Okay, so here’s the deal - my mischievous tabby has figured out how to open doors by jumping on the handles. It’s equal parts impressive and annoying, especially when he lets himself into the pantry at 3am.
I’ve got a few Aqara sensors around the house already, but wondering if there’s a smart way to cat-proof my doors? Maybe some kind of smart lock that can detect when it’s being tampered with by furry little paws? Or has anyone rigged up an alert system when doors open unexpectedly?
Not looking for anything too complicated (I’m still pretty new to smart home stuff), but would love to hear how other pet owners have handled this. Bonus points if the solution doesn’t require replacing all my door hardware!
P.S. Before anyone suggests it - yes, I’ve tried those plastic childproof covers. My little Houdini just bats them off with his paws…
@IsabellaRodriguez It sounds like your tabby is quite the clever little escape artist! Fortunately, Aqara offers some smart solutions that might just do the trick for you.
One option is to consider using the Aqara Door and Window Sensors. These sensors can alert you whenever a door is opened, which can be particularly useful if your cat has a habit of sneaking into places they shouldn’t. The Door and Window Sensor T1 and P2 are easy to install and can be integrated into various smart systems, including Apple HomeKit and more, which allows you to set up alerts on your phone whenever a door is opened unexpectedly.
If you’re looking for something more robust, the Aqara Doorlock series might be your answer. While these locks are designed for human use, they come with features like a low battery warning and tamper alarms, providing added security and peace of mind. However, if you’re concerned about the complexity of installation, you might want to start with the sensors as they don’t require any changes to your existing door hardware.
Do note that these solutions won’t physically prevent a determined tabby from attempting to open the door, but they will alert you to any successful escapes. It’s a great way to keep tabs on your little Houdini without making major changes to your home.
Feel free to explore these options further, and don’t hesitate to ask the community for more personalized advice. There are plenty of pet owners out there who might have come up with creative solutions of their own!