Pets GPS Tracker Cats are known (among other things) for their tendency to wander. That makes many cat-owners uncomfortable because they do not know what is happening to their pets or where they are. Here is a solution – a small GPS trackers for cats!
In this article, you will be able to find the most important information regarding small GPS cat trackers (also the best smallest GPS tracker for cats), the best available products on the market, as well as user reviews of those products. The emphasis is on small GPS trackers because the size of the tracker enables your cat to go on with his/her day undisturbed and comfortable.
Things To Keep In Mind Regarding Small GPS Cat Trackers
What Are GPS Cat Trackers?
GPS cat trackers are devices that use the Global Positioning System to determine the location of one’s cat. GPS uses around 30 satellites orbiting the Earth at all times to send signals containing the information about the whereabouts of the cat to the user’s device.
Does It Pay Off To Get One?
Prices range from around $25 to $300 on Amazon.com, which is not so bad considering that it is an investment in your pet’s safety. But you should not base your decision solely on the price, because high price does not necessarily mean high quality. User reviews and specifications should also be considered when making your decision.
Why Microchips Are Not Enough
Even though cats (and all pets) nowadays must be microchipped, microchips do not actually track your cat’s whereabouts, they can only give you the cat’s location if it is found by someone who can scan and read the microchip. Therefore, a GPS cat tracker is the perfect solution for keeping tabs on your furry friend without constant worrying.
When You Actually Get One
The two most important things to look out for are: make sure that the tracker is within range to send data to your device. Another thing to keep in mind is the battery, making sure that the battery life is long enough so that it will be able to power the tracker for an amount of time if your cat gets lost.
Additional Features That Make Tracking Easier
GPS trackers for cats include features such as geofence (the device alerts you when your cat steps over a certain line, i.e. a virtual fence), live updates on your cat’s location, location history, and an app for your phone. Some include Bluetooth and some are also waterproof.
Best 5 Small GPS Trackers For Cats Reviews
Best GPS Tracker For Small Cats
Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
Dimensions And Weight
The device weighs only 21 grams (0.8 ounces), so it is not heavy, and it is suitable even for small cats. Its dimensions measure 1.27 x 5.08 x 5.08 cm (0.5 x 2 x 2 inches) so it does not interrupt your cat in its daily activities.
Range Coverage In Different Areas
Findster covers up to 4.8 km (3 miles) of an outdoor area. Things to keep in mind are that the weather and your physical location can affect the GPS accuracy. Therefore, in urban areas, the expected range is min. 0.8 km (0.5 miles).
Application For Tracking Your Cat
The tracking app does not require a subscription, i.e. the service is free once you buy the device. Furthermore, the app does not require cell coverage or a SIM card. It includes the geofence feature and offers real-time alerts if your cat exits the virtual fence. It also saves the history of your pet’s movements and you can share the monitoring with other people.
How Long Does It Last?
The battery lasts for up to 12 hours if the GPS is always turned on, but if you turn the GPS off the battery can last for several days. That means that if you turn the GPS on only for walks and activity tracking, the battery can last for 3 days.
- Light-weight (21 g) and small size (1.27 x 5.08 x 5.08 cm)
- Wide range coverage (up to 4.8 km)
- Does not require a subscription
- Waterproof and shockproof
Best Health And Activity Small GPS Cat Tracker
Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker; Activity Monitor
Size, Weight, And Colors
This device weighs 27.2 grams, so it is not as light as the previous device and measures 4.57 x 3.55 x 1.5 cm (1.8 x 1.4 x 0.6 in). A bit bigger and heavier, but still not too big or heavy to interrupt your cat during its day. It is available in a range of colors from gray to pink and blue.
Tracking, Alerts, And The App
Whistle uses advanced GPS technology but requires a monthly or annual subscription. The app requires and the device that requires Wi-Fi or 3G cellular service for functioning as well. The app offers 24-hour timelines so you can keep track of your pet all day and night long. It also sends alerts to your phone or e-mail when your cat leaves from your home and offers real-time tracking.
Health And Activity Monitoring
The app allows you to keep track of your pet’s health and behavior and enter health data so it can be analyzed. If needed, the app can warn you if there are potential problems. You can also set up virtual fences, the same as the previous device. You can track your pet’s activity by measuring the distance of the path they traveled, how long they were active in a day, and what that activity was (e.g. sleeping or walking).
Battery Life And Other Features
The battery can last up to 7 days, but it also depends on the Wi-Fi signal and your cat’s activity. The Whistle is waterproof and it can be underwater for 30 minutes at 1 m depth (3 ft). Unlike the previous, this device comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Waterproof
- Health monitoring
- Requires a subscription
Best Cheap Small GPS Tracker For Cats
BARTUN Mini Pet Tracker
All Features At Lower Cost
This device shows you do not have to spend too much money on a good product. Of course, Bluetooth devices are cheaper, but if you are looking to buy a GPS-enabled product for a not too high price, this is where you look.
Dimensions, Weight, And Colors
At 20.6 g, this one is a bit lighter than the first reviewed product and measures 2 x 6.8 cm so it is slightly bigger than the first. It is available in black, blue, or pink, and an additional blue silicone case is available for buying.
Features It Includes
Like previous devices, this one also offers to track in real-time and virtual fencing. Additionally, your pet’s previous movements can also be viewed from your phone. GPS, LBS, and AGPS are used for positioning, and, like previous devices, it is also waterproof as well as shockproof, so you do not have to worry about rain or water.
Battery Life And Related
The battery can last for up to 5 days in standby mode, and when the battery power is low, the device sends an alert to the owner to plug the device in to charge. Also, the charging process takes about 2 hours.
Lower Price But There Is A Catch
The device comes with a SIM card which has to be inserted (and activated) into the device for it to work. There are 2 options, depending on whether you are a user in the US or a user somewhere else.
- Lower price
- Low battery alerts
- Waterproof and schockproof
- Real-time tracking
Best Bluetooth And GPS Small Cat Tracker
AVGDeals Smart Mini Bluetooth GPS Tracker
General Information And Description
Besides being a GPS tracker, this device uses Bluetooth 4.0 technology, compatible with iOS and Android. It weighs 9 g, and covers a distance of 75 ft (22.68 m). The dimensions measure 31 x 52 x 11 mm (1.22 x 2.04 x 0.43 in). It is available in black, white, green, red, and blue.
How The Tracking Works
As was mentioned above, the tracker covers a distance of around 22 m, and during the time your pet is within that distance, you can track it in real-time. In case your pet is no longer in the reach or goes further away, you can no longer track it in real-time but you can view the last stay position.
The Application – iTracing
As previous devices, this one also has its phone app for tracking called iTracing, which does not require a subscription. There is an anti-lost option which is pressed when your pet goes missing and an alarm sounds from the device. The app is also available in English, Chinese, French, and Spanish.
Other Uses Of The Tracker
This one is a bit different from others in that it can be used to not only track your pet but also to track and locate any valuables you may have, luggage, children, etc. As the device is small and light, you either put it in your wallet or luggage, or hang it on your cat’s collar.
- Bluetooth and GPS tracking
- Multi-purpose
- Light-weight and small size
Best GPS Small Collar Cat Tracker
Talis-us Mini Portable Anti-Lost GPS Tracker
Dimensions And Weight
Weighing 136 g (4.8 oz) and measuring 12.44 x 8.63 x 5.84 cm (4.9 x 3.4 x 2.3 in) it is not heavy and too big for your pet. Your pet will not realize it is on them, and you will have peace of mind knowing you can easily locate your pet at any time.
Battery Life And The App
The battery can last for up to 5 days and is rechargeable. The app is available on Google Play Store and App Store, so it is compatible with iOS and Android devices, as well as devices with Bluetooth 4.0. The device does not require a subscription, only a SIM card has to be inserted into the device upon setting up.
Tracking And Features
GPS positioning, along with AGPS and 3LBS, allows for not only real-time tracking but also tracking of your pet’s routes, intake of food, medication, and other health insights. If your pet gets lost, there is a button to press which then beeps and leads you to your lost pet, which makes locating them easier. Also included are a virtual fence, voice surveillance, historical track and low-battery alarm.
Multi-Function Tracker
Like the previous one, this one can also be used not only for pets but for keys, wallets, children and seniors. It is easy to clip or insert it into anything because it does not take up much space and it is not heavy, as mentioned previously.
- Multi-function
- No subscription
- Virtual fence
- Sound alarm
Conclusion: Which GPS Small Cat Tracker Is The Best?
Even though the devices listed above may seem like they all have the same features and work the same, some have advantaged over others. Even though the Bartun has a monthly fee, it is still the cheapest and offers the same functions as the other, and the fee is not so high. On the other hand, Findster is the smallest in size and that’s why it is probably the most practical for your cat.
If you are interested in some other similar devices, read my article about best cat GPS trackers. If you want to find out something about dog trackers, you can find information in my post about dog trackers. But, if you want both, read my post about pet trackers here.