[KellyJ009]

Hi ladies! I need some help preparing for our little girl's arrival with regards to our cat. He is the sweetest thing in the world and we adore him, but he is very inquisitive as well. We set up the Pack 'n Play in our room a few days ago because we plan on her sleeping in the bassinet part of that for the first few weeks at least. Oliver (the kitty) has jumped in it twice so far, both times I've seen him do it and grabbed him quickly, saying no and tossing him out. But DH is terrified that he will do that with the baby in there.

We hate to close the door every night because Oliver has slept with us every night since we got him 4 years ago, but of course we will if we need to. I also have researched those tents you put over the pack 'n play but the reviews look like they won't work over the bassinet and/or changing table attachment.

Please share experiences or advice!! Thank you!

[Frozendesire]

A spray bottle to "discipline" kitty after or when kitty is about to jump in?

We sadly had to give our kitties away cause they constantly peed on Curtis' new baby gear, in the carseat and other areas. It was sad but it was NOT safe and VERY unhealthy.

I wish you the best of luck!

[Resi]

My cats both jumped into the pack n play and mini co-sleeper when we first set them up (pre-baby). They have not done it since Oliver has been here. Your cat might avoid it once your daughter is in there. BTW, there are a lot of kitties named Oliver!

[IamMom]

We didn't have cats but we had two very small doggies.....we let them sniff the baby stuff and tried to teach them that the baby's room was off limits unless we were in there too. ....and DH took one of DS's little hospital hats home to let them sniff and everything while we were still in the hospital....but in the end we had to give our baby dog away because she was possesive of me and big our son in the face. Unfortunately your children come first. I wish you luck in getting your cat used to the new baby.

[KellyJ009]

Thanks for the replies! Resi, I'm hoping my cat will be like yours and won't want to be in there once the baby is here. And yeah, there are a lot of Olivers...just means it's a great name, right?

If anyone else has any experiences or suggestions to share, please do!

[lauren in hi]

My cat used to jump in, but he was just fine afterward when Abby came home. She slept in our room the first few months, so Smokey wasn't allowed in. He has been very tolerant of her since day one, though. We also brought home a blanket (or some other article) that had her scent and had him smell it before we brought her in the house. Also, if Oliver is "your" cat, you should go in the door first when you come home from the hospital, then greet him and let him sniff the baby's item. Then let hubby bring the baby in her carrier, place it on the floor so he can see/smell her. We have never used any of those net things, so I can't even say how well they work, but w/ my cat, I think he'd just see it as something else he'd want to scratch on!

[Hoosier Kitty]

My cat used to jump in, but he was just fine afterward when Abby came home. She slept in our room the first few months, so Smokey wasn't allowed in. He has been very tolerant of her since day one, though. We also brought home a blanket (or some other article) that had her scent and had him smell it before we brought her in the house. Also, if Oliver is "your" cat, you should go in the door first when you come home from the hospital, then greet him and let him sniff the baby's item. Then let hubby bring the baby in her carrier, place it on the floor so he can see/smell her. We have never used any of those net things, so I can't even say how well they work, but w/ my cat, I think he'd just see it as something else he'd want to scratch on![/b]

at that bolded statement. That always works for me!!! ALWAYS greet your cats first before any major changes!!! I'm sure Oliver will be fine and he will figure out what's going on. Cats are very smart!