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If you live with a mischievous cat, chances are that you’re having a hard time keeping an eye on them, and will often find yourself looking for their hiding spot. On the other hand, you might be looking for a GPS pet tracker to take your feline friend with you on an adventure. Either way, you’ve come to the right place — below are the 10 best pet trackers for cats.
What are Pet Trackers?
There’s no denying that all cat owners love their cute furballs, but what happens if they run away or get scared into hiding? When cats are unable to find their way back home, a GPS pet tracker can help pinpoint your cat’s location and get them back safely. But even with indoor cats, you’re won’t be safe from this situation — cats will take any opportunity to explore the world outside your home, which is why it’s important to invest in pet GPS trackers.
The Best Pet Trackers for Cats
We scoured the net to curate a list of the best trackers for cats and weeded out the products that over-promise but under-deliver. These are the best options to choose from; all you need to do is to pick based on your preferences and what you think will work best for your precious kitty.
1. Tractive Dog & Cat GPS Tracker
Highlights:
- The Tractive GPS tracker comes with affordable plans for full protection
- With a “live mode” that allows you to see your pet’s movement in real-time
- Can be used with accessories to turn it into a GPS collar
- Works in 150 countries with all its features accessible via the free app
At the top of this list is the Tractive Dog & Cat GPS Tracker which is highly considered to be the best cat GPS tracker by many fans. The Tractive cat tracker offers ease of use and all-day activity tracking among its best features, while the location history provides owners with peace of mind. When used with the free Tractive GPS app, you can get location updates on your cat every 2 to 60 minutes when on the default setting; but when you switch over to live tracking mode, you can get updates more accurately and quickly.
To get started, simply use the rubber clip included to attach the Tractive GPS cat tracker to your cat’s collar and choose from the subscription plan that comes with it. You can opt for monthly or yearly plans depending on your needs; the basic plan starts at $10 a month while the premium plan comes in at $12 per month. Other exciting features include activity trackers to see how much exercise your cat gets every day, making it the best option for parents who want more than just location updates.
2. Whistle GO Explore Tracker
Highlights:
- Offers a more affordable plan compared to others
- With real-time GPS tracking for accurate movement and location of your cat
- Comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts 20 days on a single charge
- The Whistle app gives direct access to your veterinarian for emergencies
If you’re looking for an option that’s full of features but offers a more affordable plan, then the Whistle Go Explore Tracker might be a better option than the first. Using Google Maps along with the AT&T network, you can precisely track your pet’s location every 15 seconds, whether it’s hiding under the house or 3,000 miles away. It also gives out notifications should your cat leave its designated safe zone, while the built-in night light has three settings that allow you to locate your furbaby in low-light conditions.
To use this tracker, you’ll first need to subscribe to their yearly plan which comes out at $8.25 per month, which is a lot cheaper compared to other options. In exchange, you’ll be able to enjoy their services, which include the actual GPS device, fitness monitoring, health reports, alerts, and more. Finally, you’ll also have access to a feature that no other tracker currently offers; vet assistance through phone, chat, or email with the VETINSIGHT team of veterinary professionals.
3. Eureka Technology MARCO POLO Cat Tracker
Highlights:
- Works anywhere without the need for service fees, GPS, or cell phone
- Easy to set up and use — just push a button to get started
- Includes everything you need to track your cat
- Designed to be light enough for cats and to be used for swimming
If you have an adventurous cat that loves to go on activities with you, look no further than the Marco Polo Cat Tracker by Eureka Technology. It doesn’t need cellular or internet access to work, so you can both explore the most remote locations knowing that you’ll get real-time alerts should you get separated. Offering the perfect solution between staying at home and traveling, this rugged and durable tracking tag has been designed to provide better performance on rough terrain and any climate.
Using a 2-way radio system to operate, it has a signal range of up to 2 miles in open space – and because it doesn’t require any monthly fees, you can save hundreds compared to subscription-based trackers. You can also purchase two more tracking tags to add to your system any time to monitor a total of three pets, including small dogs making it a good option if you’re also a dog owner. Moreover, it has an internal battery that can be recharged every six weeks.
4. Apple AirTag
Highlights:
- Not limited to Apple devices and offers a great way to track your cat
- Quick setup that instantly connects with your iPad or iPhone
- Works seamlessly with the Apple Airtag Cat Collar
- Can help find your cat from further away through the “Find My” network
Though it isn’t made specifically to pinpoint a pet’s location, the Apple AirTag is among the best Bluetooth trackers in the market. Apart from providing real-time location tracking of items and cats, it also comes with different features such as the Find My app, a built-speaker to talk to Siri, Precision Finding and Ultra Wideband technology, Lost Mode, and more. With the Find My network, you can get help from millions of other Apple devices all over the world to find your cat should it go missing.
You can also rest easy knowing that your privacy, location, history, and data are never stored on AirTag, and that you will remain anonymous. It comes with a replaceable battery that will last for a year or longer and is built with dust resistance and an IP67 water-resistant construction. With plenty of colorful accessories that go hand-in-hand with it, you’ll find that the AirTag isn’t just a great addition to your cat’s collar, but also provides the best value for all your belongings.
5. Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
Highlights:
- A versatile tracker that not only keeps your cat safe but other valuables too
- Compatible with smart home, IOS, and Android devices
- With Find Nearby and Find Far Away functionality
- Premium plan available for even more protection
If you’re looking for an Android-friendly version of the AirTag, then try the Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker for your curious kitty. Unlike GPS trackers, this device uses Bluetooth technology to monitor your pet, and is compatible with a wide range of products — it also works with Hey Google, Siri, and Amazon Alexa so you can keep the peace in your home. All you need to do is attach the Tile Mate to your best friend’s collar and use the free app to locate it whenever you need it.
Apart from sending a notification once your cat is found, it offers many additional features such as Find Nearby, which sounds off the exact location of your pet when it’s within Bluetooth range, and Find Far Away which gives you the most recent location of your cat on the map. Just keep in mind that it has a maximum range of 250 feet, which will depend on the signal strength available in your area. Built with an IP67 water-resistant rating and a non-replaceable battery that lasts up to 3 years, it’s certainly a great choice for cats that are usually indoors.
6. Petfon Pet GPS Tracker
Highlights:
- Long-distance tracking in real-time to help find your cat while it’s on the go
- Comes with 4 modes for the danger fence
- Combines WiFi, GPS, wireless, and Bluetooth technologies
- Lightweight and durable while offering plenty of extra features
The Petfon Pet GPS Tracker is one of the pricier options on this list, and for good reason — it has the most technologically advanced design and is packed full of features, making it a stand out in the market. Using this tracker will allow you to create a danger fence around the area where your pet is, and will quickly notify you if your cat leaves. With a combination of the latest technologies in GPS tracking, this unique pet tracker has the ability to check your cat’s location in real-time, ranging from 0.65 to 3.5 miles with updates between 10 to 20 seconds.
This small and lightweight tracker is also durable and has been built to be rainproof, along with a battery that lasts between 8 to 16 hours per charge and a charge station that can charge it multiple times. It also comes equipped with an LED light to help track your cat easier in areas with dim light — you can also record and store voice commands onto the tracker to quickly communicate with your cat. Another good news is that this device doesn’t come with any monthly fees, which means you never have to pay for anything else once you make your initial purchase.
7. Girafus Cat Tracker
Highlights:
- A great option to find pets that love to look for hiding spots
- Doesn’t require a phone connection or GPS to work
- Offers up to 1600 feet of range when the line of sight is clear
- One base unit is enough to power four tags for four pets
If you’re looking for a different option compared to most of the options available, the Girafus Cat Tracker will certainly give you a break from the more techy items here. Because this tracker doesn’t work through GPS, it doesn’t charge a monthly subscription fee and instead, uses radio frequency which makes it even more accurate than its competitors when it comes to finding cats in the dark. Weighing in at just 0.28 ounces, your furry friend won’t even notice it on their body, and can be easily slipped into their favorite collar.
While GPS trackers may have an unlimited range, this cat tracker still manages to provide a range of up to 1,600 feet and more than makes up for its lack of range through better accuracy thanks to the frequencies it uses. The battery-powered handset is able to track as many as four tags all at once and works by detecting the radio transmissions from the collar around your cat’s neck. It also comes with everything you need; the base unit, a tag, batteries, charger, strap, and silicone sleeve — plus the rechargeable batteries can last up to 30 days!
8. Pawscout Bluetooth Enabled Tag
Highlights:
- With social features that allow you to connect with local fur parents
- Helps to set up outdoor virtual pet fences and boundaries
- Allows you to create a digital profile of your cat with your contact information
- With a Bluetooth range of 300 feet in every direction
If you’re looking for a great tracker on a budget, then the Pawscout Bluetooth Enabled Tag might be the right choice for your cat. This is another option that trades GPS features in favor of Bluetooth technology, so you can save big bucks while still enjoying reliable location services that come with plenty of other features. First, download the mobile app for a quick installation of the device — it can help your pet come home, connect with other pet parents, track activity, set up virtual fences, find pet-friendly businesses in your neighborhood, and share your pet online.
Luckily, most pets won’t stray too far, and the Pawscout app provides a great way to reach out to your community if your pet becomes lost — simply mark it as lost in your app and the tag will start sending alerts to all users up to 5 miles away. While the tag won’t give your pet’s exact location, it will notify you if your pet comes in and out of the safety zone, around 300 feet from your location. You’ll also like the extra feature of creating medical profiles, which include pictures, vaccinations, medications, and your contact information if someone finds your cat.
9. Jiobit GPS Cat Location Monitor
Highlights:
- An innovative monitor which combines WiFi, GPS, cellular, and Bluetooth technology
- Offers unlimited tracking range and long-lasting batteries
- Comes with a smartphone app that sends location and real-time alerts
- Small, lightweight, and durable to withstand daily activities
With the Jiobit GPS Cat Location Monitor, you’ll be able to see your cat’s every move; it can be easily attached to your partner’s collar and offers an unlimited range. Featuring progressive beaconing technology, it uses a combination of WiFi, GPS, cellular, and Bluetooth to monitor your pet with incomparable accuracy and reliability. Through this device, you’ll be able to know the exact location of your furbaby through real-time alerts, location updates, geofenced areas, and live tracking.
You can view the journey that your pet has taken over the week through the timeline history, and set up custom places for your cat to access, so you can be alerted if it takes any detours or leaves these safe areas. With its patented Jiobit TrustChip, you can be sure to have privacy, encryption, and security to protect your data — and it’s also COPPA certified. Its small, durable, and water-resistant design allows it to withstand even the most active cats, so you never have to worry.
10. Cube Real Time GPS Cat Tracker
Highlights:
- Can track your pet, vehicle, belongings, and more through your smartphone
- With a rechargeable battery that can last as long as 60 days in between charges
- Features real-time notifications for low battery levels or leaving the safe zone
- Offers tech support and customer service to help solve any problems
If you have an outdoor cat, then investing in the Cube Real Time GPS Cat Tracker is a good idea; with it, you never have to worry about losing your beloved feline. Once connected to your laptop, computer, or smartphone, you’ll be able to set up virtual fences and get notified if your cat leaves or if your Cube has little juice left. To quickly find your cat, all you need to do is press the “Find” button on the mobile app, and the Cube will emit a loud ringing sound to guide you.
This device works using a SIM card and its GPS is connected to cellular networks, which means you’ll need to pay a monthly fee — a small price to pay to use its many features. But with long battery life, convenient customer service, and a lifetime warranty, there’s virtually nothing else for you to do but watch your pet roam around your home. Should you lose your device or if it malfunctions, you can be sure that it will be replaced with a brand-new unit if you have an active subscription.
Buying Guide for the Best Pet Tracker
With the right GPS tracker for your cat, you won’t have to waste much time looking when you can go straight to your missing fuzzball. Every tracker will offer different features, so be sure to look for the one that will work specifically for you and your furbaby to ensure that it will cater to your needs. Below are a few things to consider when picking out the best tracker for your kitty.
Size and Weight
While early trackers used to be big and heavy, the technology used in making them has evolved quite a bit in recent times. Today, most pet trackers are lightweight enough to be placed on cat collars or act as clip-on accessories. Even so, cats are tricky creatures, so you’ll want to steer clear of bulky units that may cause unnecessary strain on their necks.
Be sure to look for something that’s small enough so it doesn’t get in the way of their exploration and light enough to ensure their overall comfort.
Technology
There’s nothing more important than having an accurate and reliable device that can keep track of your cat when they find their way out of your home. GPS trackers can keep an eye on your cat over wide distances, but they may not be as accurate. Bluetooth trackers can only watch over your feline at close distances but will be able to do so with precision.
As such, you’ll need to choose something that’s appropriate for your cat’s behavior, and whether they love being indoors or outdoors.
Monthly Fees and Cost
Remember that with some models, you’ll need to pay both the upfront costs and the monthly subscriptions to their services. Some trackers use GPS satellites, which require both a cellular subscription and network data. This can be quite costly if you calculate the total of your annual subscription, but these products will often have the latest technology and advanced features.
So before you make a decision, make sure that you’re getting the best value for money while choosing an option that fits your budget and has the features you want.
Battery Life
Battery life can greatly vary between different trackers, but you’ll want to pick one that will last long and won’t require so much charging in case of an emergency. Trackers with rechargeable batteries will last days and weeks without a charge, but non-rechargeable batteries will often last a year or more. But you also need to be aware of how much you use your product to see how fast it drains the battery, which will help you determine how you can extend its lifespan.
Durability
Because trackers need to be worn by your cat everywhere it goes, it needs to be tough and durable — if it breaks easily and starts to malfunction, you won’t be able to locate your cat. The more expensive products will tend to be built with higher-quality materials and should offer some kind of warranty that will help to cover damages or replacements if needed. Be sure to look for water-resistant, dust-resistant, and weather-proof options that will help your tracker withstand the elements that cats will encounter if they get lost.
Extra Features
Some trackers will have extra features on offer such as an activity monitor — this helps you keep tabs on your cat’s health, movements, and other vital information. Other features include virtual fences, real-time and precise locations, multi-user interfaces, Android/iOS compatibility, and more. But you’ll also need to keep in mind that the more advanced features it has, the more expensive it will be, so try to balance the features with your budget when choosing your tracker.
So Which is the Best Cat Tracker?
All of the trackers listed above have their own strengths and weaknesses and they can all provide you with great results when it comes to tracking a lost pet. But if we had to pick the best option of all those available, we’ll have to crown the Tractive Cat GPS Tracker as the winner. For such an affordable tracker, it offers features and security that goes above and beyond its price tag and is by far the best GPS tracker in the market.
If you’re looking to get your cat’s first tracker, then the Tractive Cat GPS Tracker is a wonderful option but don’t forget that there are other options available that will provide you with other features. For iOS lovers, Apple’s Airtag is a great solution, while Android users might want to look into the Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker. But no matter what you choose, you can be happy to know that a tracker will allow your furbaby to have the freedom of exploration while always finding its way back home.
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