The presence of cats near a baby or inside the bassinet or crib is unsafe because infants are vulnerable to illness.

Their immune systems are still developing, so even a vaccinated, groomed house pet can pose a health risk.

For example, a cat’s fur is very fine and hard to spot on bedding—especially if it’s a similar color.

The danger of a baby swallowing cat hair is real and can be serious.

Also, bassinets are designed to hold only a baby’s weight (up to 15–20 lbs). Any extra pressure from a pet increases the risk of collapse.

Another risk is the cat jumping onto the baby. If your cat climbs or leaps onto the bassinet, it could tip over, creating a dangerous situation.

Other Potential Hazards Include:

• Cats may accidentally suffocate newborns by lying too close.
• Babies may develop allergies or catch diseases like toxoplasmosis.
• Cats might scratch or bite out of curiosity or stress.
• They could trap the baby or block movement in tight spaces.
• Cats may compete with the baby for attention.
• A newborn’s arrival can cause stress or behavior changes in cats.

It’s important to keep your cat out of the bassinet, crib, or nursery for your baby’s safety. Keep reading for our simple, proven methods.

How to Keep Cat Out of Bassinet and Crib?

There are many ways to keep cats out of the bassinet and crib — from using aluminum foil or double-sided tape to installing a bassinet cat cover. You can also use a training mat or offer your cat its own sleeping space as a safe and effective alternative.

But you might not know which option will work best for your home — so let’s explore them all.

1. Crib and Bassinet Covers for Cats

Bassinet and crib covers are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep cats out.

These covers not only block cats from entering the bassinet, but they also help prevent mosquitoes and bugs from getting in. The best part? Most of these covers can also be used on Pack ‘n Plays.

They’re made from breathable mesh fabric, which allows for good airflow and visibility while protecting your baby.

There are many online stores where you can find crib and bassinet covers. However, finding one that fits your bassinet’s size perfectly can be tricky.

That’s why we’ve put together a curated list of the best bassinet cat covers to help you out.

If you’d prefer not to use a physical cover, then training your pet to stay away from the bassinet is a great alternative.

So, this is our first method to keep your cat out of the bassinet — and one of the easiest to start with.

2. Train Your Pet Not to Sit in the Bassinet

Training your cat is one of the most reliable ways to keep them out of the bassinet — and out of other areas like tables, sofas, and kitchen counters.
But for best results, start this training 1–2 weeks before your baby arrives.

You’ll need a pet training mat, like the DOG CARE Pet Shock Mat or SVDPET Pet Training Mat.

Place the mat inside the crib or bassinet and allow your cat to approach it. When the cat steps on it, the mat emits a harmless static pulse or high-pitched beep, which cats dislike. Over time, they learn that this spot is off-limits.

I used one of these mats near the nursery door, and it worked perfectly — now, my cat won’t even try to enter the room.

These mats can also be used to stop cats from jumping onto tables or counters. Just place the mat there for a few days, and your cat will quickly get the message.

If you don’t want to use a mat, try lining the crib with aluminum foil. The crinkly sound usually scares cats away.

Another trick is to apply double-sided tape along the bassinet edges. Cats dislike sticky surfaces and will naturally avoid them.

Use any of these techniques a few times, and your cat will learn that the bassinet is not a place to sleep.

3. Add Cat Furniture to the Baby’s Room

Cats love having their own personal space, so instead of locking them out of the baby’s room, why not add a cozy bed or cat tree just for them?

Cats naturally enjoy lounging around. And honestly, nothing feels softer to them than your baby’s skin — that’s why they’re drawn to bassinets.

But this can lead to serious safety issues, including suffocation, especially if the cat lies near the baby’s face.

Giving your cat its own bed — even a bassinet-style pet bed — keeps them happy without risking your baby’s safety.

This way, both your cat and your baby can share the same room, but with clear boundaries.

Adding dedicated cat furniture also helps teach your pet exactly where it’s allowed to go — and where it isn’t.

4. Keep Your Cat Active During the Day

Cats can be a little unpredictable. Unlike dogs, they often do the opposite of what you want — especially when they’re bored or curious.

So if you’re trying to keep your cat away from the baby’s room, it may not always go smoothly. For many pet owners, keeping the cat out feels like keeping out a family member — and that can be tough.

That’s why one of the easiest ways to manage this is by keeping your cat busy.

During the day, offer them new toys or activities in a separate room to reduce their curiosity about the baby.

I highly recommend a motion-activated laser toy. It’s much more engaging than basic toys and keeps your cat entertained while you focus on your newborn.

With just a few small adjustments, you can maintain balance between your baby’s safety and your cat’s comfort.

5. Natural Cat Deterrents for Bassinets

If you want a more natural approach, try using safe scents that cats dislike — like citrus oil, mint, or rosemary.

Cats naturally avoid strong smells, so spraying a citrus-scented product near the bassinet area can help keep them away. Just make sure it’s baby-safe and doesn’t irritate your newborn.

You can also try placing a cotton ball with rosemary or mint oil near the crib or doorway. Most cats find these scents unpleasant and will avoid the space altogether.

This is a great option if you don’t want to use physical barriers like covers or mats.

By using these natural cat deterrents, you can create a cat-free zone that’s still safe and soothing for your baby.

6. Use a Baby Monitor to Keep a Watch

While it’s not as direct as the other methods, a baby monitor adds an extra layer of safety — especially if your cat is sneaky and quiet.

With a monitor, you can keep an eye on your baby from another room — like the kitchen, office, or living area.

Cats often roam around silently, and you may not realize they’ve entered the nursery. But with a live video or audio feed, you’ll know right away if something is off.

If your cat climbs into the bassinet or gets too close, you can intervene immediately.

This method isn’t a replacement for physical deterrents, but it’s a smart backup — giving you peace of mind when you’re not in the room.

I hope you found our guide, “How to Keep a Cat Out of a Crib and Bassinet,” helpful.

Now it’s your turn! What steps did you take to keep your cat out of the crib?

Your tips might help other parents make quicker, safer decisions. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

And don’t forget — sharing is caring! Pass this article along to any fellow cat parents or new moms and dads who could use it.

Q: How Do You Prevent Cats from Jumping in a Baby Crib?

A: You can try these simple methods:

• Line the crib with aluminum foil – Cats dislike the crinkly sound and texture.
• Use double-sided tape around the crib’s edge – The sticky feeling discourages jumping.
• Place a pet deterrent mat – These mats give a harmless static pulse that keeps cats away.

Each of these tricks works by creating an unpleasant surface for your cat, encouraging them to stay clear of the crib.

Q: Why Do Cats Go in Baby Cribs?

A: According to pet forums and behavior research:

• Warmth and softness – Cribs are cozy, especially in warm corners of the room.
• Curiosity – Cats like to explore new things in their environment.
• Height advantage – Cribs offer an elevated, quiet spot, which cats naturally love for resting and watching.

Understanding these reasons can help you prevent the behavior more effectively.