Cat owners know that having a cat means constant looking out for their pet, as they are prone to leaving their home to wander and explore. To keep an eye on your cat at all times, cat tracker collars are a great solution.
This article will introduce you to cat tracker collars, GPS cat collars and cat locator collars alike, show you how they work and why it is a good idea to get one. You will also be able to find examples of best GPS cat collars according to their functions and features so you can find the most suitable one for you and your cat.
Things To Know About Cat Tracker Collars
How They Work
Cat tracker collars employ GPS or some other technology which allows for locating and transmitting their signal to the owner’s tracking device, phone, or computer. Besides GPS, Bluetooth and radiofrequency can be used for tracking.
Why They’re A Good Idea
Even if you know your cat’s usual whereabouts, a trackable cat collar allows you to keep an eye on your pet just in case they decide to explore new areas. If you have just moved to a new location, it can help you make sure your cat does not get lost in a new area.
Important Features
Besides the main one, tracking your cat, cat tracker collars often feature a wide variety of features such as health monitoring, geofence or virtual fence, apps that allow you to connect with other users, etc. Some apps even allow users and their pets to enter their data and “compete” with other owners and pets.
My Cat Knows Its Way Home
Most cats do find their way home after some time, that is true. Some owners rely on putting out their food and litter to guide them back home. But you never know what can happen, and it is better to be safe than sorry.
Monthly Fees
Some cat tracker collars require you to pay a monthly or annual subscription to be able to use their products. That is the case with some GPS cat collars, while the ones using Bluetooth or RF usually do not require a subscription, so that is one of the things to look out for when getting a cat tracker collar.
5 Best Cat Tracker & Locator Collars Reviews
Best GPS Cat Tracker Collar Device
Tractive GPS Pet Tracker
Product Details
This Tractive GPS cat collar device is compact and lightweight, so as not to disturb your pet during their day. It is also waterproof and suitable for use in a wide variety of different environments.
Tracking
The collar uses GPS to monitor and track your pet’s location. You can see their location and movements from your phone. You can set up the callback function in which you enter your phone number and the tracker will call the number when you push a button.
Other Features
The tracker allows you to set up a virtual fence – geofence – so your cat can be in a safe area, and if they leave you to get notified. You can also see their location history to know where they like to hang out.
Battery Life
The battery can last for up to 120 hours in standby mode, and a low power alarm is featured as well to remind you when to start charging the battery.
- GPS tracking
- Geofence
- Callback function
Best RF Cat Tracker Collar
TabCat Pet Cat Tracking Collar
Basic Product Info
This tracker you attach toy our cat’s collar, much like the previous one. Only this one is even lighter and smaller, weighing 5 g and measuring 3.05 x 2.03 x 0.76 cm. The dimensions and weight prove that it is suitable even for cats under 4 kg.
Tracking Info
This tracker does not use GPS, but rather radio-frequency locating. It is claimed that it is more precise than GPS, and you can also use this device not only for tracking your pet but other valuables as well.
Range
The tag can locate any item within a 122 m radius. It is accurate to 2.5 cm. You simply follow the audio and visual signals until the device leads you to your missing furry friend.
Subscription And App
This device does not require a subscription plan, so you only pay once. As for the app, there is none because you get a handheld device that you use to monitor and track your cat’s movements when they are away.
- Radio-frequency locating
- 122 m range
- No subscription
Best Bluetooth Cat Tracker Collar Device
Cat Tailer
Dimensions And Weight
The tag weighs only 8 g and measures 27.4 mm in diameter. It is fully waterproof and has a 100 m-range. It is important to note that terrain and conditions may interfere with the Bluetooth technology.
Tracking Info
As it is not a GPS tracker, there is no map for you to see with your pet’s exact location. The distance information you get from the device is approximate and it helps you navigate towards your lost cat.
Notifications And Battery
When tracking your cat, you get notifications to show you when you’re in range, so you know which way to go to find them. The battery can last for up to 6 months without needing a change, so you do not have to worry about it running out.
Subscription And App
There is an app you download to your iOS or Android phone, which is completely free. The device also does not require a subscription, so you once again only pay for the device and you’re set up.
- Bluetooth tracking
- Long-lasting battery
- Free app
- No subscription
Best Smart GPS Cat Tracker Collar
BARTUN Pet GPS Tracker
2 Collars Included
This pet tracker is suitable for both dogs and cats. The package includes a collar for a cat and another one for a dog so you can take your pick. The sizes are adjustable and there are 3 ways of using the tracking device, either on the included neck collar, leg collar, or your own collar.
Tracking Info
The tracker uses GPS and LBS technology to track your pet, with position accuracy up to 5 m. It can locate and monitor pets using SMS, their app and/or the Internet. It also allows for real-time tracking, so you know where your pet is always.
Other Features
The app offers the geofence option, which you set up as your pet’s safe zone. When they leave the zone, the app notifies you and you can immediately start looking for your missing cat.
Subscription Fee
A SIM card is included in the package, and when you activate it you have to choose between 2 service options. The first is for users located in the USA, which is $4/month. For users located elsewhere, the service is $9/month.
- GPS+LBS tracking
- Geofence
- Subscription required
- App notifications
- natuknica
Best Cat Tracker Collar With Activity Monitoring
Whistle GO Explore
Product Description
This device comes in a range of colors, from green to black, magenta, blue, and baby pink. Suitable for both cats and dogs, you attach it to your pet’s collar. It is rugged, lightweight and waterproof, so you do not have to worry about it getting damaged.
Tracking Info
You can live-track your pet’s location using Google Maps no matter where you are and where your pet is. You can also set up a geofence and get alerted when your pet leaves the safe zone. You can choose to get notified via email, text, or in the app.
Health And Activity Monitoring
With the Weekly Wellness reports you can analyze your pet’s licking, sleeping, and scratching. Smart activity detection recognizes whether your pet has been running, sleeping, walking, playing, and more. You can also enable the 24-hour timeline to view your pet’s daily movements and activities.
Subscription And Wi-Fi
Like most GPS trackers, this one also requires a subscription with available monthly or annual plans. The Wi-Fi mentioned in the subtitle is required while setting up the Whistle app so you can enter your data and set up the app.
- GPS tracking
- Health and activity monitoring
- Geofence
- Subscription plan required
- 24-hour timeline
Conclusion: Choosing The Best Cat Tracker Collar
When choosing the most suitable cat collar tracker for your cat, given the information and examples above, the choice is not easy to make. I would recommend the Tractive GPS Tracker, because, besides the GPS tracking, you can set up a geofence and set up the callback function in case your cat gets lost. Another device I like is the Whistle GO Explore, for similar reasons. You can track your cat using GPS, and set up geofences, track their health and activity as well.
If this article was not enough for you, read this article about other pet GPS trackers. If you’re a dog owner as well as a cat owner, this article on dog trackers can help you find more devices you can use with your dog. And for more information and other devices, you can use for your cat, read this on cat GPS tracking systems.