Most cats are smart enough to find their way home, but they are difficult to locate at times. In fact, cats are getting lost way more often than dogs. Mostly, because indoor cats are too scared when they accidentally ran away. This is when a GPS cat tracker comes in handy. It happened once with my cat, she jumped off my patio to chase the bird, and then she got scared and got lost. Luckily, Tractive cat GPS collar app sent me an alert right away (when she left the house) and I easily found her outside hiding behind trash bins on the street. The location accuracy was impressive.
In our rating of the best GPS trackers for cats, we considered factors such as tracking range, battery life, cost, product support, and subscription pricing, noting that all GPS trackers currently operate on a subscription-based model.
Fortunately, a number of cat trackers are out on the market. There are even a few trackers that also double-up as activity trackers. We understand that buying a cat GPS tracker may be a daunting task, so I tested over 26 devices (including Apple Airtag) and compiled all the best GPS cat collars around in this article.
Only 12 of them made the list. Here is a selection of our favorites!
Quick disclaimer: if you decide to purchase one of these cat GPS trackers in the list, I would highly appreciate if you use my referral links I use a few times in this research. This helps my website maintain high-quality content, test expensive cat products and provide an honest expert opinion.
12 Best Cat GPS Trackers in 2023 based on consumer ratings, reports and personal experience
Here’s the list of the 12 best GPS trackers we picked specifically designed for cats based on the reviews and our quick picks:
Below, you will find important details to pick the perfect cat GPS locator!
Tractive Cat GPS Tracker & Collar
Tractive is the #1 cat GPS tracker in the industry. And you know what, it’s the highest quality cat tracker you can find so far. Moreover, if you need a little more, than just a simple cat GPS tracking, then I would personally recommend Tractive. It would perfectly work for cats due to a cat-friendly collar attachment! I was scared it could be large, but look how this GPS tracker looks on my medium-sized cat:
Fiona with Tractive GPS cat tracker
Considered as a well-known cat GPS tracker (you can read my Tractive cat GPS collar review here), the Tractive has amazed us with its unique and helpful features. It is designed to be a lightweight and waterproof GPS tracker that is most ideal for pets weighing 9 pounds or more. It is a durable GPS cat collar tag that can be easily attached to any collar or harness.
Whether your furry friend is athletic or not, a decent cat tracker must be secure enough to stay on the collar in any situation. As expected, the Tractive 3G tracker passed the test because it only weighs 35 grams that are comfortable enough for cats of all breeds and sizes! Remember, a bulkier and heavier tracker means worse performance!
They’ve recently upgraded to a new model so it looks even better on cats:
Latest Tractive cat GPS Tractive model
The best part is setting up safe zones. It was my house area and once my cat is outside I am getting an alert right away. One time, it probably saved my cat’s life because she chased a bird and then got lost and scared. I found her later hiding behind the trash bins. Through Tractive, you can also set a safe area with its Geofence technology! The tracker will alert you once it is detected that your cat is outside its safe zone. Tractive’s chip frequently calculates your cat’s location and is updated on the map every 2-3 seconds. Furthermore, the LED will help you to guard your furry friend at night.
The Tractive cat tracker is water-resistant and almost unbreakable in pools, beaches, and muddy soils! This is a very helpful feature because you wouldn’t have to worry about taking the tracker off your cat when it suddenly rains! Plus, you will be able to track your feline in any environment! It also has a cat activity monitoring feature that I find extremely awesome. The only downside is that there is no room for a cat collar camera if you use one.
The subscription price is very affordable:
The Tractive cat GPS tracker offers cost-effective subscription plans, including a basic plan at $10/month (or a reduced rate of $7/month when you pay for two years upfront) and a premium plan at $12/month. The premium plan boasts additional features such as worldwide coverage, a full year’s location history, and GPS data export. In my experience, the basic plan has been more than sufficient, as I didn’t require these extra features.
They sell their collar on both Amazon and the website, but I highly recommend getting this from the official website so you have an account that will be integrated with their app and have proper support.
Cat Tailer Cat GPS Tag
Our next selection is also a cat tracking device designed like a pet tag that can be attached to your cat’s favourite collar. The Cat Tailer Bluetooth Waterproof Cat Tracker differs to our first pick by control. Instead of a handheld device, Cat Tailer requires you to use their application on your phone in order to find your cat.
As the name suggests, the Cat Tailer is another reliable solution that tails your beloved feline. This cat collar tag works by broadcasting a low energy wireless homing beacon that is picked up by your phone. The Cat Tailer determines how far are you from your feline depending on the strength of your signal. It will vary even if you are not moving.
Keep in mind, the Cat Tailer does not work as a cat GPS tracking system. The Cat Tailer is not a mapping device and does not tell you the exact location of your cat. Instead, Cat Tailer is an effective solution for finding your cat in your yard, neighbourhood, or if you want to keep it near you whenever you’re outside!
Being a device that tails your cat, you will get notifications on your phone whenever your cat is in range or nearby. I will also notify you at a farther range. To find your cat, simply walk in the direction that the app tells you in order to be closer to your cat. You should always rely on live scanning screens when searching for your feline.
On the other hand, the Cat Tailer app will show you your approximate distance from your cat and the battery life of your Cat Tailer. Fortunately, the battery lasts for 6 months without changing or recharging! The battery is replaceable and can be easily found in the stores.
Overall, the Cat Tailer is a small and lightweight bluetooth waterproof tracker that can be used for cats of all ages and sizes! It is another effective device that will help you in protecting your beloved feline from common cat accidents. Many cat owners love it because it’s subscription-free and the cost is reasonable (check here).
Compared to Tractive cat GPS collar, the Cat Tailer may be less reliable and accurate in tracking a cat’s location due to its use of a cellular network, which can have limited coverage in certain areas. Additionally, the device may be less durable and prone to falling off the cat’s collar.
Common customer complaints about the Cat Tailer Cat Tracker include issues with the device’s battery life and occasional connectivity problems. Some users have also reported difficulties with the device’s setup and activation process. Despite these drawbacks, the Cat Tailer can still be a viable option for cat owners who want a GPS tracker for their cat, especially if they live in an area with good cellular coverage.
Tile Bluetooth Cat Location Tracker
To my surprise, the Tile tracker ranks third on the list of cat GPS trackers, which was quite unexpected. If your primary goal is to track your cat indoors, Tile might be the best option for you.
In 2019, Tile launched a campaign in partnership with “The Secret Life of Pets” offering limited edition Bluetooth trackers designed specifically for pets, and I ordered one. It’s important to note that Tile is a Bluetooth tracker, not a cat GPS tracker. While cat GPS trackers maintain a constant connection and provide updated locations at any time, Bluetooth trackers have a maximum range of 200-300 feet, depending on the Bluetooth signal strength between the finder and your mobile device.
Tile is an excellent option for indoor cats, which worked perfectly for me, but it might not be the best choice for outdoor cats.
One of the best aspects of the Tile cat tracker is that, at least for now, it doesn’t require a paid subscription, even though Tile Premium is promoted. You can’t compare Tile to Tractive, as it lacks many of Tractive’s features. However, there’s no need to charge the battery, although the non-replaceable battery means you’ll need to update the device every 2-3 years, which is a downside.
One of my cat’s TikToks went viral while I was testing the Tile tracker on her, and most of the comments were along the lines of “Is that a Tile on her collar?”
It seems this device surprises many cat owners.
In conclusion, I found Tile to be an acceptable option, but it doesn’t compare to Tractive in terms of features and capabilities.
Weenect GPS Device for Cats (2nd edition)
When it comes to GPS trackers for cats, the recently announced Weenect Cats 2 is a great option, ranking as the fourth-best on the market. This cat tracker comes equipped with a GPS module and SIM card that allows real-time tracking on a smartphone app, making it easier to locate your feline friend wherever they happen to be. One major difference between Weenect Cats 2 and its 1st edition is the addition of a training module that enables the device to vibrate or ring at mealtimes, making it easier to call your cat home for meals. Another key feature of the Weenect Cats 2 is the ability to track multiple pets from the same account.
For cat owners, the Weenect Cats 2 offers a variety of benefits, including added safety and peace of mind knowing where their pet is at all times. Additionally, the virtual fence feature can be helpful in preventing cats from wandering too far from home or into dangerous areas. The ability to view a cat’s activity level and route can also give owners insight into their pet’s behavior and habits.
Weenect offers three subscription plans for their GPS trackers, including a monthly plan for £9.99 (approximately $13.86 USD), a 1-year prepaid plan for £69.99 (approximately $97.19 USD), and a 3-year prepaid plan for £149.99 (approximately $208.12 USD). The prepaid plans offer a significant discount on the monthly rate.
Weenect cat tracker is primarily designed for use in Europe and may not be compatible with cellular networks in the United States which is the biggest downside. It’s recommended that you check with the Weenect customer support team to confirm whether the device can be used in the US before purchasing it.
Some common complaints from users of the Weenect Cats 2 include issues with the device’s battery life and occasional connectivity problems.
Truth be told, the Tractive GPS collar is a better option for cat owners, as it offers even more features and functionality. With Tractive, you can track your cat’s location in real-time, set up virtual fences, and receive notifications when your pet leaves a designated area. The device is also lightweight, waterproof, and has a long battery life, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
Loc8tor Tabcat Cat Handheld Finder
Photo from Official TabCat website
In this list, our first pick would be is the NEW Loc8tor Pet Handheld Finder (you can read my Tabcat cat GPS collar review here) that is designed for finding multiple cats or locating other valuables! An Amazon’s Choice for cat trackers, this tag by Loc8tor is the smallest and lightest of their kind, weighing only 5 grams. The tag is neither too big nor too small and simply slips in any cat collar. Your cat’s comfort is always a priority! They are currently working on the new cat tracker model that should be released in the beginning of 2023.
However, if you are looking for a cat tracking device that creates a safe zone and alerts you when your pet leaves the safe zone, then this is not for you. The Loc8tor Cat Finder is primarily for locating your cat, not for preventing your cat to go anywhere.
Cats are infamous for climbing, chasing dogs, getting stuck in trees, and getting trapped in sheds and garages. Therefore, this is the best cat tracker for protecting your cat all the time while reducing your worries. Powered by RF-based technology, the Loc8tor tracking device delivers a longer range than traditional keyring finders and provide greater accuracy than most cat GPS trackers in the market.
The slim credit card-sized handset will be able to help you to easily find your furry friend through its dual directional technology. The technology is more effective than GPS and more ideal in finding in tricky places! Moreover, the handset is extremely easy to use and works by picking up the signal from your pet’s tag as soon as you press the locate button.
It’s also worth noting that you will receive both visual and audio clues to guide you right to your cat! The Loc8tor handset will direct you to your cat’s exact location within 1-inch accuracy. Furthermore, it tells you which way to find your lost or hiding cat! Now, being a cat parent will be much easier!
Cube Pro Cat Finder and Smart Tracker
It’s a common scenario if you are one of the people who frequently misplace their valuable items. The great news is that there are plenty of items finding solutions in the market, including this tracker that is lightweight and discreet enough to clip into your items or cat’s collar.
The Cube Pro Cat Finder and Smart Tracker is not just a cat tracking device but also a Bluetooth tracker for your keys, kids, cats, luggage, wallet, and phone! It is a tracker that you can literally attach to anything that you want to find, fast. The Cube Pro has a cool and innovative design with basic but effective functionality. But we are talking about the tracking devices that you can use to find your cat, so let’s talk more!
You can use Cube to find your cat by using the Cube Tracker app to ring your Cube in order to locate your feline when it is near. If you are unable to locate your cat in nearby places, you can use the Cube app to view your cat’s last known location on a map! Plus Cube uses Bluetooth to tell you if you are near or far and has a separation alarm to alert you if you left something behind!
The finding feature of Cube Pro doesn’t end there! Once you declare your cat lost, the “Crowd Find” feature urges the Cube community to be your search party! Simply push the small button of your cube and it will make your phone ring, vibrate and flash even if on silent!
The great news is that the Cube Pro’s ring is loud enough for you to hear. Even if my cat was in our yard, I am able to find him easily by following the Cube’s tune! Being the upgraded version, the Cube Pro has 2x volume and range up to 200ft of volume and 101dB of volume.
It’s also worth noting that the Cube Pro has an outstanding battery life which lasts at least a year! Unlike other similar tracking devices, you will only replace the battery each year, not the device itself. Plus, there is an extra battery included in the package!
Girafus Pro-track-tor Cat Tracker
With the cat tracker collar from Girafus, you never need to worry about losing your furry friend again. Usually, cats hide in many places and narrow areas where GPS trackers don’t work. Specifically made for cats, the Girafus Pro-track-tor ensures you that you can find your beloved feline wherever it hides.
There are a lot of situations where cat owners lose their pets due to poor GPS performance. Often times, the range of Bluetooth trackers are not enough. For more accurate tracking, the Girafus Pro-track-tor uses radio frequency signals which the receiver box interprets and displays how far and from which direction the signals of your cat’s module are coming from.
The Girafus Pro-track-tor has two parts; a handheld locator and a tag unit. A single handheld locator is capable of tracking four cats making Girafus Pro-track-tor ideal for pet owners with multiple cats. For your cat’s comfort, the tag unit only weighs 0.28oz including the battery! Girafus can work up to 30 days without charging with the included rechargeable batteries and charger.
Check Girafus cat tracker in action:
The accuracy of Girafus Pro-track-tor is arguably a reliable tracker as it can track your cat’s direction and distance up to 500 meters of the radius in a clear line of sight. Unlike a GPS tracking device, it does not interfere with other wireless devices nearby.
The handheld receiver has a direction indicator that tells you the right direction in the search area. For easier tracking from a longer distance, there will be signal sound and the LEDs blink and beep to help you. There is also a smart sleep mode that allows your Pro-track-tor’s battery lasts longer!
Furthermore, there is a temperature indicator feature that gives alerts when the temperature drops too low for the device to handle. This makes the Girafus Pro-track-tor safe for your beloved feline!
TabCat Collar Locator Homing Tag
Next up in our best cat GPS trackers list is another handheld receiver and tag unit combination. If you are considering a cat tracker that does not rely on GPS or Bluetooth in finding your pet, then the TabCat Pet Collar Locator Homing Tag is another option (you can read my Tractive cat GPS collar review here). It also uses radio frequency-based technology which will give you the greater frequency and better performance. They’ve also recently upgraded to the v2 model.
The TabCat Collar Locator functions similarly to Girafus Pro-track-tor Cat Tracker. However, TabCat’s handheld receiver is sold separately. TabCat may cost a little extra, but it’s arguably one of the best cat trackers in the market in terms of effectiveness, durability, and reliability!
The TabCat will locate your beloved feline up to 400 feet but when you are out in the field behind obstacles or buildings, the maximum range is 250 feet. This is already more than enough for my cat. The TabCat works by directing you to your cat’s exact location through audio and visual cues. Great news is that the audio cues are loud enough for you to hear.
Setting up your TabCat tag unit with the handheld locator is fairly simple. The first step is to turn on the handheld device until it beeps and place the tag that you want to pair next to the locator. Next step is to choose one of the four buttons on the handheld device, press it for three seconds and the locator beeps as it pairs with the tag. Sounds easy right? Or not? Well, TabCat made video manual for you:
In terms of durability, the new Tabcat certainly did not fail me. By just looking at the cover, it seems sturdy enough for playful cats. Fortunately, between rough tumbles and attempts to pull the tag off the collar, the Tabcat unit stayed in his collar. Thumbs up for TabCat!
- Main Feature: Really loud beep
Whistle Tagg GPS Tracker with Cat Collar Attachment
Whistle is a well-known brand in the pet tracking category, and their Tagg GPS Pet Tracker is a must-have. Whistle has been in the market for so long that the Tagg GPS tracker has been deemed as the nation’s leader in GPS Pet Tracking technology. Tagg uses advanced GPS technology and the nation’s largest wireless network to find your furry friend anytime and anywhere.
One of the high-rated cat trackers on Amazon, Tagg is a small and lightweight device with many excellent features. Prioritizing your cat’s comfort, Tagg can be attached to your cat’s favourite collar. Unlike Bluetooth and radio frequency trackers, Tagg is a combination of a tracking device and activity monitor. This is why it may cost a little extra.
You can rely on Tagg for near and far tracking as you are able to track your cat’s location via an interactive map. Plus you will be given location updates every three minutes to prevent your cat from getting lost! If your pet goes missing, the Whistle app will provide driving directions to your cat’s exact location.
Through Tagg, you are also able to monitor your beloved feline’s health! The Activity Tracking allows you to know if your cat is getting enough exercise. You can track your cat’s daily activities in one view and spot long-term changes! Moreover, you can also set goals and compare your cat’s activities to other cats. Make your cat say goodbye to laziness!
Tuscom Cat GPS Collar
Next up on the best cat GPS trackers roundup is the cat GPS tracker collar from Tuscom. The Tuscom GPS tracker differs from all the other cat trackers in this list because it comes with a collar that fits cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes. Plus, the collar is comfortable enough for your beloved feline!
Tuscom offers different pet collars, you can get blue, white, red, light blue, and yellow! Together with the GPS tracker and collar, you will also get a charger, USB cable, and manual that is very helpful for installation! The GPS cat collar only needs 7 lithium batteries that are either replaceable or rechargeable.
In terms of tracking, since the Tuscom cat tracker uses GPS technology, it is paired with your smartphone. Simply download the Tuscom app and it works for both android and ios! For live tracking, Tuscom also offers web online tracking!
That’s not all! Tuscom has a GPS sports trajectory tracking for outdoor tracking! My favorite feature of the Tuscom cat GPS tracker is that I am able to know the environment around my cat by simply dialling the tracker. This way, I am assured that my cat is safe even outdoors! It also helps pet owners from losing their pets and very useful in finding their missing friends!
If you’re worried about spending your money and is still sceptical about the product, be at ease! All Tuscom GPS trackers are backed up with a lifetime guarantee! If you are not 100% satisfied with your own Tuscom cat tracker, call the manufacturer and they will solve your problem. Many clients testified that their customer service is approachable and friendly! But we’re doubting that you would!
Pod 3 GPS Cat Tracker and Activity Monitor
One of the most popular and best-selling cat tracking devices around, it’s not hard to see why. It’s small, discreet, and does exactly what you need it to! Introducing the Pod 3 GPS Cat Tracker and Activity Monitor which uses multiple technologies to help cat owners find and protect their furry friends anytime and anywhere with only a cell reception!
The Pod 3 is designed to fit a wide range of animals, even the smallest ones! It is a small and lightweight device designed for your cat’s comfort. You don’t have to worry about getting it wet because the Pod 3 GPS tracker is fully waterproof! It’s interchangeable batteries makes it’s usage last longer.
While some cat location trackers only use GPS, Bluetooth or radio frequency signals, the Pod 3 uses many technologies! To make advanced tracking more simple, the Pod 3 uses GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular technologies to help in finding and protecting your cat at the push of a button. This makes Pod 3 a reliable solution for cat tracking, giving you the peace of mind you have always needed!
The four tracking technologies allow you to track your beloved feline indoors and outdoors. It has live indoor and outdoor tracking with unlimited range in 175 countries! You can also view 24 hours of location history in the Pod 3 app anytime to identify your cat’s favourite places and prevent it from getting lost!
For your feline’s protection, you can set multiple safe zones and receive alerts once your cat is detected outside the safe zone. The feature is ideal for cat owners who bring their furry friends with them anywhere they go! You can set virtual fences around your home, workplace, and more! Plus, you can record your cat’s adventures!
The Pod 3’s function doesn’t end there because it also serves as an activity monitor! This cat finder GPS also allows you to view your feline’s activity data to ensure that it is getting the exercise it needs. You can also monitor your feline’s movement continuously to detect any unusual behavior or activity. With the features that Pod 3 offers, it certainly deserves a spot in this list!
Pawscout Smarter Cat Tag
If you’re looking for the cheapest (but not so efficient solution) and you simply need to know the real-time location of your cat, then PawScout tag would be the best choice. It costs only under $20 but the quality is so-so for such a price it is worth mentioning in this list.
It’s a cat tracker that can cater short-range and long-range tracking, then this one’s for you! Our next pick would be this little tracking device with lost pet alerts, an outdoor virtual leash, a walk tracker, pet points of interest, and no monthly fees. The Pawscout Cat Tag is not just your ordinary cat tracking device, it’s all in one!
Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, you can always make sure that your feline is near you all the time. Pawscout allows you to track walks of your feline and keep tabs on your cat whether you’re in the yard or out with your cat.
You can set a perimeter invisible leash of 300 feet through the outdoor virtual leash feature to contain your cat in a safe place! However, the Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag is mainly designed for short-range tracking. It will not tell you your cat’s exact location but will rather watch your pet in its “cone of safety.”
For long-range tracking, Pawscout create instant digital flyers to the Pawscout community. In case your beloved feline goes missing, simply mark your pet lost in the Pawscout app and Pawscouters within five miles will be urged to join the search! You will receive notifications and location data when your cat will come within 300 feet of any Pawscout user.
I love that Pawscout video review:
Another feature of Pawscout that is worth noting is that any user of the app will get to interact and have their own “petwork”! Through the app, you can also share your pets’ photos, arrange walks, and alert neighbours to pet hazards or pet-friendly places! You can also add your cat’s medical records, vaccinations, behavioural, or medical issues in your pet profile.
Overall, PawScout is the cheapest option available on the market for cat GPS trackers but the quality is not the best. It makes sense to slightly overpay for Tractive and be confident about your cat’s location.
Conclusion
Overall, Tractive GPS Cat Tracker impressed us with its features and performance because it exactly works as advertised. However, Tractive requires a service plan that starts from $5 per month for the US edition that comes with an integrated SIM card. Still, the Tractive will be a great investment for your beloved feline!
Technomeow’s Personal Pick
Our #1 in this list of GPS Cat Trackers Tractive. It’s really simple to use, has lots of features and fits all cat breeds. Price is reasonable too.
READ ALSO: Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats
Pod3 no longer available. Company went bust
Thanks, they did indeed! We will update the list shortly.
I have had a tractive for 2 years. it worked great for first 6 months. since then GPS coverage has been poor despite the device being replaced twice.
They’ve upgraded the old model! I highly recommend their new cat GPS tracker
Hello,
I would like to warn you and the audience that Tractive should not be allowed to market its device because of pet safety concerns. I have had two brand new devices in less than 6 months and both have rerepeatedly dropped gps signal. That happens to other trackers by different manufacturers but Tractive shall not regain the signal by itself. To restore the gps signal/tracking one needs to grab the tracker and get out of the wi-fi homebase zone, then reset the connection by pressing a button on the tracker. I was lucky that my cat returned home and I was able to reset the tracking. Imagine what happens if the gps signal is lost and the pet’s whereabouts are unknown or if the pet returns without device. Amazing that consumer/animal protection authorities allow this product sold on the market.
I have not received any response. Tractive, after 6 month of complaints simply told me that their device was not suited for me and offered to refund both trackers and the subscription costs. I am concerned for the well-being of Tractive customers and their pets.
Could anyone recommend a cat tracker that is the smallest and lightest there is with with the longest battery life. My cats hate even the smallest of collars.
Have you found one. We are looking for the same.
I’ve been using Tile for about 6 years now , compared to many it works best in rural areas because apple air tag sucks unless your In a city and it picks up on other i phone , the bigger Tile works the best ,The Sport , problem is if it get wet it can go bad , but it has saved many of my cats lives , except for one cat the battery died 3 days before grrrrr that cat became coyote food , made me so mad , my cats are indoors , but the boys do want to pull sneaks sneaks and go hunt , I built a high walled court yard for them with fencing on top , but there is one cat I have that is persistent on getting out he now has a small tile and a Airtag on , so far the Tile once again worked better on finding my cat the fastest , the ringer will find him quickly and scares him home with the sound , you need to be careful not to ring it if there is a road near by so they don’t get scared and run in the road , I have 13 rescues and every cat has some kind of a device on them so I can check at nite that everyone is in the house or court yard safe and sound , I hate tracking devices I need to charge every time , and put on them , if they go missing long enough it could go bad if you don’t find them right away , it all depends on how many cats you have and where you live what device works best , and also important always keep an ID on your pet and microchip them too, all I know it’s better to have so thing on them then nothing like the idiots in my neighborhood who don’t spay and neuter and no one has a tag on their cats or dogs