When you’re searching for home security solutions, a motion detector can be a great tool. These devices can be triggered when someone moves around your home so that help can be dispatched right away. However, if you have animals, they may be roaming the house too. So you may be wondering, how do you rely on motion detectors when pets are in the house?
Can You Use Motion Sensors If You Have Pets?
The short answer is yes, you can use motion detectors even if your household has a cat or dog. However, it won’t always be possible because without taking specific steps, most setups will not work well with pets.
Unfortunately, a basic motion detector alarm system will be triggered when your cat walks by. This means that you will either need to get creative or invest in a specialized system that is designed to distinguish pets from other threats.
If you own a cat and ultimately choose to stick with a standard motion detector, you may simply wind up turning off your security system. While this solution will prevent your animal from triggering the alarm, it will do so at the cost of your safety. Luckily, there are a few ways to protect yourself and your pets.
Can You Use Any Kind Of Motion Detector With Pets?
Sometimes, regular motion detectors can be used with pets. However, the results are not always ideal. Still, there are a few potential ways to set up your security system so that your cat or dog is less likely to activate the motion detector.
For one, you may choose to focus on zones for your security efforts. If you combine this with a tripwire strategy and adjust your settings, you can configure the alarm to ignore your pets or just send your smartphone a notification.
You can also lower the sensitivity of the motion detector. This means that more activity will be required to trigger the alarm. With this strategy, a cat or small animal will be far less likely to set it off. However, the downside is that the motion detector won’t be able to discern people from pets, so a careful intruder could slip by. Plus, it also doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for your pet to activate the alarm. So, this may not be the best course of action. The type of quality is also a big factor. Premier only installs the highest quality sensors, unlike many competitors.
Systems that offer remote camera monitoring can be a good solution too. This way, if your pet sets off the alarm, you can check the sensor footage from an app on your phone. Once you’ve determined that there is no threat, you can dismiss the alert.
Are There Pet-Friendly Alternatives To Motion Sensors?
You may also decide to look into other options. Instead of using a motion detector, you could invest in window or door sensors. These are a great way to be notified if someone is entering your home, as opposed to being alerted once they are already inside. These can be a good choice because it’s highly unlikely that your cat will open a door or break a window.
However, if you’d like to stick with a motion detector, you’re not without options. Premier Tech Security has pet-friendly varieties that can get the job done.
How Do Pet-Friendly Motion Detectors Work?
If you’re using a motion sensor that relies on infrared technology, you might be surprised to learn that it is not actually looking for movement. Instead, these devices will scan for heat and be set off when they notice the body heat of a creature enter the detection zone.
When a motion sensor is pet-friendly, it’s typically going to use this technology with a filter. These detectors will be programmed to ignore the heat that comes from smaller animals. Typically this is based on weight, so things that are less than 40ish pounds will not trigger the alarm.
Can A Cat Still Trigger A Pet-Friendly Motion Sensor?
Even though pet-friendly motion sensors can help solve the problem of false alarms, they aren’t infallible. It’s still completely possible for a small animal, like a cat, to set off this kind of motion detector. However, there are a number of ways that you can reduce the chances of this happening.
For one, you can pay attention to the way that your motion detector is mounted. The best way to prevent false alarms is to make sure that your equipment is placed at the proper height. If you have a technician, like a professional from Premier Tech, install your security system, this should not be an issue.
But, if you’re handling it yourself, then a good rule of thumb is to mount the motion sensor at 7.5 feet to reduce interference from pets. Though, waist-high can also be okay, depending on the furniture that is nearby. Just be certain that the sensor is not directed at something that a cat can climb, like a shelf or a stairway. Otherwise, the alarm may still be triggered.
You could also try to install the motion detector upside down. With this strategy, it won’t detect anything on the floor, where your animals likely spend their time. Instead, it will be focused closer to the ceiling, so a person that is standing straight up will still trigger the alarm.
What Is The Best Pet-Friendly Motion Detector Solution?
If you’re tired of false alarms, Premier Tech can help. Likewise, if you’re interested in investing in a home security system with motion sensors, but are reluctant because you have pets, don’t worry. Calling a professional is always going to be the best security solution for those with pets.
At Premier Tech Home Security, we have pet-friendly motion detectors that are suitable for the inside of your home. With our expert installation, you won’t have to worry about placing them at the wrong height. Plus, we’ll help you if any concerns arise along the way.
For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can also call us today for a quick and easy quote.
