The 10 Best Cat GPS Tracker Review (Updated List)

Owners want their cat to feel happy, and for this, it may require getting out and about. In some cases, such walks end sadly — the animal disappears without a trace. To prevent this from happening, you can use special devices; trackers.

A collar with a GPS tracker helps track the pet and limit the walk’s territory. If the cat goes beyond the border marked by the owner, a signal will be triggered. ^[1]

Types of GPS collars:

• Radio frequency (RF) trackers for cats. Radio frequency trackers have a radio transmitter that is attached to your cat’s collar. You can receive a radio transmission from a cat on a special receiver. As you approach the cat, the signal changes, telling you that you are moving in the right direction.
• A collar with a SIM card. Conventional GPS collars work on the basis of a standard GSM signal and have a built-in SIM card. The collar is a signal receiver and displays the result in the phone app. The display accuracy is about 10-50 meters. The advantage of these collars is the low cost of purchase and easy operation via an application on a mobile phone. The disadvantage is the need to pay for data (for most manufacturers). Another disadvantage is that the signal only works where operators work.
• Trackers with Bluetooth. Cat trackers that are equipped with Bluetooth have a few positive qualities. They are cheap, very light, and can work for a very long time without recharging. However, such a tracker is the weakest of the available options. Such devices have a range of no more than 300 feet.
• Profi GPS collars. These are GPS radios with GLONASS and VHF support. Signal coverage is almost everywhere. The collar works even in the deepest forests. The advantage of these collars is the best signal and 100% accuracy of display in any conditions.

Cat Tracking Devices (Full Reviews)

There are a huge variety of different types of collars with trackers. There are many models of GPS collars. They may differ in minor features: water resistance, the presence of speakers and a microphone, and support for 4G. However, the leading role of all models is approximately the same. We have selected the best products by analyzing customer reviews, as well as by price-quality ratio.  In this chart, we picked the top trackers for cats.

1. Tractive IKATI

Thanks to advanced technologies, Tractive GPS trackers can accurately detect your animal’s location almost anywhere in the world. Tractive notifies the owner when the cat leaves a pre-defined safe area.

The tracker has an ergonomic design, so it can easily be attached to any cat collar. Just attach the GPS tracker to your collar and be calm. Tractive GPS trackers are made of durable materials and are 100% waterproof.

The battery life of the device is 2-5 days. If you are trying to locate at night, the LED light and sound function will help you.

Key Features:

• Universal GPS tracker for cats with a leather collar.
• Location tracking and activity monitoring.
• LIVE mode-the location is updated every 2-3 seconds.

2. Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker

Whistle GO Explore allows you to track your cat’s location if it has escaped or been stolen. If your cat has left the boundaries set for walking, you will receive a notification on your smartphone.

Using the AT&T network and Google Maps, you can track your pet’s exact location in real-time.

The app also allows you to track the number of calories burnt by your pet. Besides, you can generate a 30-day report on your dog’s activity for the veterinarian. Thanks to the extended battery life, the Whistle GO Explore runs for up to 20 days without charging.

Key Features:

• One of the most consistent GPS trackers on the market.
• Email vet 30-day health report.
• Attaches securely to almost any collar.

3. Jiobit

Monitor the location of your cat with the Jiobit Location. This tracker is equipped with modern signal transmission technology that uses a combination of cellular communication, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This will help determine the exact location of your pet indoors and outdoors.

This monitor easily attaches to your pet’s collar. The mobile application allows you to monitor the location of the cat for a very long time. It also allows you to view the trajectory of the pet’s walk.

Key Features:

• Tiny, lightweight, durable and water-resistant.
• Monitor uses a combination of cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Mobile app lets you keep tabs on the location of your companion.

4. Tabcat Pack

Tabcat tracker uses a radio frequency to track your cat, unlike most other modern trackers currently on the market. Radiofrequency technology will help detect your pet, even if it is located where GPS satellite signals or mobile phone signals may be lost. Besides, they more accurately determine the location of your cat.

To start tracking a cat, simply attach a light (0.21 oz) tag to the collar. After that, you can quickly find it using a remote control the size of a credit card. The splash-proof Tabcat cover that is included protects the device from bumps, water, and scratches.

Key Features:

• Accuracy up to one inch.
• You can track up to four cats.
• The app has hints that indicate the direction to search for a cat.

5. PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag

The Pettouchid Smart Pet ID Tag is attached to your cat’s collar. The principle of operation is to scan the QR code. When the person who found your cat scans the tag, GPS information about where your pet is will be sent directly to your phone.

This tracker does not require you to use the app or spend money on a subscription, so it is an extremely economical choice. The tracker is available in several colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your furry friend.

Key Features:

• It attaches to your cat’s collar.
• GPS sends information to your phone.
• No subscription required.

6. BARTUN LTE GPS Tracker

With the help of the BARTUN LTE GPS cat tracker, you can monitor your cat in real-time. You will get location tracking without restrictions. And together with the app, this cat tracker allows you to follow your cat’s favorite walking way.

GPS tracker works on the basis of GPS + LBS + WIFI, monitoring targets via SMS, app, and Internet. (Positioning accuracy is up to 5 meters.) Support for Android and iOS website for PC.

Key Features:

• Pinpoint the real-time location of your pet.
• Tracker can check the pet’s movement steps, walking mileage and calories burned.
• Tracker support GPS, Wi-Fi and LBS positioning.

7. Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker

This tracking device is suitable for both large and small cats. It is considered the lightest and smallest Bluetooth tracking device. The device emits a low-power wireless radio beacon that will communicate with your smartphone. If your cat leaves the device’s range, you will receive a notification when it returns to the range.

The tracker is completely waterproof, so it won’t break even if your cat dips into the water. The range is up to 328 feet on flat terrain. The battery can last for six months. The device is just over an inch in diameter and weighs about a quarter of an ounce.

Key Features:

• Tiny and light cat tracker.
• Fully waterproof.
• The app interface is straightforward to use.

8. PetFon 2 Pet GPS Tracker

Petfon 2 allows you to track your pet using the app on your smartphone in real-time. Thanks to modern software, Petfon2 provides a longer tracking range. Stable connection and high speed of location detection helps to quickly find a pet. A longer battery life will ensure long walks of the cat.

You can also set any borders on the map, and if the pet with the tracker leaves these borders, you will receive a notification on your phone. The built-in beep function offers you another way to interact with your pet. You can change the melody to your own voice, which will be much easier for your pet to recognize.

Key Features:

• GPS tracker is free of any service fee or monthly fee.
• GPS tracker can define a safe area around your pet’s location.
• The tracking ranges can be up to 0.65 miles in downtown/dense space and 3.5 miles in an open environment.

9. Findster Duo+ GPS Tracker & Activity Monitor

Findster Duo + GPS Pet Tracker helps you quickly locate your pet. This tracking system includes a 1-year subscription (no monthly fee). The device tracks the cat’s location and monitors the activity of the pet, displaying a report on your phone in real-time.

Thanks to Findster MALE technology, the owner can determine a location within a radius of up to 3 miles without the need for a SIM card or cellular connection. Besides, this tracker also allows you to determine the safe zone around your pet’s location. Tracker sent a notification to your phone if the cat leaves the permitted space. Find star Duo + GPS pet tracking system with real-time GPS tracking ensures that your favorite pet will always be supervised. Findster Care also gives you access to a personal veterinarian to monitor the well-being of your furry friends.

Key Features:

• Long battery life.
• Once connected, it can pick up your cat’s signal from up to 3 miles away.
• Doesn’t require a monthly plan.

10. Girafus Cat Tracker RF Finder

Girafus proTRACKtor 227PA is the best solution to determine the location of your cat. This tracker’s distinctive feature is that there is no monthly fee or subscription for using the device. It operates on a secure 2.4 GHz radiofrequency. The weight of the cat module is only 0.28 oz. The working distance is 1,600 feet, which is precisely enough distance to quickly find your cat. The silicone case protects the device from water splashes and dirt. The direction indicator in the base unit will show you the necessary path during the search for your cat, this technology significantly reduces the time spent searching for the animal. You can use it to track and search for four animals.

Key Features:

• 1,600-Foot range is exceptional.
• Has a battery life of up to 30 days.
• High level of accuracy.

*Ratings are formed by the author of the article based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

What is a Cat Tracker, and How Does It Work?

A GPS tracker is an electronic device designed for tracking. The signal comes from a satellite, marking the exact location of the cat. The system works quite simply:

• The collar determines the coordinates using the GPS module;
• Using GSM, the collar sends the coordinates received by GPS to the server. This is exactly what a SIM card is needed for;
• The Future GPX application is installed on the phone (android/ios);
• The application takes the tracker data from the server and shows the point on maps.

A tracker for cats with a GPS module has a built-in battery, GSM communication module, GPS module, and ports for charging and SIM cards in microformat. The advantage of these collars is the low cost of purchase and easy operation via the app on your mobile phone. The disadvantage is that most manufacturers need to pay for data. ^[2]

The best cat collars allow you to configure geofences that limit the space that is safe for your pet. If the cat runs too far, a notification will be sent to your phone. For full operation, you will need to periodically recharge the battery of the GPS tracker. The advantage of this device is the complete absence of restrictions on operation and signal reception, the tracker with GPS can determine your cat’s location anywhere in the world.

Trackers with GPS modules also come in two types, removable and built-in collars. The removable tracker can be easily removed from one collar and put on another, but it has a larger size due to the removable design, which may not be very convenient for a cat. The built-in tracker has a compact size and will be more comfortable for the cat.

There is also the principle of RF operation (via the app). The chip is connected to an online monitoring system, which allows you to track the animal’s movements in real-time. These devices use a wireless electromagnetic signal that transmits information about your pet’s distance from your smartphone or the receiver that is included. The device is powered by a battery. The advantage of using this type of tracker is that there is no need for regular maintenance and recharging the built-in battery, small size, and lightweight, which is very important for cats. This tracker’s weight is about 0.2 ounces, which allows the cat to wear it on its collar without obstacles. Even if you don’t have a smartphone with you, you can use the complete receiver to determine your cat’s location. ^[3]

READ MORE: Kitten Throwing Up

Best Cat GPS Buying Guide

If your cat likes to walk a long distance from your home and is periodically delayed or in no hurry to return home, then a tracker with GPS will suit you. This tracker works at any distance from your smartphone and transmits information about your kitty’s location to it.

When purchasing tracking devices, you must take into account all the nuances:

• Compactness. The equipment model must have a capacious battery. When it comes to a cat, you need a small compact gadget. Therefore, you should pay attention to modern GPS trackers, small in size, and excellent performance. ^[4]
• Battery capacity and type of charging. The larger the battery capacity, the longer the device can work without recharging. The tracker’s battery should be enough for long walks of the cat. It is convenient to use devices with wireless charging. Today, manufacturers produce beacons in the form of jewelry on the collar, which looks very aesthetically pleasing. Tags can be removed for charging without touching the pet’s collar. This is the easiest-to-use tracking gadget.
• Tracking range. Most GPS trackers indicate the location of the cat with an accuracy of 16-32 feets. Less accurate gadgets give information with an accuracy of 320-650 feets. As you get closer to your pet, the information will be updated.
• Connecting to a smartphone. GPS trackers syncs with your smartphone using a unique app for iPhone and Android smartphones. Following the app’s tips, you will have no difficulty syncing the tracker with your smartphone to track your cat’s location. A simple tracker has its own receiver in the form of a remote and can also be synced with a smartphone. The set includes instructions with more detailed instructions for syncing.
• Analysis of pet activity. The tracker also provides other useful information about the animal: speed and direction of movement. If the animal doesn’t move, the owner will see it. When the pet is running, you receive the speed information. The average GPS tracker has a continuous operation period of about 50-60 hours. During this period, the owner will be able to find a lost pet and return it home. ^[5]
• Resistant to moisture and dust. A GPS tracker for pets must have protection against moisture and continues to work even in the most uncomfortable circumstances.

READ MORE: Cat Emergency Kit

FAQ

READ MORE: Cats Nutrition Guide (Vet Advice)

Article sources:

1. Parkinson, Bradford, et al. “Global Positioning System (GPS).” Wiley Online Library, 15 Apr. 2003, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/0471263869.sst069
2. “Tractive .” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, 30 July 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tractive
3. Turner, Dennis. “The Domestic Cat.” Cambridge Core, cambridge.org/core/books/domestic-cat/7AC4E7346091BBB7689A6751971B47F2
4. Hitchings, Lauren. “Smart Collar Brings Poorly Pooches to Heal.” New Scientist, 28 May 2014, newscientist.com/article/mg22229715-000-smart-collar-brings-poorly-pooches-to-heal/
5. “Global Pet Finder: GPS Pet Collar.” Engadget, 24 Aug. 2004, web.archive.org/web/20081025090339/http:/gps.engadget.com/2004/08/24/global-pet-finder-gps-pet-collar/