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When I started researching cat-tracking devices, I found the market flooded with products. Each company touts its tracker as the most reliable and user-friendly, but the more I learned, the more I realized there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to cat tracking. Ultimately, you must decide your overall cat-tracking goal before purchasing a device.
For those felines who spend time outdoors, tracking devices are one option to ensure your pet’s safety. Use a tracker to confirm your kitty is safely wandering in the yard or visiting the neighbor’s garden. They’re also helpful when locating a lost feline.
Even if you never plan on letting your furry friend outside, you may find use for a tracking device. Cats excel at finding hard-to-reach hiding places—especially when it comes time for a vet visit. A tracking device can pinpoint a curious kitty’s exact location. Furthermore, if your cat happens to sneak out the door, a tracking device will help you find her before she ventures too far away from home.
We’ve chosen the best cat trackers, from indoor tracking options and trackers for remote locations to multi-pet devices and trackers that do a bit of everything.
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Our Rating
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Table Of Contents
- Best Overall
- Runner-Up
- Best Indoor
- Best For Remote Locations
- Best Multi-Cat
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Gear For Traveling With Your Cat
- Why Trust Love Your Cat?
Best Overall
Tractive CAT Mimi Tracker Review
- Uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Real-time location tracking
- Virtual fence
- Health and activity monitoring
- Location history
- 2 sizes available
- 100% waterproof
Tractive is a leader in pet tracking gear—and for good reason. Its GPS and cellular data combination lets you track your pet and pinpoint her location. The device provides a wealth of information—live location, activity alerts, sleep tracking, and more—at a surprisingly reasonable price tag.
Like other GPS trackers, Tractive uses GPS satellites to determine your pet’s location and reports this information via the cellular network. The device has a built-in SIM card to send your phone location information.
Use the Tractive app to follow your cat in real-time, set up a geofence to receive notifications when your feline enters or leaves your yard, and view an activity map that shows your pet’s past routes. Tracking updates every two to three seconds, so you’ll always have up-to-date location information.
Tractive shifts into Bluetooth mode when your feline is near your phone, allowing you to “ring” your pet’s collar to locate their exact location. This feature is not only handy for finding your cat but also as a recall tool. Train your cat to come when they hear their collar’s ring.
What’s not to love? Tractive relies on cell data, so it won’t work correctly in remote areas. It requires a monthly subscription, and its batteries require regular charging. According to Tractive, the battery life of the cat GPS tracker lasts up to 7 days; however, most users report it only lasts two to three days.
Runner-Up
Jiobit Smart Tag Review
- Uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Real-time location tracking
- Custom geofencing
- Location history
- Lasts up to 30 days on a single charge
- Lightweight (0.6 oz.)
- Water-resistant
As with Tractive, the Jiobit uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth technology. While the Jiobit was initially designed to track kids, it’s an excellent option for monitoring pets over long distances.
The Jiobit attaches to your cat’s existing collar and pairs with the Jiobit smartphone app. Track your cat in real-time, create “Trusted Places” so you’re alerted when your pet wanders away, and find your cat’s exact location using turn-by-turn tracking. You can also activate a sound indicator to reveal your kitty’s location when they’re nearby.
Overall, the tracker is lightweight, durable, and reliable. According to Jiobit, the battery lasts up to 30 days on a single charge, though most pet parents find it lasts around a week. Charging is easy—drop the Jiobit tag into the charging dock, wait for two hours, and it’s ready to go.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription to use this device. You can cancel the month-to-month subscription at any time.
Best Indoor
Apple AirTag Review
- Uses cellular network and Bluetooth
- Precision Finding feature
- No subscription plan required
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight (0.39 oz.)
- 1-year battery life
Do you have an indoor-only cat that likes to hide in the house? Consider using an Apple AirTag to locate your little stowaway.
The AirTag is a Bluetooth tracker initially designed to help you find your keys, wallet, luggage, and other belongings. Today, pet owners also use it as an affordable tracking device. It is compact, easily attached to your pet’s collar, has excellent battery life, and is highly accurate within Bluetooth range.
Use the Find My app on your iPhone to locate your cat once the AirTag is attached to her collar. Then, use the app’s Precision Finding to guide you to their location. You can also play sound from your AirTag to audibly lead you to the AirTag (this can also be used for recall training).
The AirTag gets points for being highly accurate and requiring zero subscription fees; however, we recommend it only for indoor cats due to its limited range. If your cat spends unsupervised time outdoors, you’ll likely get more use out of a GPS tracker. You’ll also need to purchase an AirTag holder for your cat’s collar.
Best For Remote Locations
Tabcat Review
- Uses RF technology
- Range up to 500 ft.
- Good for recall training
- No subscription required
- Lightweight (0.21 oz.)
- Splash-proof case included
- Up to 1-year battery life
GPS trackers like Tractive and Jiobit work well to locate unsupervised cats in urban areas, but what if you live in remote locations with little cellular connectivity? In this scenario, a radio frequency (RF) tracker would be better than a GPS tracker that relies on a cell network. We like the Tabcat RF tracker by Loc8tr for tracking a cat in a remote location.
RF trackers connect to a device that you hold in your hand to track your pet. These trackers perform a “hot or cold” feedback loop to help you locate your cat. In the case of the Tabcat tracker, you are given audio and visual cues to find your cat, pinpointing them within one inch.
To use the Tabcat, attach the trackable tag to your cat’s collar. The credit-card-sized handset guides you to your pet via beeps and color-coded lights. The lights progress from red to amber to green the closer you move to your target.
The Tabcat is a highly accurate and affordable option. The tracker has a reasonable range (up to 500 feet) and can find pets inside and outside. Remember that this isn’t a GPS tracker, so it won’t function properly if your cat has wandered beyond its range. On the flip side, you won’t have to pay the typical monthly costs with a GPS tracker.
The Tabcat comes with two homing tags, two silicon cases, a one-directional handset, and batteries for all components. The long battery life (up to one year) means you don’t have to worry about charging this tracker every week. Loc8tr offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if Tabcat doesn’t perform to your liking.
Best Multi-Cat
Girafus Pro-TRACK-tor Review
- Uses RF tracking system
- Range up to 1,600 ft.
- Up to 4 transmitters for multiple cats
- No subscription required
- Lightweight (0.28 oz.)
- Battery life up to 10 days
Girafus is our choice for the best tracker that detects multiple cats. You can track up to four animals with the Pro-TRACK-tor based on the number of trackable tags you select at checkout.
The Pro-TRACK-tor starts at $86.00 and includes a handheld base unit, wearable tag, rechargeable batteries and charger, a velcro strap, hook, and silicon protective sleeve. Additional tags are added based on the package you select. Like Tabcat, the Pro-TRACK-tor uses RF technology, so there is no monthly subscription like with GPS devices. RF devices perform best in open terrain; however, you can also use this device to locate your cat in closed spaces. The secure 2.4GHz RF has a 1,600-foot radius in open terrain.
How does it work? Attached is the splash-proof, dirt-proof transmitter tag for your pet’s current collar. Use the velcro collar attachment included in your purchase to adhere the tracker to your pet’s current collar. When it’s time to track your cat, use the Girafus handheld tracking device to locate your pet.
Tracking works via the hot-cold principle. If you walk in the right direction, the beeps get faster, and you’ll see more LEDs light up; if you walk in the wrong direction, the opposite happens. The Pro-TRACK-tor will lead you to your furry friend, whether they’re napping in a secret spot, hidden under a bush, or visiting the neighbor’s pet.
The Pro-TRACK-tor gets points for its lightweight design and decent battery life (7-10 days with 10 minutes of daily use).
This tracker has various tracking applications, including:
- Strictly indoor cats that love playing hide and seek, especially when it’s time to visit the vet.
- Adventure cats or pets who go on supervised walks but sometimes wander away.
- Outdoor cats that have a known stopping ground. For example, if you live on a farm and your cat frequents multiple buildings.
Where is the Girafus Pro-TRACK-tor lacking? You may find using the Pro-TRACK-tor’s 1,600-foot radius too minimal if your cat has a large roaming territory. Save yourself the frustration and select a GPS tracker instead. GPS tracking typically performs better when cats can roam without any distance limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.
Are Cat Trackers Worth It?
It depends on your needs. Trackers are a great way to see what your cat’s up to during the day. They can be convenient when it comes time for a vet appointment and can be helpful if your cat decides to sneak out an open window.
Regardless, we still recommend you microchip your pet. Pet microchips can be scanned at a shelter or vet so that you are reunited with your furry friend if they get lost.
What Is The Best Way To Track A Cat?
Various technologies are used to track pets, including GPS, radio frequency, and Bluetooth. The best technology is based on your circ*mstances. A Bluetooth tracker is a practical, inexpensive option if your cat is strictly indoors. GPS trackers are beneficial when finding a lost cat in an urban area. An RF tracker may be more useful in areas with poor cellular connection.
Gear For Traveling With Your Cat
Are you planning an upcoming trip with your best buddy? View our picks forthe best travel litter boxes. We also cover10 cat sedatives for travel, which are handy when you have an anxious travel companion.
Why Trust Love Your Cat?
Tara’s goal at Love Your Cat is to provide our readers with the information they need to raise well-adjusted, happy cats. Tara has extensive experience with felines and spends countless hours researching to provide in-depth detail on every topic.
