Lost and Found: A Friendly Guide to the Best GPS Trackers for Your Cat

Our feline companions hold a special place in our hearts. They're our children, our best friends, and our most mischievous roommates. For the adventurous cat parents who love to explore, travel, or simply let their cat enjoy supervised outdoor time, the thought of them getting lost is a constant worry. That’s where cat trackers come in, offering a priceless sense of security.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your furry friend? We’ve reviewed some of the most popular trackers on the market to help you make an informed decision and ensure your cat’s safety.

The Popular Models: A Detailed Review

Let's dive into the specifics of each tracker, looking at their strengths and weaknesses.

1. Tractive CAT Mini

The Tractive CAT Mini is a market leader and a dedicated solution for feline safety. It's an ultra-light, GPS-enabled tracker designed specifically for cats, attaching easily to any collar.

• Size: 5.5 x 2.8 x 1.7 cm (2.16 x 1.1 x 0.67 in)

• Weight: 25 g (0.88 oz)

Pros:

• True GPS Tracking: Offers real-time, live GPS tracking so you can see your cat’s location with pinpoint accuracy on your phone.

• Cat-Specific Features: The app includes a "virtual fence" to notify you if your cat leaves a designated safe area, and an activity monitoring feature to track sleep and exercise.

• Durable and Waterproof: Built to withstand a cat's adventurous lifestyle.

• Excellent Battery Life: Up to 7 days of battery life on a single charge.

Cons:

• Requires a Subscription: To use the GPS service, you must pay a monthly subscription fee.

• Size: While designed for cats, it may still be too large for very small kittens.

2. Jiobit for Pets

The Jiobit is another powerful GPS tracker, known for its small size and long-lasting battery. While not exclusively for cats, its compact design makes it a great option.

• Size: 4.9 x 3.6 x 1.1 cm (1.96 x 1.45 x 0.47 in)

• Weight: 18 g (0.64 oz)

Pros:

• Advanced GPS Technology: Uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to provide accurate tracking, even indoors.

• Small and Lightweight: It’s one of the smallest and lightest GPS trackers available, making it suitable for most cats.

• Long-lasting Battery: Can last for several weeks on a single charge depending on usage.

Cons:

• Subscription Required: Like Tractive, a monthly subscription is necessary to access the tracking services.

• More General Purpose: The features are not as specifically tailored to a cat’s behavior as the Tractive app.

3. Apple AirTag

The Apple AirTag is a small, disc-shaped Bluetooth tracker designed for finding items like keys or wallets. Many people have started using them for their pets due to their small size and lack of subscription fees.

• Size: 3.19 x 3.19 x 0.8 cm (1.26 x 1.26 x 0.31 in)

• Weight: 11 g (0.4 oz)

Pros:

• No Subscription: A one-time purchase is all you need.

• Extremely Small and Lightweight: The most comfortable option for a cat to wear.

• Wide Network: It leverages Apple's massive "Find My" network, meaning any nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac can anonymously help locate it.

Cons:

• Not a GPS Tracker: It only works when it's near another Apple device. If your cat is in a remote location with no other Apple users, it's useless.

• No Real-time Tracking: You won’t get live updates; you'll only see the last known location.

• Safety Concerns: AirTags are not designed for pets and some have raised concerns about the lack of a proper "out-of-range" alert for a pet.

4. Tile

Tile is another popular Bluetooth tracker that works similarly to the Apple AirTag. It comes in various shapes, with the Tile Mate being the most suitable for a pet collar.

• Size: 3.8 x 3.8 x 0.7 cm (1.5 x 1.5 x 0.28 in)

• Weight: 8 g (0.28 oz)

Pros:

• Very Affordable: One of the cheapest options available.

• Small and Lightweight: Easy for a cat to wear.

• No Subscription Required: The base features are free, though a premium plan is available for extra features.

Cons:

• Not a GPS Tracker: Relies on its own network of Tile users. This network is much smaller than Apple's "Find My" network.

• Limited Range: The range is restricted to Bluetooth distance, which is typically a few hundred feet.

• Not for Pets: Like the AirTag, it is not designed with a pet's safety in mind.

Comparison at a Glance

Our Conclusion: Which Tracker Should You Choose?

The best tracker for your cat depends on their lifestyle and your specific needs.

• For the True Explorer: If your cat loves to go on long walks, travels with you, or has supervised access to a large yard, a dedicated GPS tracker like the Tractive CAT Mini or Jiobit for Pets is the best choice. The real-time tracking is a lifesaver and the peace of mind is worth the subscription cost.

• For the Indoor Cat with Occasional Outings: If your cat is mostly indoors and only goes outside on a leash, an Apple AirTag or Tile could be a good, affordable backup. Just remember their limitations—they are great for finding a lost item in your house, but not for tracking a cat across town.

• For the Ultimate Peace of Mind: If your cat is your child and you want the highest level of security, a dedicated GPS tracker is the clear winner. The advanced features and real-time alerts are invaluable.

No matter which tracker you choose, we make pockets on our harnesses for any of them.

Editor's Note: While Apple AirTags and Tiles are popular, they are not a substitute for a dedicated GPS tracker for an adventurous cat. Their reliance on a network and lack of real-time tracking can leave a cat vulnerable if they wander far from populated areas.

Further Reading:

• How to Entertain Your Cat Indoors During Bad Weather

• Cat Carrier Overview: Backpacks, Soft & Hard Carriers for Summer and Air Travel