I have been using a spare heating pad to keep an outdoor feral cat warm. Although I have it on a timer now so it doesn't heat continually, I'd rather go with something weight activated so that, once the cat steps onto it, it comes on and is otherwise off. Could I fashion something myself that would do the job? If not, or as an alternative, what are some ready made options that aren't costly? Thankyou.
Google >heat activated heating pad< does get hits
KenW
Just check if waterproof
KenW
Would that "work" as far as the cat is concerned?
i.e. does it only lay on the pad because it's already warm from the timer, or do you think it has it formed a habit that it'll continue to use it, even if it's cold when it lies down?
Does a cat weigh enough? You might try a motion detector activated, combined with a timer shutoff.
How many watts is the heating pad? Your timer solution sounds optimal if it is low power.
I mean, you could go and do the whole thing that detects snoring / movement and reduces the temperature whilst it's asleep. For the cost of hardware and software that would fascinate a geek.
Bottom line. Is the cat complaining?
Has it engaged the services of lawyers yet?
First: The cat will go where it is warm, and be drawn to that. You will notice that the fur between its eyes and its ears is thinner than the rest of the fur on the skull - this is where cats sense infra-red - and it is directional just as with their sight and hearing. A weight-actuated heating pad will be cold when not in use, and so not attractive to the cat. Second: If you put the pad inside a sheltered area or box, over a piece of thick, stiff foam, that will help retain the heat, and make the timer a more reliable option both for safety and for the cat. Lastly, there are fixed-value thermostats that will hold a temperature (hence the suggestion of a sheltered area or box) at whatever you want it to be.
If you really want the timer function, you may put the fixed-value stat in series with it. If you want there to be minimal warmth whatever the timer wants, put them in parallel, but use a lower temp fixed stat. You have options.
KISS
Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA
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** FFS why bother ?Bet that pad consumes only 10 watts of power. Cost about 5 cents a day to run.
..... Phil
The alarm industry sell pressure pads for detecting walkers. I used one and a LV relay for a sibling's Doberman who hated cold weather.
You might have to feed the cat more to get her/him fat enough to trip the pad...
David Lesher wrote: =================
** The OP is a total wanker, his idea is nuts. The cat will not be attracted to sleep on a cold mat. So the thing needs to be left on 24/7 - for around 5c a day....... Phil
Yep. We had one that only consumed 4 watts, not enough to actually help our cat. Luckily its 12V power input was compatible with a spare 19V laptop power brick, and 10W was enough for the cat while still being safe.
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