I'm an idiot and then be even more stubborn and keep going back!! I will work on it though!
She isn't really a swipey girl, not in a mean way. Every now and again I get a swipe on the ankles as a I walk past (so does the poor dog, so he rarely walks past her!! Sometimes I wonder why I don't get greeted at the door, only to find he won't walk past the cat sitting at the top of the stairs! ) I doubt she would swipe if I hissed at her. Only time will tell!
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So being locked in her favourite room certainly won't bother her!
) I doubt she would swipe if I hissed at her. Only time will tell!
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