In this guide, I show you the best cat GPS trackers for every budget, device type, connectivity, and cat age.
Having an outdoor cat is fun because you enjoy nature while bonding with your cat. However, it’s all fun until your cat wants to explore without you.
If I got 10 bucks every time I lost my escape artist of a cat, Sunshine, I’d be a millionaire
I went on a research spree to find the best cat tracker to keep tabs on my buddy.
From user reviews on Amazon and Chewy to what the community of cat lovers like you had to say on Reddit.
I compiled my findings into this list of the 11 best cat GPS trackers you can use for your cat.
Note: The following are based on my findings and research. Learn more about each product or seek professional advice before making your decision.
Let’s go!
Overall best tracker: Tractive
- Live GPS tracking with unlimited distance ranges.
- Effectively monitors cat activities and health.
- A virtual fence and escape notification alert you when your escape artists enter certain zones.
Chewy: 3.6, Amazon: 3.9
Best recommended tracker: PetTracer
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Lightweight with a comfortable collar that fits perfectly on cats.
- Uses GPS + Radio technology for proper tracking.
Trustpilot: 4.7
Best budget tracker: Samsung
- One-time purchase with zero subscriptions.
- Long battery life.
- Works with the Samsung free network.
Amazon: 4.6, Chewy: 3.3
Best GPS cat tracker: JioBit
- 5 G-compatible, advanced, and accurate for tracking adventurous cats.
- Customizable geofencing and instant alerts feature that keeps you notified when your cat crosses certain zones.
- Lightweight and has a comfortable collar.
Chewy: 3.9, Amazon: 3.2.
Smallest and lightest cat tracker: Tabcat
- The heaviest Tabcat device weighs just 6 grams.
- Fits comfortably on the cat’s collar due to its size.
- Lightweight protective cases.
Amazon: 4.2.
Best tracker for cities: Apple AirTags
- Connects seamlessly with other Apple devices through Apple Find My Network.
- Uses precision finding with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology.
- The Lost Mode feature alerts you when your cat is detected by a nearby Apple device.
Amazon: 4.2
Best tracker for less dense areas: Tabcat
- Accurate directional precision.
- Reliable signal performance
- Zero monthly subscription.
Amazon: 4.2
Best tracker for Android users: Tractive
- User-friendly app that is easy to navigate across various smartphones & tablets.
- Built-in SIM card means no worry about network compatibility.
- The app syncs well with Google Maps and sends live alerts to the user’s Android.
Chewy 3.6, Amazon: 3.9
Best tracker for iPhone users: Apple AirTag
- Build on Apple’s global Find My App features
- Apple AirTag has no recurring subscription fees.
Amazon: 4.4
Longest-lasting battery pet tracker: PetTracer
- 30 days of battery life on a single charge.
- Fast charging that fully recharges in 2.5 hours.
- Energy-efficient tracking modes (slow, search, and fast) that determine how the battery drains.
Trustpilot: 4.7
Best cat tracker with the widest range: Tractive
- Unlimited and global coverage.
- Strong network connectivity allows it to connect to an available network, even in rural areas.
- Provides live updates of your cat’s location, no matter the location.
Chewy: 3.6, Amazon: 3.9.
Best cat tracker for indoor cats: Apple AirTag
- The precision finding feature helps you find the exact place your cat is hiding in the house.
- Its Radar Mode notifies you if you’re moving away or closer to your pet while indoors.
- Allows you to set up virtual safe zones around your house and alerts you when your cats cross the zone.
Amazon: 4.4
Best cat tracker for outdoor or adventurous cats: Tractive
- Tractive has unlimited range and global coverage.
- It is durable and waterproof.
- Its live tracking feature helps you monitor your cats when they go AWOL.
Chewy: 3.6, Amazon: 3.9
What should I consider when choosing the best cat tracker for my cat?
Choosing a tracker for your cat is one thing; making sure your choice is the best is another.
According to experienced cat mums and dads on Reddit, here are five important factors to consider when choosing the best cat GPS tracker:
- Accuracy
- Range
- Battery
- Comfort
- Price
Let’s talk about each of them.
1. Accuracy
Many cats are adventurous, and when given the opportunity, these cute creatures love to explore. During the course of their adventure, they are highly prone to getting lost or exploring areas that could be dangerous to them.
Having a cat GPS tracker with 99-100% accuracy is important because it keeps you in the loop of where your cat is, where they’ve been, and where they are headed.
According to Meowden, a good GPS tracker should show you the exact spot your cat is on the map, and the margin of error should be no less than 20 meters.
2. Range
If you have an escape artist or a very adventurous cat like my Sunshine, the best cat GPS tracker to get must have a wide range. A tracker with limited range might fail when your cat roams far, and this makes monitoring very difficult.
A GPS with a wide and solid range, like Tractive, can help to keep you updated about your cat’s whereabouts even when they are miles away from home.
3. Battery
According to Grepow, the type of battery used in a pet GPS tracker can significantly impact its overall performance.
A GPS tracker might have all the features needed to track a lost cat, but when it has a weak battery, it’s worthless. If you’re using GPS with a weak battery, dump it.
You don’t want to spend 5 hours searching for your cat in the wrong direction just because the tracker battery died two hours ago. A GPS tracker with a weak battery shuts you out at unexpected times, and that can be dangerous for your cat.
Prioritize getting a cat GPS tracker with a battery that can last for at least a week or more for your cats.
4. Comfort
While you want to provide utmost security for your cute cat, you don’t want to do that at the expense of your cutie’s comfort.
A smaller, lightweight tracker is generally more comfortable than a big and heavy GPS tracker. Also, big or heavy trackers can lead to soreness of your cat’s neck or choking.
5. Price
Be sure to investigate properly and uncover charges like activation fees, data traffic charges, platform access fees, and more.
Find out about any subscription fees to avoid unpleasant surprises later in the future. Some trackers might be affordable at first glance, but they have hidden charges that might be above your budget.
However, while seeking cost-effective trackers, do not do so at the expense of performance. Be sure to weigh the performance and price to get the best cat GPS tracker for your cat.
What are the best cat trackers for your cat?
We’ve touched on some of the best GPS trackers for cats briefly and have listed some of their features. If you made it to this point, you’re a real cat mum or dad.
Respect!
In case you do not remember, here’s a list of the best cat GPS trackers:
- Tractive Mini GPS Tracker
- Jiobit
- Tabcat V2
- PetTracer
- Weenect XS
- Findster Duo
- Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2
- Apple AirTag
- Tile
- Pawtracker
- Pod 2
I selected these trackers using a range of factors like connectivity, range, price, battery life, sound detectors, and what users like you have used and loved on Reddit.
Let’s present these cat trackers in a table so you can see how they compare with each other at a glance.
Product | Best for | What users love | What users didn’t like |
Tractive | Overall best tracker, best for Android users, and best tracker for adventurous cats. | It has a wide range, a virtual fence feature, and an easy-to-wear collar. | Though it’s easy to wear, some users think the Tractive GPS collar is too big for the neck of a cat. |
Jiobit | Best GPS cat tracker | Has a geofencing feature and a wide range. | Some users don’t like the pricing or Jiobit’s customer support. |
Tabcat V2 | Best for less dense areas. | Lightweight. | It’s range. |
PetTracer | Longest-lasting battery. | It has a strong battery life and good customer service. | User experience on the app. |
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 | Best budget tracker. | Zero subscription and works with Samsung’s free network. | Limited range and is compatible only with Samsung devices. |
Apple AirTag | Best for dense cities and iPhone users. | No monthly costs. | It connects only to an iPhone. |
1. Tractive

Connectivity: GPS, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
Weight: 25g
Battery life: 2-7 days.
Range: unlimited.
Geo-fencing?: Yes.
Light detector?: No.
Sound detector?: Yes.
Need a subscription?: Yes.
Have a mobile app?: Yes.
Others: Activity and sleep monitoring, radar mode, waterproof proof, etc.
Tractive is a popular cat GPS tracker known for its high accuracy. Users say it’s the best for outdoor and adventurous cats, because of its global coverage that tracks cats in the remotest of places.
Another reason users love the Tractive GPS tracker is its mobile app. Tractive allows you to set up a profile for cats. In this profile, you can create custom fences, turn on sound detection, and push notifications.
The app also updates regularly and sends alerts whenever your cat crosses the geofence.
What users like about Tractive:
- The customizable geofences and virtual alerts.
- The strong battery life.
- It has an LED light feature that helps find your cat at night.
What users don’t like about Tractive
- It can be big and heavy for a little cat.
- The monthly subscription.
Who and what is Tractive best for?
- If your cat loves to explore, Tractive is for you because it has a wide coverage.
- If you’re an Android user, Tractive is for you because it works well with Android devices.
2. Jiobit

Connectivity: GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
Weight: 22.68g
Battery life: lasts about 7 days under average use.
Range: Has a range of 100-800 ft.
Geo-fencing?: Yes
Light detector?: No.
Sound detector?: No.
Need a subscription?: Yes.
Have a mobile app?: Yes.
Others: waterproof and durable collar.
Jiobit GPS cat tracker is lightweight, which means you can know where your cat is without compromising their comfort.
Also, Jiobit’s Live Mode helps you get real-time updates about your cat’s location. And when compared to the Live Mode of other cat trackers, users on Reddit say Jiobit has the most accurate Live Mode.
In addition to that, Jiobit offers easy Bluetooth connectivity, activating a sound indicator, creating geofences, etc.
What users like about Jiobit:
- Reliable live mode tracking.
- Bluetooth connectivity that allows indoor tracking.
- It has a lightweight and comfortable collar.
What do users dislike about Jiobit?
- The price plus a monthly subscription
- Relies on cellular coverage.
Who and what is Jiobit best for?
- Jiobit may be a good choice for little cats.
3. Tabcat V2

Connectivity: Radio Frequency (RF) technology
Weight: <5 grams.
Battery life: it has a replaceable battery with a battery up to a year.
Range: Up to 182m/600 ft.
Geo-fencing?: No.
Light detector?: No.
Sound detector?: No
Need a subscription?: No.
Have a mobile app?: No
Tabcat V2 uses Radio-Frequency (RF) technology, which means you can locate and monitor your cat without using cellular or GPS networks.
Tabcat has a handset locator that you can use without your phone. This device emits sound and light signals that help lead the owner to the direction of the cat.
Users have found Tabcat V2 to be the best tracker for small cats as it’s lightweight and made up of comfortable plastic that keeps it firm on the cat’s neck without compromising comfort.
What users like about Tabcat:
- Accurate tracking.
- Zero subscription fees.
- Lightweight and comfortable for cats.
- It’s easy to use
What users don’t like about Tabcat:
- It’s limited range.
- No geofencing and escape alerts.
Who and what is Tabcat best for
- Owners of small and/or indoor cats.
- Pet owners in areas with poor GPS coverage.
4. PetTracer

Connectivity: GPS, radio frequency, and WI-FI.
Weight: 34g
Battery life: Up to 30 days (depending on usage mode).
Range: has a high range of 0.5-1 mile
Geo-fencing?: Yes.
Light detector?: Yes.
Sound detector?: No.
Need a subscription?: Yes.
Have a mobile app?: Yes.
Others: has a safety release buckle to ensure the cat’s safety.
Unlike many cat GPS trackers, PetTracer uses a combination of GPS and RF technology that allows it to work in areas with weak cellular connections.
PetTracer can also be expanded to track multiple cats at once, and each cat would be assigned a unique colour on the map.
In addition to that, users say PetTracer has the longest-lasting battery. This minimises the risk of the battery going off when searching for your cat.
What users like about PetTracer:
- It’s designed specifically for cats.
- Its multiple tracking feature.
- Battery life of almost 30 days.
What users don’t like about PetTracer:
- Due to its weight, it is not entirely suitable for small cats.
- It requires a subscription.
Who and what is PetTracer best for
- Adventurous and outdoor cats.
- People living in areas with poor network connections.
5. Weenect

Connectivity: GPS, 2G/3G/4G LTE.
Weight: 27g
Battery life: About 3-4 days.
Range: works where cellular coverage is available.
Geo-fencing?: Yes
Light detector?: No.
Sound detector?: No
Needs a subscription?: Yes
Have a mobile app?: Yes
Others: a two-way calling feature that lets you talk to your cat.
With cellular coverage available, Weenect provides live tracking with no distance limit. This means you can watch your cat’s movement while in the comfort of your home.
When you set a safe zone on Weenect, you’ll be notified the instant your cat leaves the zone. It has a call and ring feature that can be used to train your cat to return home after every ring.
What users like about Weenect:
- It’s light and comfortable.
- The two-way calling feature.
- Multiple notification options.
What users don’t like about Weenect:
- Limited battery life.
- Geofencing limitation.
- No light feature.
Who and what is Weenect best for
- Pet owners in urban areas.
- It’s also good for smaller cats.
- Owners who want affordable subscriptions.
5. Findster Duo

Connectivity: GPS.
Weight: 22.6g
Battery life: Up to 12 hours with GPS on.
Range: up to 3 miles
Geo-fencing?: Yes.
Light detector?: No
Sound detector?: No.
Need a subscription?: No
Have a mobile app?: Yes
Others: “Virtual Leash” and “Danger Zone” alerts.
Unlike other GPS trackers, Findster uses MAZE technology, which enables wireless tracking without requiring a SIM card. This means you can have access to your cat in very dense or rural areas where mobile connectivity is not available.
The Findster app is also easy to navigate, and it allows you to create a virtual leash and a danger zone for your cat. This helps you create boundaries to get alerted when your cat moves out of the virtual leash.
You can also use it to monitor your cat’s activity and health. It has a feature that provides health-related alerts.
What users like about Findster:
- Zero subscriptions.
- The geofencing features.
- Health monitoring.
- Lightweight and waterproof.
What users don’t like about Findster:
- Shorter battery life.
- Limited range.
Who and what is Findster best for
- Budget-conscious cat owners.
- Off-leash owners.
7. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2

Connectivity: Bluetooth (uses Samsung’s SmartThings Find network)
Weight: 13.75g
Battery life: According to the website, it lasts about 500 days on normal usage and 700 days on power-saving mode.
Range: 120m of Samsung’s Bluetooth
Geo-fencing?: No.
Light detector?: No
Sound detector?: No
Need a subscription?: No
Have a mobile app?: Yes.
Others: IP67 water and dust resistance, and the Compass View & Search Nearby feature.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 is a good tracking device for urban areas because once your cat moves past the range limit, you can find it by connecting to nearby Samsung devices through Samsung SmartThings Find features.
However, it only works when you live in an environment populated by Samsung users. It may not be advisable to use it when a large number of people in your environment are not Samsung users.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 also makes use of augmented reality (AR) to find your cat within the range limit. It also has a strong battery life that lasts for about 500 days.
What users like about the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2
- No monthly subscription.
- Uses AR finder to track cats over short distances.
- Lost mode feature.
- It’s lightweight.
What users don’t like about the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2
- It is limited to only Samsung users.
- No GPS tracking.
Who and what is the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 best for?
- Samsung device users.
- Cat owners on a budget.
8. Apple AirTag

Connectivity: Bluetooth for proximity finding, Ultra Wideband (U1 chip) for Precision Finding, NFC for Lost Mode.
Weight: 11g
Battery life: Replaceable battery that lasts up to a year.
Range: 30-100ft
Geo-fencing?: No.
Light detector?: No.
Sound detector?: No.
Need a subscription?: No
Have a mobile app?: Yes
Other: Lost Mode and custom engraving —when you buy from Apple.
Apple AirTag is a coin-shaped tracking device made originally for lost items like keys, but has become popular among cat lovers. It’s a lightweight Apple device that can be worn around your cat’s neck for easy tracking.
Apple AirTag is restricted to Apple users, and it makes use of features like Find My App for precision tracking.
When your cat goes missing, the lost mode feature notifies you when their AirTag connects to a nearby Apple device.
Also, if your lost cat is found by another Apple user, they can use NFC to get your contact by tapping the AirTag on their device.
What users like about Apple AirTag
- It’s lightweight.
- No subscription fee.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Lost mode and NFC feature.
What users don’t like about Apple AirTag
- Limited to iPhone users.
- No geofencing.
- Limited range.
Who and what is Apple AirTag best for
- iPhone users.
- Budget-conscious pet owners.
- Neighborhood cats.
9. Tile

Connectivity: Bluetooth
Weight: Depends on the model
Battery life: non-replaceable battery with a 3-year life span.
Range: about 200 ft for Tile Mate and up to 400 ft for Tile Pro.
Geo-fencing?: No.
Light detector?: No.
Sound detector?: No.
Need a subscription?: No. Only Tile Premium needs a subscription to unlock additional features.
Have a mobile app?: Yes
Like most cat trackers, Tile is a Bluetooth tracker designed to help cat owners locate their cats easily. It is made from light materials to make it comfortable for pets to wear.
However, the sizes of the trackers vary from one Tile model to another. Tile sticker weighs 5g, Tile Mate weighs 6g, while Tile Pro weighs 12g.
In addition to its light-weight, Tile can be integrated with home assistants like Siri and Alexa to track the cat’s movement indoors.
While it has fair features and pricing, users on Reddit say it has a very limited range and is not suitable for adventurous cats.
What users like about Tile
- It’s lightweight.
- It’s affordable.
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Smart home integration.
What do users dislike about Tile?
- It’s limited range.
- Needs other Tile users to cover long distances.
Who and what is Tile best for
- People with smart home integration.
- Indoor cats.
- Budget-conscious pet owners.
10. Paw tracker

Connectivity: GSM network (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
Weight: 33g
Battery life: 2-3 days.
Range: Uses GPS with 10-15m positioning accuracy
Geo-fencing? Yes
Light detector? No
Sound detector? No
Need a subscription? Yes
Have a mobile app? Yes
Others: Historical route tracking
PawTracker comes with a mobile app that works on both Android and iOS, making it possible for users to access it from any device.
One interesting PawTracker feature is its historical route tracking. This feature helps you track where your pet has been in the past 24 hours. It also comes with a low LED light feature that helps you find the tracker in the dark.
Despite its amazing features, PawTracker weighs 30g and might be too big for your small cats.
What users like about PawTracker
- Available on both Android and iOS.
- Notifications and alerts.
- Waterproof design.
What users don’t like about PawTracker?
- Limited battery life.
- Limited coverage
Who and what is PawTracker best for
- Big and adventurous cats.
- Those who want a user-friendly device.
11. Pod 2

Connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi, and 2G mobile networks
Weight: Small and lightweight, but may still be uncomfortable for some cats.
Battery life: depends on the battery mode.
Range: wide
Geo-fencing: Yes
Light detector?: No
Sound detector?: No
Need a subscription?: Yes
Have a mobile app? Yes
Others: Bluetooth syncing.
Pod 2 is a GPS cat tracker that helps you keep track of your cat, whether it’s an adventurous cat or an indoor cat.
It has a geo-fencing feature that helps you monitor your cat’s movements and alerts you when they are heading towards harm’s way.
With this device, you can track your cat’s activity level and understand their daily habits and exercise routine.
What users like about Pod 2
- Geofencing alerts.
- Rechargeable battery.
- Activity Monitoring
What users don’t like about Pod 2
- It looks heavy.
- It requires a subscription.
- It’s not fully waterproof.
Who and what is Pod 2 best for?
- Cat owners who travel and explore frequently
- People in areas with good cellular coverage.
Honorary mentions
This section includes amazing cat GPS trackers that didn’t make the main list. This does not cancel them out totally, as they still have the important features of a cat tracker.
They are:
- Byte tag
- Cat Tailer
- Kippy
1. Byte Tag
It comes with a QR code that contains your contact information. This way, when your cat goes missing, someone can scan the code and contact you. Despite the innovative QR code feature, ByteTag doesn’t have a GPS or Bluetooth feature that allows you to track your cats. You just have to hope the right people come across your cat and contact you.
2. Cat Tailer.
Cat Tailer is a lightweight tracker weighing about 17g, and this makes it a great pick for cats who do not like to have things hanging on their neck. Cat Tailer has a limited range, and it’s mostly suitable for indoor cats or cats playing in the yard.
3. Kippy
If you want to be associated with a community of pet lovers, Kippy has the right app for you. The tag comes with an app that includes a community of cat owners sharing their adventurous experiences. Apart from community, the app shows your cat’s activity status, alerts you when it breaches geofences, and helps you live track your cats.
What are the steps to follow to choose the best tracker for my cat?
From going through multiple online rabbit holes, here are the three steps you need to follow to choose the best tracker for your cat.
1. Identify your tracking needs
The first step to take when considering a cat GPS tracker is to identify your tracking needs. To identify the correct tracking needs, ask yourself these questions:
- Is my cat an indoor or outdoor cat?
- What exact features do I need?
- Do I want a GPS tracker, Bluetooth tracker, or a mobile tracker?
2. Research size and colour
Is your cat the type that doesn’t like things hanging on its neck? Is your cat sensitive to certain colours? Knowing the answers to this question will help you pick the most suitable tracker for your cat.
3. Determine your budget
Your budget should determine the type of cat GPS tracker you should go for. If you’re on a very tight budget, avoid subscription-based trackers because it might be difficult to keep up the payments. Instead, go for trackers with zero subscriptions.
Conclusion
If you read it up to this place, you are a real cat mum and dad and I can see we share something in common —intense love for our little furry babies.
In this article, we discussed:
- The best cat GPS tracker for your cat.
- Factors to consider when choosing a GPS tracker for your cat.
- Best steps to follow when choosing a GPS tracker for your cat.
I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I enjoyed writing it. To ensure the utmost security of your cat, I hope you carefully pick a tracker that meets its needs.
Check out the best dry cat food for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cat trackers really work?
Yes, cat trackers help in monitoring the movement of your cat’s and they work.
How far can a cat tracker track?
This depends solely on the type of tracker you are using. Some trackers can not get past your immediate surroundings, while some can track a cat in another city.
Can you put a GPS tracker on a cat?
Yes. There’s nothing wrong with putting a GPS tracker on a cat. However, you must pay close attention to the size of the tracker and its collar. Once you notice it’s uncomfortable for your cat, it’s advisable to remove it.
How long do cat GPS trackers last?
This varies from tracker to tracker. Some trackers have strong batteries and can last as long as 30 days, while others can’t go more than 2-3 days because of their weak batteries.
How far can a cat track home?
Cats are pretty smart animals. They can find their way home after weeks or even months of wandering. However, we do not advise that you leave your cat alone to wander. This can increase its risk of contracting diseases or getting injured.
References:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/17zmwcg/best_cat_tracker/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/z78hx5/gps_tracker_for_cats/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/comments/qkz9iz/gps_cat_tracking_any_products_to_suggest_avoid/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/568wz8/does_anyone_have_solid_personal_reviews_of_cat/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/UK_Pets/comments/1bmgcav/whats_the_smallest_uk_gps_cat_tracker_im_lost_in/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bengalcats/comments/118etd3/recommendation_for_gps_tracking_collar/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualUK/comments/1bvc8go/which_pet_tracker_do_you_use_for_your_cat/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/156y1x7/best_gps_tracker_for_cats/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/1esm999/cat_gps/
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.pettracer.co.uk
- https://meowden.com/blogs/cat-supplies/gps-tracker-for-cats
- https://www.grepow.com/blog/what-types-of-batteries-are-used-in-pet-gps-trackers.html
Leave a Reply