<put instro hat on >
technically it is not pressure sensitive.
from your descriptions I would have to guess it looks at the current/load which would increase when encountering an object in its path.
there are many types of sensors you could use for added complexity to detect objects , or even go a more complex route - RFID the cat for instance - 3d lidar - IP cameras with animal people AI detection.
as people make their homes smarter , more automation will be common .
as to the having to lay a power cable out to the gate , I am sure now there are systems with solar panel and battery that would do the job - and wifi that could connect to your home network which could and could be configured to easily allow you to open the gate from the other side of the world.
<instro hat off >