Yes, you can do it yourself - and receive messages - but stay away from wireless sensors/systems.

Without any endorsement intended, smarthouse.com has several home security systems available that may give you a better idea of what's out there.

Then again, if you have a "smartphone", or are always connected, you may wish to look at home video security systems.

There are several brands that record, do motion detection (setup by an onscreen matrix - which can avoid "cat areas"), email you alarms, and then you can view via the internet or your smartphone.

Again blah, blah, blah... for home video security, Costco online can give you some ideas as to what's available.

Thanks for the info. There has to be others with a system??? We will talk more. . .