Best cat tracker: 11 smartest picks of 2021
Top 11 cat trackers in 2021
This RF-based cat tracker is said to provide great accuracy and range. You attach a small and lightweight (0.21 ounces) tag to your cat’s collar and use a handset to locate it. The tag is robust and has a splash-proof cover to protect it from any scratches and knocks.
The handset gives you audio and visual cues when you’re searching for your pet, and the technology gives more accurate results than GPS. The range is up to 400 ft, and the device is accurate to within 1 inch. Another great advantage is that it runs on widely available CR2032 batteries, which are durable and can be replaced at any moment.
Pros:
- High accuracy
- Suitable for small cats and kittens
- Battery is easy to replace
Cons:
- Outdated technology
- Weight: 0.5 lbs
- Range: 400 ft
If you are looking for a multifunctional tracker, take a look at Whistle GO. It tracks your pet in real-time, alerts you in case it leaves home, monitors its health behaviors, and gives access to Tele-Vet via an app.
The tracker can send notifications as emails, texts, or app messages, and then you can easily locate your pet with GPS and Google Maps. Depending on the type of subscription you choose in the app, you’ll be able to track the activity of your pet and contact a vet in case you’re worried about something. Thanks to activity tracking, you can immediately notice any changes in the pet’s typical behavior.
The tracker comes with a snap collar, a hook&loop collar attachment, a charging cable, and a quick start guide. Depending on how active your pet friend is, the battery can last up to 20 days.
Pros:
- Tele-Vet
- Behavior and activity tracking
- Notifications
Cons:
- Paid subscription
- Weight: 0.96 oz
- Battery life: 20 days
- Water resistance rating: IPX8
Cat Tailer is a Bluetooth collar tag that is very small and has an extremely long battery life – up to 6 months! It uses a CR1632 battery, so you can replace it as soon as it runs flat. The tracker connects to a smartphone app and is free of charge.
The app allows you to track several devices at the same time in case you have more than one cat. It displays the approximate distance based on the signal strength and sends notifications if the cats are nearby.
The device gives you an effective method for finding your feline friends in the neighborhood. As it works with Bluetooth, it doesn’t show the exact location of the tracker, but lets you know if your cat is within its range (328 ft).
Pros:
- Battery is easy to replace
- No paid subscriptions
- Notifications
Cons:
- Doesn’t show exact location
- Weight: 0.28 oz
- Range: 328 ft
- Battery life: 6 months
Tile Pro is a universal tracker that can be attached to bags, keys, and any other objects that can get lost, so it can work as a Bluetooth cat tracker. It has a 400 ft range and an audio signal to help you find it. The tag is water-resistant and features a replaceable 1-year battery CR2032.
The Tile app for iOS and Android is free but has paid Premium features to enhance the search process. The Premium version includes smart alerts and item reimbursement. Tile tracker can also work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri if synchronized. It is available in black and white color. Another cool feature is that it can work the other way round and help you find your phone, even in silent mode.
Pros:
- 1 year on one battery
- Battery is easy to replace
- Works with voice assistants
Cons:
- You’ll need an extra key ring to attach it to a collar
- Range: 400 ft
- Battery life: 12 months
- Water resistant: yes
The second generation of Gibi’s features the same compact and lightweight design with IP-67 that keeps it safe even 3 feet deep. It has updated electronics, longer battery life, and improved accuracy. This GPS collar for cats connects to a free app that displays the location on Google Maps. You can also set safe zones and receive alerts if the borders are breached. It is also accessible from a website.
To use the device, you need to register a Gibi account, accept the terms of service and choose a subscription. The kit includes a GPS tracker, a collar attachment clip, a charger kit, and a quick start guide. As it’s designed specifically for pets, it’s one of the best cat gps trackers.
Pros:
- IP-67 waterproof
- Shows location
- Comes with a collar attachment clip
Cons:
- Paid subscription needed
- Water resistance rating: IP67
- Coverage: cellular
- Battery life: 5 days
Tile Mate is a smaller and less powerful variant than Tile Pro, but this makes it even better for stay-at-home cats as the tracker is lighter. It works on a 1-year replaceable CR1632 battery. The range of the device is 200 ft.
Tile Mate comes in white color and stylish rounded square shape. It looks good on cat collars, and it will for sure survive through your cat’s adventures.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight
- 1 year on one battery
- Battery is easy to replace
Cons:
- You’ll need an extra key ring to attach it to a collar
- Range: 400 ft
- Battery life: 12 months
- Water-resistant: yes
This cute pet tracker, originally designed as a key finder, comes in 4 different colors and features a 4.0 low-power Bluetooth. It runs on a CR2032 battery that ensures more than 6 months of operation. If the tracker comes out of the safe zone set in the app, both the phone and the tracker make a loud noise, so it works as an anti-theft device, too
The effective range of the device is up to 82 ft in an open location, which makes it useful in small neighborhoods. The package includes four tags – enough for a whole cat family!
Pros:
- 4 colours to choose from
- Battery is easy to replace
- Sends audio signals
Cons:
- Small range
- Range: 80 feet
Pawscout is an all-in-one device to ensure your cat’s safety, happiness, and health. It is lightweight enough for cats and has a long-lasting battery. This pet tag allows you to set a safe 300-foot perimeter for your cats through an app that requires no paid subscription.
The app also features a global community of pet lovers who will be eager to assist your search if your feline friend gets lost. Another useful function is the creation of shareable flyers in case your pet is lost. The Pawscout app also has a full digital profile of your pet including a photo, vaccinations, medical issues, and your contact details.
The tag doesn’t have GPS, so the app won’t show the coordinates on a map, but any user can track the tag within 300 ft range.
Pros:
- No paid subscription
- Digital profile with all information about your cat
- Shareable flyers in the app
Cons:
- Doesn’t show exact location
- Range: 300 ft
- Battery life: 6 months
- Water resistance rating: IPX7
Based on GPS, LBS, and WIFI satellites, the Bartun GPS tracker displays the accurate location of your cat. The app allows you to monitor the location in real-time, set up safe ranges, and get immediate notifications if your pet enters or exits them. You can also share your pet’s location with other pet owners.
Tracing your cat’s routes is another curious feature. Not only can it help to find your lost friend, but it also gives you knowledge on what places it has visited and where it spends most of the time during the day.
The device is IPX7 waterproof and has LED lights and ringtones. Depending on the mode, it works up to 10 days without recharging. To be used with GSM networks, it requires a SIM card.
Pros:
- Unlimited range
- IPX7 waterproof
- Light and sound indicators
Cons:
- Needs regular charging
- Weight: 5.3 ounces
- Range : unlimited
This GPS cat tracker comes with an adjustable collar. It is compact and lightweight so as not to burden your cat. It uses a SIM card to locate your pet anywhere and alarm you if it gets out of the safe area.
Depending on the mode, the cat tracking collar lives up to several days. If you update the location every hour, the battery lasts for 3-5 days. If you track the cat in real-time mode, it gives you about 15 hours of standby time. It has a built-in 500 mAh Li-ion battery.
The tracker itself is made of rubber, which ensures its durability and safety. The package includes a charging cable and a user manual.
Pros:
- Comes with a collar
- Real-time tracking
Cons:
- Needs regular charging
- The collar might be too big for a cat
- Weight: 0.45 lbs
The Cube key finder is a universal tracking device suitable for keys and wallets as well as cats and dogs. It is paired with your smartphone through the Cube app, and each tag can be given a name. The app can ring the tag if it’s near. If not, it displays the last known location on a map.
The Cube tag is waterproof and can survive in sub-zero temperatures. The battery is replaceable, and the device comes with one extra battery. The separation alarm can work as a notification if your cat is too far from you. To attach it to your cat’s collar, you need an extra key ring.
Pros:
- Works in sub-zero temperatures
- Display location on a map
- Replaceable battery
Cons:
- You’ll need an extra key ring to attach it to a collar
- Range: 200 ft
- Battery life: 12 months
Best cat trackers at a glance:
| Cat tracker | Technology | Accuracy | Effective range | Battery life | Weight | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TabCat Cat Tracker | RF | 1 inch | 400 ft | 3 months | 0.21 oz | 10/10 |
| Whistle GO | GPS | 10-15 ft | unlimited | 5-20 days | 1,3 oz | 10/10 |
| Cat Tailer | Bluetooth | Several feet | 328 ft | 6 months | 0.28 oz | 10/10 |
| Tile Pro | Bluetooth | Several feet | 300 ft | 1 year | 0.5 oz | 9/10 |
| Gibi Master Kit | GPS | 10 ft | unlimited | 3 days | 1.4 oz | 8/10 |
| Tile Mate | Bluetooth | Several feet | 150-200 ft | 1 year | 0.2 oz | 9/10 |
| Tracker Locator | Bluetooth | Several feet | 82 ft | More than 6 months | 0.7 oz | 8/10 |
| Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag | Bluetooth | Several feet | 300 ft | 6 months | 1.58 oz | 10/10 |
| Bartun GPS Tracker | GPS | 16 ft | unlimited | 3-10 days | 1.05 oz | 9/10 |
| Candora GPS Pet Tracker | GPS | 15 ft | unlimited | 15 hrs to 5 days | 1.2 oz | 8/10 |
| Cube | Bluetooth | Several feet | 100 ft | Up to 1 year | 0.388 oz | 10/10 |
How I researched the best cat trackers
1. I evaluated the accuracy of each tracker
To estimate how accurate each tracker is, I decided to test them in real life. I put each tracker in a random place in my neighborhood and then located them with the apps or handsets. The difference between the actual location and the tracked location shows how accurate each device is. The shorter the distance is, the higher accuracy it has. Overall, Bluetooth and RF trackers show better results than those with GPS.
2. I evaluated the range of effective tracking
Accuracy goes together with the range of tracking. While GPS trackers can locate your pet miles away, an RF or Bluetooth tracker will be effective only on short distances. To test this, I hid the trackers under stones, in deep grass, inside boxes, and in basements and simulated the situation of search. The experiment showed that the most accurate results appear within less than 10 feet from the devices. Of course, this depends on whether the tracker is just lying on the ground or is hidden somewhere where obstacles block the signal.
3. I evaluated a battery life
Battery life is another crucial aspect. With pet trackers, it depends on several factors: the battery itself, the amount of energy the tracker needs, and whether this amount is stable or not. For example, with trackers that can trace the activity of a pet, the energy needed for it depends on how active your cat is and on how often you set to check on it. On average, a Bluetooth tracker lives on one battery for up to a year, and cellular and GPS trackers are the weakest.
4. I evaluated the weight of each cat tracker
The weight and size of a tracker are of high importance when it comes to cats. Some pet trackers are designed for dogs and are too heavy for cats to carry around. Also, a tracker suitable for an adult cat can be too big for a kitten.
5. I analyzed the ease of use
All trackers look the same, but the process of setting them up is different. It includes downloading an app, connecting it to the tracker, and attaching the tracker to the collar of your pet. With some trackers, you need to go through a long registration process, others require a subscription. Attaching the tracker to the collar can turn into another problem: sometimes you might need extra rings to do it or it just won’t fit this particular collar. Finally, your cat can experience discomfort because of the tracker and constantly try to put it off.
FAQ
What is the smallest cat tracker ?
The smallest cat tracker, and by that I mean both the size and the weight, is Cat Tailer. It weighs only 0.24 oz and is just 1.06 inches round and is designed specifically for cats. It will suit both adult cats and kittens, and it can easily be attached to any collar. Despite being small, it is a powerful device that sends signals up to 328 ft away and stays charged for up to 6 months. So, it is definitely one of the best cat trackers on sale.
What’s the main difference between cat and dog trackers?
Dogs are bigger than cats, and so are dog trackers. I already mentioned the importance of size and weight. So, a dog tracker might not suit your cat in case it’s too heavy or large. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tracker for a small dog like a chihuahua or a pomeranian, a tracker designed for cats will be perfect.
At the end of the day
Our cats live in a world designed for humans. And while they enjoy certain things like your comfy sofa to snuggle on or a toy to chew, our world may be dangerous for them.
They can’t ask for help and there are countless places to get stuck and lost in. A good cat tracker will increase the chances of finding your best feline buddy in case it runs away on a trip or chases a bird too far. You might want to run a digital bird game for your cat or install an outdoor or a balcony catio instead.
Even if your cat never leaves home, there’s always a tiny possibility that it escapes through a door left open. Trackers can help a lot in searching for a lost pet, but do not consider them the only safeguard. It is advised to microchip your cat as tags and trackers can easily be removed while a microchip will come in handy to identify the owner of a lost animal.
Keep your pets safe!