drives me insane. He stalks me around the house
Anyway, he has to be wherever I am 24/7, and if he's not physically with me, he has to be on my bed. He's a complete sook. Does anyone have any idea how to keep him out of my room? I don't want him in here with the baby sharing a room with me. I'm scared he'd jump in the cradle or something. I tried just not letting him in but he'll sit outside the door and meow his head off and scratch the door to pieces until someone lets him in (literally, he won't just give up on it and go elsewhere). I need to get him less attached to me because I know he's just going to be under my feet when the baby gets here.
I have two cats who are very clingy and affectionate!
We are going to get a cat net for the crib, because it's going to be tricky to keep the cats out of the nursery.
I am also making sure that the cats have several special places of their own that they like to go and curl up in. For example, I have a few small cat beds (the cushiony kind with raised sides because cats like a nest feeling) that I have put up on high bookshelves. Cats like to be up high and they like to feel like they have a cozy secret little space to watch from. This will also be important for them when baby is crawling and pulling tails, etc. They can escape to their own nest!
I also praise the kitties a lot and groom and pet them in their areas, to show that they being good.
In your case, I would start with establishing a few times during the day in which you will not let him beside you. Work up to longer periods from there.
In general, the right behaviour needs a strong positive reaction. The negative behaviour needs to be ignored. If kitty thinks you'll open the door if he scratches or whines long enough, then he'll keep doing it.
It will drive you crazy, but you have to outlast the meowing outside the room sessions.
You can also try spraying him with water or giving him a time out in the bathroom, but generally positive reinforcement has better and quicker results. Unless it is really clear why he is being punished, kitty will just get confused.
Good luck!