Thx guys for responses. to clarify, built the house in 89, installed an FBI hardwired system with door and window protection as well as motion detectors. Monitored by a central station. Always locked out the motions as we have two cats. replaced all the windows about five years ago and never did that thorough a job of rewiring contacts. finally, the stand by battery died. called alarm co to come out and reconnect dead circuits-their answer ..."sure $125 travel charge plus hourly rate-but your system is obsolete so we propose new system at like 1500 bucks - annual about the same.
seems like for a fraction of that cost and NO annual I could be into one of these wireless systems. And as for the motions, I'm thinking units placed in haulways at like 5' height would work-or in rooms that do not have furniture cats could climb and I'm covered.