How can I check if stray cats are using the shelters we built?

Smart Home Forum
1

Hi everyone,

We’ve set up small shelters for stray cats in our garden, and I want to find a way to check if the cats are actually using them. Ideally, something simple and reliable. Does anyone have any suggestions for monitoring this?

Thanks in advance!

3

@Dustin
If the person who posted this is up for something more advanced, this seems like a great way to go.

4

For something simple, you could try a security camera that has pet recognition. Many cameras now have AI features that can identify animals.

5

All the suggestions here are solid and should work well.

If you want to go all-out, you could put cameras inside the shelters and use something like Frigate to analyze the footage. Then connect it to Home Assistant to notify you when a cat is detected. I use a similar setup to monitor my dog on the back porch. Just be aware—it might take days or weeks to get everything configured if you don’t already have the components.

6

We use a Ring camera for wildlife monitoring. We set it up on the ground, and it works great. The battery lasts for months, and we got it for $50 during a sale. It might work for your setup, too.

7

You could try using mmWave presence sensors inside the shelters. These sensors work by detecting micro-movements, like breathing, and can monitor continuously while the cat is inside.

Just keep in mind, you’ll need to power them, and they can be sensitive to outside movements. Proper positioning is key for this to work effectively.

8

@Gavin
Actually, mmWave doesn’t monitor body heat; it detects micro-movements. Plus, any movement outside the shelter could interfere with the readings since it can sense through walls. You’d also need to keep the sensors powered.

9

@Eli
Good point—you’d need to point the sensor directly down into the shelter. It should be fine as long as there isn’t movement outside or underground. And you’re right, it’s detecting micro-movements like breathing, not heat. The wired setup might actually be an advantage here.

10

@Gavin
Are you sure about mmWave? I’d suggest double-checking how it works.

11

Valentina said:
@Gavin
Are you sure about mmWave? I’d suggest double-checking how it works.

You’re right, it detects bodies based on micro-movements. Thanks for clarifying that.

12

Gavin said:

Valentina said:
@Gavin
Are you sure about mmWave? I’d suggest double-checking how it works.

You’re right, it detects bodies based on micro-movements. Thanks for clarifying that.

Glad we’re on the same page now! :+1: