Pet-Friendly Alarm Sensor Guide¶

Guide to pet-friendly alarm sensors for UK homes with pets covering pet immune PIR technology, weight ratings, placement strategies, and recommended brands for cat and dog owners.

Pet Immune PIR Technology Explained¶

Pet-friendly (pet immune) PIR detectors use advanced signal processing to distinguish between pets and human intruders. Standard PIRs detect infrared heat changes across their detection zones. Pet immune PIRs add multiple zone counting and signal amplitude analysis. A dog at 20kg triggers fewer detection zones than a human and pet immune PIRs ignore signals below a threshold corresponding to pet weight. UK pet immune PIRs are rated for pet weights up to 25kg for cats and medium dogs, and up to 45kg for larger dog breeds. Popular UK models: Texecom Elite Pet (£25-£35, 25kg rating, 12m range, 90 degree coverage), Pyronix Euroguard Pet (£30-£40, 20kg rating, 15m range), Optex LX-402 (£35-£45, 25kg, curtain pattern), and Ajex MotionProtect Pet (£60-£80, 25kg, wireless, 12m). Pet immune detectors cost £10-£20 more than standard PIRs. For UK homes with both cats and dogs choose a 25kg rated detector. For larger dogs (Labrador, German Shepherd) use a 45kg rated detector from Optex or Texecom.

Placement Strategies for Homes with Pets¶

Proper placement is critical for pet immune detectors. Mount PIRs at 2.1-2.4 metres height angled downward to maximise the detection zone above pet activity height. Never mount below 1.8 metres. Keep detectors 1-2 metres away from furniture that pets may climb on. Sofas, chairs, and tables near the detector can allow pets to trigger the sensor at closer range. Avoid pointing PIRs at staircases where pets may run up and down creating large heat signatures. In rooms where pets have access, use curtain PIR detectors that create a narrow vertical detection beam. Curtain PIRs are less likely to be triggered by pets moving horizontally. For UK homes with cats use pet immune PIRs rated 25kg with triple-zone counting technology. Cats are more challenging than dogs because their fur temperature differs from the environment less than dogs. Consider pairing pet immune PIRs with door/window contacts on rooms where pets are confined at night. Pet immune outdoor PIRs from Optex and Bosch cost £40-£70.

Specifications and Comparison¶

Detector Type	Pet Rating	Coverage	Best For	UK Price
Standard PIR	No pet rating	12m x 90 deg	Pet-free homes	£15-£30
Pet Immune PIR 25kg	25kg	12m x 90 deg	Cats, small-medium dogs	£25-£40
Pet Immune PIR 45kg	45kg	15m x 90 deg	Large dogs (Labrador, GSD)	£35-£50
Pet Immune Curtain PIR	25kg	15m narrow	Hallways with pet access	£25-£35
Pet Immune Dual-Tech	25kg	12m x 90 deg	Problem rooms, high security	£40-£60

FAQ¶

Will a pet immune PIR work with my cat?: Yes - most pet immune PIRs rated 25kg work well with domestic cats. Use detectors with triple-zone counting technology. Mount at 2.1-2.4 metres and position away from cat furniture and climbing trees.
Can I use pet immune PIRs in every room?: In rooms where pets have free access, yes. In pet-free rooms (bedrooms, loft) you can use standard PIR detectors which are £10-£20 cheaper. Mix pet immune and standard detectors to optimise cost.
What happens if my pet triggers the alarm?: If your pet repeatedly triggers the alarm, check the PIR mounting height (should be 2.1-2.4m), ensure no furniture allows climbing near the detector, and verify the pet weight rating matches your pet. Upgrade to a 45kg rated detector for larger dogs. For more information see our Smoke Detector Alarm Integration Guide.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.