How to Keep a Cat Out of a Crib

Although most experts agree that it is unlikely that a cat would harm an infant, many parents think it is best to keep a cat out of a baby's crib. Cats are climbing animals with curious dispositions, but with some behavioral modifications, it is possible to make baby's crib off-limits to your cat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Place a piece of plastic carpet runner in the baby's crib, spiky side up. The spikes will discourage the cat from sleeping in the baby's crib.

2. Install an inexpensive screen door on the door to the baby's room. This way, you can see and hear the baby, but the cat can't get in.

3. Place netted crib tent over the baby's crib.

4. Put double-sided tape on a piece of cardboard and put it on the mattress to keep your cats out of the baby's crib. Cats hate anything that sticks to their paws.

5. Give the cat a scare by placing some empty aluminum cans in the crib. After a few tries, your cat will avoid the baby's crib.

6. Toss several balloons in the baby's crib. Once the cat pops a few of them with her claws, she won't be coming back for more.

7. Spray the baby's mattress lightly with a mixture of water and lemon juice, or soak a few cotton balls in lemon juice and place them in the baby's crib. Cats hate the pungent scent of lemon.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of the training techniques should be used prior to baby's arrival. Be sure you remove all of your training items and ****y traps, especially balloons.