If you are a cat owner, you know they are like fugitives. One minute they’re here, and the other they disappear. Of course, cats do have the habit of coming back home, but if you want to stay on the safe side knowing your pet’s ok, consider cat trackers.
This article will show you what cat trackers are, how they work, what kinds are there (cat GPS trackers, Bluetooth cat trackers, small GPS trackers for cats, etc.) and recommend products deemed best by their functions and features as well as user reviews.
Things That Are Good To Know About Cat GPS Tracker
What Cat Trackers Are
The name says it already – they track your cat’s activities, whereabouts, some can even track health progress, etc. They differ in the technology they use for providing the location of your pet. Some use GPS, other Bluetooth, radio frequency, Wi-Fi, and some even combine a few.
Cat Microchip Trackers
Even though they are mostly required nowadays, cat tracker chips do not work in the same way as cat location trackers. A veterinarian has to implant one which contains your and your cat’s info. Only a person who can scan and read the microchip can then let you know they have found your pet.
Range Of Models
Pet trackers for cats come as tags, collars, collar attachments, etc. There are many sizes, colors, shapes, so you can find the one you like the most. Some have apps which you download to your phone or computer so you can track your cat, while others have handheld devices.
Features They Offer
Besides tracking, most allow you to view your pet’s past routes, keep track of their food and medication intake and such. You can also view stats and be in contact with other users and share experiences. Another feature often included is geofence – a virtual safe zone you put up for your pet.
Things To Look Out For
Some best cat GPS trackers require a subscription for them to work, which can be costly, but there also cheap cat trackers. Another thing to keep an eye on is the fact that not all devices have the same range and accuracy depending on the technology they use. Also, certain terrains can disrupt the signals needed for locating your pet.
5 Best Cat GPS Trackers Reviews
Best Outdoor GPS Cat Tracker
Bartun GPS Cat Tracker
Small Enough For Cats
This small pet tracker is made for both cats and dogs, so it is small enough for cats, but strong enough to survive energetic dogs. You can attach it to your pet in 3 different ways. That means you can attach it to the neck collar, the leg collar or you can simply put it on the collar your pet already has.
No Distance Restrictions
Many GPS trackers have a certain distance restricions, but this device is perfect simply because it doesn’t have that restriction. So, if you are really away from your home, you can check on your pet (no matter if is it dog or cat) without asking your family members for information.
IP65 Waterproof feature
The tracker will stay with your dog even if the weather is bad thanks to the IP65 waterproof feature. But, that doesn’t mean your dog (or cat) can swimm with it, because that is not what this tracer is made for so make sure you take it off before taking a bath.
GPS Tracking Options
You can set the tracker to work 24/7 or you can set it to work for a certain period of time (for example during walks). If you set the tracker to work 24/7, it will last around 2 hours and then you will have to recharge it. But if you turn it on only when neccessary, the battery can last up to 5 days for example.
- Tracks no matter where you are
- Choose tracking option
- Good for cats and dogs
Best Real-Time GPS Cat Tracker
Petfon Cat Tracker
Different LED Lights
This small GPS tracker for cats and dogs is a rectangular tracker that comes with LED light. That is good because you can locate your pet even when it is dark outside. You can set more than 5 different lights so if you have multiple pets, you can easily recognize them when they are using the tracker.
Tacking Range
The GPS tracker can locate your pet inside and outside of your home. It has a range for locating the pet inside of about 0.65 miles and outside it is much bigger – around 3.5 miles. Also, if your pet is an adventurer, you can be sure the tracker will stay with it because it is shock, water and dustproof. It is intended for walks, not locating your pet inside, so it works better outside.
Battery Life
The battery is not perfect, but it is not that bad. The stand by mode will drain the battery from 8-16 hours, but you can easily charge it because it comes with the smart charger included in the package.
Subscription And Range
One of the most important things people look out for is the subscription fee. This tracker also does not require you to have one. Since it combines GPS, Wifi and Bluetooth, it will easily locate your pet no matter if it is near you our a bit further.
- Combines GPS, Wifi and Bluetooth
- Good for cats and dogs
- Multiple light colors
- No subscription
Best GPS Cat Tracker
Tractive 3G GPS Tracker
Product Details
This tracker is recommended for pets above 9 pounds. It is a collar attachment and it is easily attachable to any collar or harness. It is also lightweight and waterproof. It is usable in over 150 countries around the world.
Tracking Info
GPS is used to accurately locate your lost pet. You can track your pet’s real-time location at all times, and even share it with trusted people that may be in the area. Besides real-time tracking, you can also view your pet’s location history.
Other Included Features
You can set up a virtual fence for your pet and if they leave you to get notifications immediately. The battery lasts between 2 to 5 days and it is rechargeable. All features are available on the free Tractive GPS app. Another important thing to mention is the fact that the tracker has unlimited range.
Subscription Fee
Unfortunately, this device requires the owner to have a subscription. There are 2 options, basic and premium. The basic costs $6.85/month, while the premium is $5.99/month.
- GPS tracking
- Real-time tracking
- Geofence
- Subscription required
- Location history
Best Health And Activity GPS Cat Tracker
Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker; Activity Monitor
Product Information
Available in a range of different colors, from blue, pink, to gray, the Whistle tracker for cats weighs 27 g and measures 4.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm. It is waterproof and can be submerged for 30 minutes and 1 m depth.
Tracking Details
GPS is used for tracking, as is in the previously mentioned device. 3G network or Wi-Fi are also required for the app and device to work properly. With this small GPS tracker for cats, you can track your pet in real-time and see 24-hour timelines of your pet’s movements.
Health And Activity Monitoring
You can keep track of your pet’s daily food intake, the amount of exercise they need and the amount they actually do, you can even keep track of their medical data and set up alarms when it is time for them to take their medication. You can see the distance they traveled in a day or in a month as well.
Subscription And Battery Life
A monthly or annual subscription is required for the Whistle cat tracker and app to work, as it is the case with most cat GPS trackers. The battery can last for up to 7 days, depending on the Wi-Fi signal or the 3G network usage, as well as your cat’s activities during the day.
- GPS tracking
- Health and activity monitoring
- Subscription required
- Waterproof
Best Small GPS Cat Tracker
TabCat Tracker System
Dimensions And Weight
This cat tracker deserves the title’s claim of being the smallest cat tracker – it weighs only 5 g and it is 3 x 2 x 0.7 cm big (or small). Your cat will probably even forget they’re wearing it.
Tracking Technology
The TabCat tracker is also a radio-frequency tracker, working in a 122 m-range. It also comes with 2 tags, which is a good solution if you have more than one cat or if you lose one of the tags. The signal is emitted to the handheld device that is included in the package.
The Beep
The signal emitted from the handheld to the tag on your cat’s collar can produce a sound is activated. That sound can be used to train your cat to associate your pet with a treat and they will find their way back home safely.
Other Things To Know
There is no required subscription of any kind for the TabCat tracker to work. As for the app, there is none because the handheld device is what you use for keeping track of your pet.
- RF tracking
- 122-m range
- 2 tags
Conclusion: Finding The Best Cat GPS Tracker
If you want to track your cat, there is a plethora of options, as indicated above. If you cannot make up your mind about which tracker you think is going to fit your pet best, here are some recommendations. The first is the Whistle 3, because it allows for health and activity monitoring as well as tracking. The other device I would recommend is the Tractive 3G GPS Tracker because even though it also requires a subscription, the features included (besides the tracking) make it worth it, especially the geofence option.
You can always expand your knowledge, and to do that, read this article on other pet GPS trackers. Collars can also be tracking devices, so you can read this on types of smart dog collars if you own a dog. For more info about GPS tracking systems,read this on cat GPS to explore more.