This holiday season we're hoping to have a christmas tree but worried about a major problem: our two cats. I am almost positive that they're gonna jump in it and go after the ornamets and just cause a lot of trouble. The other issue I am concerned about is the possibility of causing it to tip over and cause an electric fire or get themselves electrocuted. Any ideas or suggestions on setting up some kind of a security system that triggers a loud alarm? The tree will be in the corner of our living room so I wonder if I can set up some kind of a perimeter that when crossed, would trigger an alarm. Anyone done or heard of anything like that before?
I was thinking more along the lines of a setup where if the cats are within a certain distance of the tree, a radio device around their neck will trigger an alarm...
I was thinking more along the lines of a setup where if the cats are within a certain distance of the tree, a radio device around their neck will trigger an alarm...
Good idea, but only problem is, we still wanna be able to walk by and sit by without causing the alarm to go off! That's why I am thinking there has to be some of way of making the cats trigger the alarm without others doing the same!
Good idea, but only problem is, we still wanna be able to walk by and sit by without causing the alarm to go off! That's why I am thinking there has to be some of way of making the cats trigger the alarm without others doing the same!
You can buy security pressure mats, about £4/mat in the UK.
Two types are used, one to fit stair treads and the others about 18inch square.
The have 4 leads coming out, two of these will close when the mat has pressure on it..[sound a bleeper with a small battery]
the other two wires are just sense wires.
You can buy security pressure mats, about £4/mat in the UK.
Two types are used, one to fit stair treads and the others about 18inch square.
The have 4 leads coming out, two of these will close when the mat has pressure on it..[sound a bleeper with a small battery]
the other two wires are just sense wires.
That was initially my idea. You could probably easily make them yourself too. The only drawback is they'll figure out how to avoid the mats. I can just see them jumping across the mats and into the tree!
That was initially my idea. You could probably easily make them yourself too. The only drawback is they'll figure out how to avoid the mats. I can just see them jumping across the mats and into the tree!
No! Our cats are too cute to be locked up ... plus we like to start celebrating christmas early so that would a long time for them to be locked up!
Fixing the tree and using LED's are excellent ideas but that won't stop them from jumping into the tree, possibly breaking branches, and destroying some of the ornaments...Rather than fortifying the tree, I'd rather just keep them away from it. There should be some kind of mini radio transmitter/receiver combo that could switch a transistor or a relay when you put them close together...any ideas?