What is a Cat GPS Tracker?

Cat trackers are tiny, wearable technological devices that help you keep track of your cat. A cat GPS tracker should be dirt and water-resistant. Some are also waterproof. 

Furthermore, the American Humane Society estimates that 10 million pets go missing annually. Only 2% of cats without tags or microchips reunite with their owners, leaving millions in shelters. This cat GPS tracker review highlights the best trackers you can buy.

Our Preferred Feline GPS Tracker

There are many cat GPS trackers available on the market. Our preferred tracker is the Jiobit – The Smallest GPS Tracker for Kids, Adults, and the Elderly . It is durable, lightweight, and water-resistant.

An Overview of Our Top Picks

Jiobit – The Smallest GPS Tracker for Kids, Adults, and the Elderly : Best overall cat GPS tracker

Girafus Cat Tracker RF Finder Longest Range : Best multi-pet radio frequency tracker

Tractive GPS Pet Tracker for Cats – Waterproof, GPS Location & Smart Activity Tracker : Best value cat GPS tracker

Whistle Explore GPS + Health + Fitness Dog Tracker Plus Health & Fitness Monitor : Best health and fitness cat GPS tracker

Tile Mate (2020) 4-pack : Best for indoor cats

Cat Tailer Cat Tracker – Small and Lightweight Waterproof Bluetooth Pet Collar Attachment : Best Bluetooth cat tracker

Eureka Technology MARCO POLO Advanced Pet Monitoring, Tracking, and Locating System : Best radio frequency tracker

A Cat GPS Tracker Deep Dive

Jiobit – The Smallest GPS Tracker for Kids, Adults, and the Elderly : Best Overall Cat GPS Tracker

Brand: Jiobit

Special feature: Lightweight, water-resistant

Connectivity technologies: Bluetooth

Age range: All ages

Weight: 0.63 ounces (18 grams)

Battery life: 10 days battery life

Battery cell composition: Lithium Polymer

Case material: Plastic

Compatible devices: Smartphone

Style: Modern

OS: Android

About This Item

Initially designed for children, the Jiobit GPS Tracker is also available for pets. This lightweight tracker offers an excellent array of features and dependable performance. In Live Mode, this cat tracker employs GPS technology to provide real-time, turn-by-turn tracking.  

Also, Bluetooth connectivity is an additional advantageous feature of this tracker. It allows you to utilize the tracker in your home with confidence. You can also activate a sound indicator to pinpoint the location of your cat.

Additionally, this tracker’s exterior is small and uncomplicated. It attaches to your cat’s existing collar and weighs only 0.63 ounces (18 grams), so it should not be too noticeable. Moreover, the tracker is water-resistant, and a fabric sleeve is available if you wish to dress it up. It is one of the smallest cat GPS trackers.

Furthermore, the tracker battery lasts longer than several other trackers available. Jiobit estimates that the charging time is approximately 2.5 hours, and the device can operate for a full week on a single charge under ideal conditions.

Key Features

It connects to an existing collar with a clip or a pouch.

It is incredibly thin and lightweight.

It permits multiple users access to the tracking software.

It requires a monthly subscription plan.

It is long-lasting and water-resistant.

The expected battery life is ten days.

Pros

Dependable, precise GPS tracking in Live Mode.

Available Bluetooth connectivity for indoor tracking.

Cons 

The Bluetooth connectivity may be intermittent.

Girafus Cat Tracker RF Finder Longest Range : Best Multi-Pet RF Tracker 

Brand: Girafus

Color/s: White/green

Material: Plastic

Finish type: Polished

Device type: Radio frequency

Weight: 0.28 ounces (7.9 grams)

Battery life: 30 days

App included: Not needed

Accuracy level: High

About This Item

The Girafus RF tracker is one of the radio frequency trackers with the longest range on the market, allowing you to receive signals up to 1,600 feet (487.7 meters) away. 

However, you will realize that the Girafus Pro-Track-Tor required the most assembly time by hand. It takes 18 minutes to assemble everything, including putting batteries into the tracker and receiver, struggling to snap the case together, manipulating tiny screws, and learning how to initiate a tracking session.

Additionally, the tracker’s silicone case fits over a slim collar and rests lightly against the neck; it includes Velcro straps for attaching to larger collars. The Girafus had the smallest profile and was best for small cats.

Also, after installation, using the tracker is simple. You will need to calibrate the tracker by performing multiple 360-degree turns. Once the tracker receives a signal, it emits a high-pitched tone and uses multicolored lights to indicate the receiver’s distance from the tracker.

Key Features

No subscription is necessary.

The tag weighs 0.28 ounces (7.9 grams) and threads onto the collar of your cat.

The system employs an RF (radio frequency) tracking system. The package includes a charger for the CR2302 lithium battery in the tag.

Pros 

This is the most cat-friendly tracker.

Up to four trackers are compatible with a single handset.

Cons 

According to some customers, the battery inside the tracker becomes loose, resulting in inconsistent performance.

The receiver is cumbersome and thus difficult to carry in smaller pockets.

Tractive GPS Pet Tracker for Cats – Waterproof, GPS Location & Smart Activity Tracker : Best Value Cat GPS Tracker

Brand: Tractive

Special feature: Lightweight, waterproof

Color/s: Blue

Connectivity technologies: GPS

Supported application: Alarm

Device type: GPS + LTE

Weight: 1.2 ounces (34 grams)

Battery life: 7-day battery life

App included: Yes

About This Item

The recently upgraded Tractive GPS Cat LTE + tracker uses LTE cellular technology to track the GPS location of your cat. It has all the features you look for in a good GPS tracker, such as creating custom fences and receiving mobile app alerts when your cat wanders from home.

Moreover, the Tractive application is functional, user-friendly, and legible. Also, a remote-activated LED light is among the more intriguing features of the device. A light will illuminate the tracker when you press a button in the app. This function is useful when attempting to locate your cat in the dark.

In default tracking mode, the Tractive GPS cat tracker updates every two to sixty minutes, whereas in live mode, it updates every two to three seconds. Also, you can use live tracking to zero in on your cat’s location, then activate Find mode to locate it. As you approach your cat, more rings appear on the screen. 

Key Features

The live mode provides real-time location tracking of your cat.

Available with or without a collar, the attachment is straightforward and dependable.

It requires a monthly or annual subscription plan.

Multiple users have access to tracking data.

Pros 

This cat GPS collar tracker has no range restriction, operates in over 150 countries, and employs multiple cellular networks and GPS satellites.

It is functional at any range and without distance restrictions.

It is a Wi-Fi energy-saving device with seven-day battery life.

It is one of the least expensive GPS trackers.

Cons 

It requires consistent cell coverage to function.

The new model does not include a spare battery.

Whistle Explore GPS + Health + Fitness Dog Tracker Plus Health & Fitness Monitor : Best Health and Fitness Cat GPS Tracker

Brand: Whistle

Special features: GPS, activity tracker, waterproof

Color/s: Green, grey, magenta

Connectivity technologies: HDMI

Shape: Rectangular

Age range: Adult

Compatible devices: Smartphone 

Water resistance level: Not water resistant

Weight: 0.01 ounces (0.3 grams)

Battery life: 20 days

About This Item

Whistle GO Explore GPS + Health + Fitness Tracker is a well-known brand in pet tracking. It has been on the market for so long that the tracker has been the leader in GPS Pet Tracking technology in the United States. 

It utilizes advanced GPS technology and the nation’s largest wireless network to locate your pet anytime and anywhere. Also, it is one of the highest-rated cat trackers on Amazon, being a small, lightweight device with several outstanding features. Also, it prioritizes your cat’s comfort, and you can attach it to your cat’s preferred collar. 

Additionally, it combines a tracking device and activity monitor in contrast to Bluetooth and radio frequency trackers. This is why the price may be slightly higher. Also, you can rely on tracker for local and long-distance tracking, as you can monitor your cat’s location on an interactive map. In addition, you will receive location updates every three minutes to avoid your cat becoming lost. 

Key Features

It includes clips for attaching to your cat’s standard collar.

It requires a monthly or annual subscription plan.

Multiple users have access to tracking data.

It is durable and waterproof.

It is available in a selection of three colors.

It utilizes Google Maps and AT&T’s cellular network for tracking (U.S. and Canada)

Pros

It tracks your cat’s location, activity, nutrition, and behavior.

Cons

It is pretty expensive.

It is bulky for small cats.

Tile Mate (2020) 4-pack : Best For Indoor Cats

Brand: Tile

Compatible devices: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Xfinity, and Siri.

Device type:  Bluetooth

Weight: 2.1 ounces (59.5 grams)

Battery life: 12 months

App included: Yes

Accuracy level: Low

About This Item

Although not intended for pets, the Tile Mate is an all-purpose Bluetooth tracker for locating misplaced items. The Tile Mate can help you find your cat by connecting to a Tile app when attached to your cat’s collar. 

This is approximately half the range of the next-most-restrictive tracker, the Cat Tailer. The tracking area could assist you in locating your cat and provide you with a degree of confidence, but it is only marginally superior to your eyes.

Theoretically, if the Tile Mate connects to other people’s Tile apps, its range can expand, allowing you to locate your Tile within range of any Tile receptor. Also, the backing of the world’s largest lost-and-found community is reassuring.

However, although the Tile was dependable and useful for locating cats within the home, it performed poorly in lost cat simulations. The Tile app sometimes does not connect or share the last known location of the tracking device.

Additionally, subscribing to Tile Premium grants you access to additional helpful features, such as intelligent alerts when your cat leaves the range and a 30-day location history.

Key Features

It is compatible with many devices.

Pros

It is one of the least expensive tracking options available.

It is a dependable and precise tracking device.

It operates both indoors and outdoors.

Cons

The use of location services will drain your mobile device’s battery.

Minimal tracking range renders it nearly ineffective if your cat wanders far from home.

Cat Tailer Cat Tracker – Small and Lightweight Waterproof Bluetooth Pet Collar Attachment : Best Bluetooth Cat Tracker

Brand: Cat Tailer

Unit count: 1 

Device type: Bluetooth

Weight: 0.3 ounces (7.9 grams)

Battery life: 6 months

App included: Yes

Accuracy level: Low

Warranty: 1-year

About This Item

This device is the feline counterpart to the Tile Mate. It resembles a bottle cap and weighs roughly the same as one, making it an ideal option for cats that will not tolerate anything larger than a bottle cap around their neck. Also, it has a very small detection range and will be useless if your cat bolts out the door.

Moreover, the Cat Tailer has a range of 328 feet (99.9 meters), which is adequate for a Bluetooth tracker but inadequate compared to other devices. Although it can assist you once you’re within range, you’ll still need to explore your cat’s usual places to acquire a signal.

Also, you will realize that the interface provides no direction information; distance metrics only provide a radius. Therefore, you must use trial and error to find the correct path. Even when you detect a signal, the tracker’s location detection may be unreliable.

Consequently, the tracker is best for indoor use and cats with predictable outdoor behavior. As long as you can get within range by searching your cat’s favorite hangouts, the Bluetooth range can help you narrow your search.

Key Features

It has an adequate range.

Pros

It is a tiny, lightweight cat tracker with GPS, ideal for small cats and kittens.

It has an extremely user-friendly app interface.

It can assist you in locating your cat within the house or yard.

Cons

Its Bluetooth signals are typically unreliable.

Eureka Technology MARCO POLO Advanced Pet Monitoring, Tracking, and Locating System : Best Radio Frequency Tracker

Brand: Marco Polo

Device type: Self-contained

Weight: 10 ounces (283.5 grams)

Battery life: Up to 6 weeks

App included: Not needed

Accuracy level: High

Warranty:  90 days

About This Item

The Eureka Technology MARCO POLO Advanced Pet Monitoring Tracker is one of the most distinctive products available. This pet tracker is unique because it is a self-contained system that operates without GPS or a cellular network. This means there are no monthly commitments, and it is suitable for traveling with your pet.

Moreover, this pet tracker is available as a single-pet or multi-pet system, and you can add additional pets by purchasing additional tracking tags. Also, these tags can withstand rough terrain and water submersion due to their sturdy construction. It attaches to your cat’s collar with a durable ballistic nylon holder that protects and secures the device. 

Additionally, it has an approximate 45-day battery life. With this tracker, you can monitor your pet’s location relative to four programmable safety zones or activate the lost pet feature to track your cat using distance and direction feedback in real-time.

Furthermore, the tracker is a good option for monitoring your cat’s location near your residence. Because this system does not use GPS or cellular technology, your cat must be within two miles of the locator for you to locate him. 

However, rough terrain or inclement weather may further restrict the locator’s range. Unique to this system is the ability to travel with it and create new safe zones wherever you go. Additionally, you will save money on subscription fees.

Key Features

It does not have a monthly subscription.

Pros 

It is not dependent on Wi-Fi, GPS, or cellular networks.

It has a one-time purchase price without monthly fees.

Cons

It has a limited tracking system range.

Rough terrain and obstacles can further reduce the range.

Some Reader Questions Answered

How Does a Cat GPS Tracker Work?

GPS cat collars are essentially tracking devices that you attach to your cat. The company from which you purchase the equipment can track your cat’s unique tracking apparatus and display the location on a map on your smartphone app. 

Typically, you can designate a “safe zone” for your cat; if the cat’s collar tracking device sends signals outside that zone, the tracking company will notify you via text or email.

What is the Range of a Feline GPS Tracker?

Theoretically, satellite-based GPS is available everywhere. However, areas with good cellular and GPS network coverage are where GPS cat collar devices perform at their best. You would probably be able to track your cat easily.

But let’s say your cat wanders off in a far-off forest or a place with a poor cellular signal. The device belonging to the cat might then be unable to connect to a network.

Which Type of Information Will I Get?

You must subscribe to the tracking service to receive information from most GPS cat collar trackers. Once subscribed, you can track your cat’s location using the company’s website or app. Most services allow you to designate a “safe area” for your cat. Also, if your cat leaves the safe zone, the tracking service immediately notifies you via email or text. 

Additionally, the smartphone app is an essential tracking system component because it allows you to move around while tracking your cat around the neighborhood. So, before you buy, ensure that the company’s app is available in the app store that your smartphone employs (Apple, Android, etc.).

Does a Cat GPS Collar Need to be Charged?

Absolutely. GPS cat collars use lithium batteries that you must charge regularly. (When the device’s battery runs low, it will notify you.) Depending on your GPS tracker brand, a charge can last a few days to two weeks. So, if you fail to charge the collar and your cat runs out the door, you may only have a day or two to find them before the collar dies.

Further, the good news is that you can connect many GPS cat collar devices to your home WiFi network. That is something you should do. While you track your cat via WiFi, their GPS device will not send periodic signals to the GPS or cellular system, saving battery life.

Are Cat GPS Collars Heavy?

The first GPS trackers were bulky and more suitable for dogs than for your tiny cat. Trackers that weigh less than an ounce are now available. Also, check the device’s weight before purchasing. While some GPS cat collar trackers are full collars, most newer ones are clip-on accessories that attach to your cat’s existing collar. 

Additionally, remember that if your cat wears a breakaway collar for safety and loses the collar, it may also lose the device.

Are Feline GPS Collars Reliable?

Yes, they are. However, read the reviews—but only about cats, not dogs. When GPS trackers don’t work, it’s usually because they’re in a remote location, the dog chewed on them, the pet parent can’t figure out the software, or someone forgot to charge the tracker. 

Also, the main issue with cats appears to be escaping from the collars and losing the tracking device. This excludes the cost of the device as well as the cost of the year-long subscription.

Which Type of Technologies Do Cat GPS Trackers Use?

Cat trackers use one of three tracking technologies: radio frequency, Bluetooth, or global positioning system (GPS). 

What to Look for in a Cat GPS Tracker

Size

Small, lightweight trackers of soft, smooth materials like plastic are ideal for cat collars. Also, a lightweight tracking device will not impede your cat’s movement and will not weigh them down. 

Your cat should feel as if they are wearing nothing at all. Further, check the weight and measurements of the cat tracker you intend to buy, especially if you have a tiny cat or kitten.

Reliability

Cat trackers, while not a replacement for microchipping and close supervision, can help you keep track of your cat when it’s out of sight. Additionally, you’ll know when your cat wanders away from home, where it is gone, and which direction you need to go to find it if you have a reliable, accurate tracker.

Also, the best cat trackers have long battery lives, dependable connections, and wide enough ranges to help you find your cat, whether he’s lounging on the porch or exploring blocks away.

Functional Receivers/Application

The best trackers have easy-to-use apps or receivers. Excellent trackers make it simple to keep track of your cat. Also, the receiver should be simple and easy to use in a phone app or a standalone handheld module.

The trackers in this review have systems that include night lights, behavior change alerts, and other entertaining features, but some in-app features are a requirement.

Also, GPS tracking apps, for example, require virtual fences or safe zones. 

These notify you if your cat wanders too far away from home or outside a designated area. Therefore, these fences should ideally be customizable, allowing you to create safety zones that follow the lines of your backyard or other sites.

Accuracy

When selecting the best cat GPS tracker, you need one that performs accurately. It should be able to provide the most accurate information when using it on your cat.

One Last Thing to Remember

GPS trackers for cats are beneficial. If your indoor cat has a propensity for escaping whenever the opportunity arises, you should consider purchasing one of these collars. When purchasing a cat tracker, ensure that it is durable and lightweight not to impede their movement. 

However, do not rely solely on a cat tracker and forego a microchip; ideally, you should use both to increase the likelihood of reuniting with your cat if it ever becomes lost. Any cat GPS trackers on this list would be an excellent choice for locating your furry companion. 

Still, we recommend the Jiobit – The Smallest GPS Tracker for Kids, Adults, and the Elderly . It is durable, lightweight, and dependable, with precise GPS tracking in Live Mode.

With a pet GPS tracker for cats clipped around your cat’s neck, you can give them the freedom to explore the world and have adventures, safe in the knowledge that they can always find their way back home.

What is a Cat GPS Tracker? Cat trackers are tiny, wearable technological devices that help you keep track of your … Read more >