We often get asked if it is possible to use a House Alarm while having Cats, the answer is Yes, but only if thought is taken about the Type & Location of Sensors before purchasing.
Full Run of the House:
The first question to consider is, will you be giving the Cat or Cats the Free Run of your House during times that you would consider Arming the Alarm:
- If the answer is Yes, then we have to think carefully about what type of Sensors to use and where to use them.
- If the answer is No, then we can use standard Alarm Sensors in the locations where the Cats will not be present whilst the Alarm is Armed, together with carefully selecting the correct Sensors for the locations where the Cats will be present. Some customers will even decide not to use Sensors in the locations the Cats will be in, but this is very much dependant on the layout of the House and the Risk involved in not protecting these areas.
Type of Cat Sensors available:
These are a few different Sensors that can be used to avoid False Alarms caused by Cats, please see examples below:
Door & Window Contacts:
These Magnetic Contacts are designed to monitor a Door or Window being physically opened, a great device to prevent False Alarms from Cats & other Animals, there are various models available, both Wireless & Wired depending on the Alarm System you choose to use, in my opinion the best Sensor to use for Houses with Cats.
Cat Proof Wireless Door & Window Contact
Please Click Here to View the details about fitting these type of Sensors.
Pet Friendly PIR’s:
Pet Friendly PIR’s are designed to detect body weight (mass) over a certain weight, for example these Wireless Pet Friendly PIR’s are designed to detect animals weighing over 10 KG, the average domestic Cat would average 3.5 – 5 KG.
But this is not an exact science as other factors may come into effect, such as:
- You may have two Cats in the House, so in general they should not be a problem, but these two Cats may decide to play or fight with each other at any given time, therefore collectively passing the PIR as one mass, they may also be in a heightened state of excitement so both giving off more Heat (or radiation).
- The same logic would be used if you have more than two Cats, and I guess more chance of these episodes actually happening.
Cat Friendly Wireless PIR
The main argument for using a PIR against a Magnetic Contact would be if the location in mind has multiple Door or Windows making it expensive to use multiple Contacts.
Please Click Here to view general information about fitting PIR’s.
Vibration Sensors:
Vibration sensors are very similar to the Magnetic Contacts, in fact some Vibration sensors can also double up as a Magnetic Contact. They are designed to help protect Doors & Windows and will trigger if there is a sudden and violent shock to the Door or Window they are protecting (for example someone trying to force them open).
Many people prefer these as they can trigger the Alarm before the potential Burglar has managed to open the Door or Window.
We would however recommend purchasing a Vibration Sensor that has built in sensitivity adjustments, as some can be too sensitive and can be falsely triggered, the typical false trigger could be caused by:
- A Bus or Lorry driving past the Door or Window at high speed.
- A Ball hitting a Window.
- High Winds & Storms.
But if there is adjustable sensitivity they can be adjusted to suit the application.
Vibration Sensor and Magnetic Door Contact
Curtain PIR’s:
There are some PIR’s that are designed to create a very narrow Beam, therefore when fitted Vertically (pointing down to the floor) they create a detection pattern that resembles a long curtain, if mounted horizontally they can provide a wide detection area which can be above the height of a Cat on the floor (ensuring there is no furniture in the location that the Cat could climb onto).
These can be useful in some applications when Cats are present, but care needs to be taken before deciding to use them, if in doubt contact a Security supplier for advice.
Curtain PIR
Type of Alarms:
Apart from choosing the correct type of Alarm Sensors and best location for these Sensors, you can choose to use many different Alarm Systems available on the market today, some of the options include:
- GSM (these alarms will use a built in SIM Card and contact owners & key-holders by Phone or Text).
- Wireless or Wired (you can choose to have the more convenient Wireless Alarms or go for a Wired Alarm which is a lot more involved in the Installation).
- Siren Only (you can choose to have a Alarm with just loud Internal or/and External Sirens).
If you Need Advice, please Contact Ultra Secure Direct for Advice !!
- Telephone: 0044 (0) 1604 589414 (8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, UK Time).
- Email: info@ultrasecuredirect.com
- Website: www.ultrasecuredirect.com
- Visit: 10 Ryehill Court, Lodge Farm I/E, Northampton, England, NN5 6QW.
