The Best GPS Cat Trackers & Collars (2020 Reviews)
The Best GPS Cat Trackers & Collars (2020 Reviews)
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Michelle KulasUpdated: September 29, 2020Pet Tech
As a cat owner, sometimes it can be tricky to keep track of your feline friend. A GPS cat tracking collar can make it easier to know exactly where your cat is. Even if your cat isn’t supposed to go outside, a tracking collar might make sense, particularly if you have moved to a new neighborhood or if you have some other reason to believe that your kitty might get spooked and make a run for it.
We have evaluated dozens of GPS cat tracking collars and clip-on devices to help you find the best one for your cat. We looked at features such as ease of use, range, and whether it was simple to keep the collar or device attached to the cat. We evaluated both GPS and bluetooth versions to suit every preference.
Top pick
Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker for Cats
A premium GPS tracker that offers real-time tracking and instant notifications.
The Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker for Cats easily made our top spot. You’ll enjoy nationwide tracking, so you can use it when you’re traveling. It’s also a great option for keeping track of your kitty’s daily activities if you use a catsitter or travel without your best furry friend.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated GPS Cat Trackers & Collars
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
Best Overall | 4.8 | |
Runner Up | 4.6 | |
Budget Pick | 4.4 | |
Handheld Pick | 3.9 | |
Bluetooth Pick | 3.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker for Cats
The Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker is our top pick. Simply attach it to your cat’s collar and you will be able to locate her no matter where she roams with nationwide tracking. Daily activity is also sent directly to your phone, giving you peace of mind when you’re away from home or when your cat is being cared for by others. Worried it won’t fit comfortably on your kitty? According to Whistle, this GPS tracker is suitable for any pets—including cats—over 8 lbs.
Because this tracker works with GPS, Wi-fi and cellular connections, you don’t have to worry about not being able to locate your cat if the power were to go out, such as might be the case during a storm. The Whistle monitor snaps easily onto your cat’s regular collar, keeping her comfortable. Depending on how adventurous your cat is, the battery will last from one to seven days; the more she leaves home and the further she goes, the more often you’ll need to charge.
Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker Key Features:
- Snaps onto cat’s collar
- Nationwide tracking
- Daily activity
- Uses three points of connection
- Long battery life
Our Runner Up Pick: BARTUN GPS Pet Tracker
Runner Up
$89.99
BARTUN GPS Pet Tracker is a fantastic pick for any cat parents who want to be able to easily check the whereabouts of their beloved fluff ball. This real-time GPS pet locator works using existing GPS, LBS, and AGPS networks and GPS satellites. To use it, you’ll need to install a compatible SIM card (in this case, a 2G GSM SIM card) and also pay a monthly subscription fee.
One of the greatest drawcards of the BARTUN GPS Pet Tracker is that it offers location tracking in over 150 countries. It also comes complete with a number of handy features which makes keeping track of your cat as easy possible. Not only is it lightweight, small, and easy to attach to your cat (you can either use the provided collar or use your own), but it’s also waterproof and shockproof.
BARTUN GPS Pet Tracker Key Features:
- Lightweight
- Low battery alarm
- Fully charges in 2 hours
- Worldwide location tracking
- Waterproof and shockproof
Best Budget Pick: PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag
Best for Budget
Price not available
The PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag is a tracker that attaches to your cat’s collar. If she is missing, anyone finding her can scan the tag. At that point, it will record the GPS information about where your pet is and it will be sent directly to your phone, allowing you to collect your kitty.
No app is required, and there are no subscription costs, so this is an extremely economical choice for those who would like to have that backup GPS protection for their cats who rarely get out. It is available in several colors, so you will be able to choose the one that best suits your feline friend.
PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag Key Features:
- GPS sends information to your phone
- No app required
- No subscription required
- Good backup GPS protection
- Available in several colors
Best Handheld Cat Tracker: TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System
Best Handheld Cat Tracker
Price not available
The TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System is our top pick for trackers that you hold onto while you search. It’s an award-winning tracking collar for cats that features proprietary RF-based directional tracker technology. While it’s not GPS-operated, the technology it uses requires no subscription fee. The tags are extremely small and weigh only 0.21 ounces, so your cat will barely notice she has it on. The handset is the size of a credit card.
If your cat is missing, put on the “locate” mode, and the handheld device will help you find her. This tracker will also alert you if your cat slips out the door. Simply program it to the range you want and if your kitty leaves that range, you’ll get a notification. This can potentially save you hours of not knowing whether your cat is in or out of the house. It boasts a range of up to 400 yards and is designed to be completely comfortable for you feline to wear. It even comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System Key Features:
- Tiny tags that won’t bother your cat
- Handheld device
- Has a “locate” mode
- Comes with a key ring loop, batteries, mini homing tags, and more
- Alert mode tells you if your cat gets out
Best Bluetooth Cat GPS Tracker: Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker
Best Bluetooth
$59.00
The Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker is our top pick for trackers that use bluetooth technology instead of GPS. It is the smallest and lightest tracker of its kind; it is just over one inch in diameter and weighs about a quarter ounce. It is fully waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about rainy days or your cat’s water bowl. The range is up to 328 feet in a flat, somewhat treeless area.
The battery will last six months. It emits a low-energy wireless homing beacon that will communicate with your smartphone, so you will know how far your cat has wandered within the range. If your cat leaves the range of the device, you’ll get a notification when she’s back in range.
Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker Key Features:
- Uses bluetooth technology
- Communicates with your smartphone
- Range is up to 328 feet
- Fully waterproof
- Lightest cat tracker on the market
Who Should Buy a GPS Cat Tracker or Collar
If you have a cat who sometimes gets out of the house either because you allow them to go out or because they slip out the door at times, a GPS cat tracking collar can help you get your cherished pet back should they get lost. People who are moving might find that their cat gets disoriented in the new neighborhood; in this case, a cat tracking collar can help give you peace of mind and also keep your cat safer. An indoor cat who becomes anxious during storms is another candidate to wear a GPS cat tracker, as a frightened kitty can easily slip out.
If your cat escapes often or loves to be outside, we recommend these outdoor cat enclosures to keep her safe. Another option is to look at these cat harnesses, which allow you to take your furry friend for a walk. A GPS tracker is still an excellent idea, because kitties can be excellent escape artists and could still get loose.
Top pick
Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker for Cats
A premium GPS tracker that offers real-time tracking and instant notifications.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few things to keep in mind as you go about choosing a cat tracking collar for your feline pal. Here’s what to look for as you make your decision:
- Size and weight. Your cat is small, so larger collars that are meant for dogs might not work. Some collars are appropriate for both types of pets, but it’s important to read the descriptions carefully to be sure that they are okay for a cat.
- GPS vs bluetooth. Some collars use only GPS, some use only bluetooth, and others use both. Still others will use other types of communication technology. Depending on whether you have access to wifi in any given area, you might choose GPS or a cellular tracker over bluetooth. On the other hand, you usually do not have to pay any subscription fees for a bluetooth product.
- Collar vs clip-on attachment. Some cats are used to a certain type of collar and do better with their own familiar collar and a clip-on attachment. Other cats don’t mind a full collar. Think about which type of tracker you’d rather have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GPS cat tracking collar and how does it work?
A GPS cat tracking collar contains a device that will help you track your cat. Some use GPS technology and others use bluetooth or other types of technology. These devices will communicate with your cellphone to let you know where your cat is and if the cat goes outside of a range, which varies by the specific product. Some will also flash to let others know that the cat has been reported as missing or lost.
Do cats get lost easily?
Most cats do not get lost easily. Indoor-only cats can get scared if they inadvertently get outside, and this can cause them to either become lost or to find a sheltered location and refuse to leave. Outdoor cats usually have a territory that they will venture to. If a cat becomes disoriented, however, they can become lost and might have trouble getting home. Also, if you move to a new house, your cat might try to get back to the old house and become lost in the process.
Will cats return home?
Many cats will return home after going missing for a couple of days. Putting out cat food and also putting out your cat’s used kitty litter can help guide her nose toward home. A GPS tracking collar will give you a place to look if your cat goes missing, which can get her home more quickly.
Do GPS cat tracking collars have monthly fees?
Yes, some GPS cat tracking collars require you to pay a monthly fee. Those that run on bluetooth generally do not have a monthly fee. Read the product descriptions carefully to find out whether the one you are considering has a fee.
Other GPS Cat Trackers We Reviewed
Top pick
Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker for Cats
A premium GPS tracker that offers real-time tracking and instant notifications.
In addition to the GPS cat trackers that made our top 5 list, we also looked at 20 other products. These did not make the top list, but they are still the best of the rest and an excellent choice for your cat. The information you need to evaluate each one is included in the listings.
GPS Cat Trackers
This pet tracker collar will show you the GPS location and activity tracker for your cat. The signal is stable and you can set the range where you want your cat to be able to go.
Key Features:
- Support voice to call the cat home
- Waterproof
- Long battery life
Cost: $50
This pet identification tracker allows you to know quickly where your cat is if she gets lost. You will receive a phone call, text message, and location of where the ID was accessed.
Key Features:
- Online pet profile
- List medical conditions and vaccinations
- A portion of each tracker sold goes to animal welfare causes
Cost: $20
Avoid monthly fees with the first GPS pet tracker that doesn’t require a subscription. No sim card or cell coverage is needed; it uses MAZE technology to provide real-time tracking.
Key Features:
- Long battery life
- Range is up to three miles
- Works as a pet activity monitor
Cost: $150
This compact, lightweight cat tracker is waterproof and designed to provide a long battery life and improved accuracy in urban and wooded environments.
Key Features:
- Safe zone alerts
- Low battery alert
- Accessible using smartphone or computers
Cost: $100
This pet tracker uses GPS and cellular technology to keep your cat safe. It is fully waterproof, dustproof, and won’t crack or break if you drop it.
Key Features:
- 5-layer positioning system
- Real-time tracking
- Alarm if the cat leaves designated area
Cost: $60
This comfortable, adjustable collar allows you to monitor your cat by smartphone or computer. You can set up the size of the range and there’s even a nightlight function.
Key Features:
- Real time tracking
- Waterproof
- Night light feature
Cost: $40
You’ll receive an instant GPS text message when your cat’s tag is scanned in the event that she goes missing. There are no activation, monthly, yearly, or upgrade fees.
Key Features:
- Unlimited reminder alert
- Include your kitty’s vaccination records on the tag
- No hidden fees
Cost: $25
This adorable collar will track your cat’s location thanks to wifi and GPS. It is waterproof, so you won’t need to worry about wet weather. The collar is adjustable and lightweight.
Key Features:
- Real-time tracking
- Waterproof
- Adjustable and comfortable collar
Cost: $30
This GPS tracker will help you locate your cat to within 16 to 50 feet. If you set up an electronic fence setting (up to 3,000 meters), it will alert you if your cat crosses the boundary.
Key Features:
- Real-time tracking
- No monthly fees
- Supports iOS and Android
Cost: $30
Powerful location monitoring and a very high technical specification allow you to trace your cat. Her location will be highlighted on Google Maps for the ultimate in accuracy.
Key Features:
- Works with GPS and Wifi
- Location accuracy
- Follow your cat’s steps
Cost: $45
With a five-tier positioning system, you can feel secure in giving your cat the freedom she wants. You can watch her in real-time; positional accuracy is within 10 meters.
Key Features:
- Multi-person monitoring
- Waterproof
- 3-month memory
Cost: $40
This GPS tracker is waterproof and will help you keep your cat safe, happy, and healthy. No internet is needed for T-Mobile customers and there is no monthly service fee.
Key Features:
- Requires a sim card (free)
- Nationwide tracking
- Waterproof
Cost: $130
This GPS tracker offers free service and real-time tracking. The accuracy is up to 10 meters. The device is lightweight to prevent your cat from being bothered by it.
Key Features:
- Accurate real-time tracking
- Lightweight
- Offers a voice listening mode
Cost: $35
Bluetooth Cat Trackers
Attach the Cube tracker to your cat’s collar, and use it to locate her if she ventures out of the house or yard. The app will show your furry friend’s last known location on a map using bluetooth technology.
Key Features:
- One-year battery life
- Bluetooth technology
- Has an alarm to help find your cat
Cost: $30
This pet recovery tag was rated as a “best invention” by MSN Money and one of the “Best 5 Pet Gadgets You Should Buy” by TechnoNerd. Any mobile phone can pick up the signal and transmit it to you via bluetooth.
Key Features:
- Works better than a microchip
- Has a battery life of up to 9 months
- No subscription fee
Cost: $40
This cat tracking tag operates with Marco Polo locators and can be used to upgrade your current system. No service contracts, no GPS or cell network required.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable battery
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Works anywhere
Cost: $105
This tracker is specially designed for cats, who tend to hide in places that dogs don’t go. The RF tracking technology will work in places that GPS doesn’t.
Key Features:
- No monthly fee
- Lightweight
- Range of up to 1,600 feet
Cost: $65
This small bluetooth tracker will help link your cat to your phone using an app. It is practical and compact, and when you press a button, the cat’s tag will make a sound for you to follow.
Key Features:
- Alarm indicates disconnected
- Will indicate approximate location of cat
- Support for iOS and Android
Cost: $12
You can track your cat using radar-style tracking technology. The range is 300 feet, so it is easy to find your kitty if she gets into the yard or immediate neighborhood.
Key Features:
- Lost pet alert feature
- Create full digital profile with medical records
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $20
Unlike many other GPS locators, this one does not require a cellular connection and there are no monthly fees. As long as you have a SIM card, it will work to track your cat.
Key Features:
- No monthly fees
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Waterproof
Michelle Kulas grew up showing her parents' dogs in the conformation and junior showmanship ring. She is now the proud pet-mom of a cranky cat named Peanut and a slightly neurotic rescue dog named Loki. She's been writing professionally for over 10 years.
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