PROS
- Highly accurate.
- No range limit.
- Lightweight.
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GPS trackers may not appear to be a necessary option, but no pet owner wants to deal with the hassle of locating a cat when they decide to step outside for a little fun. If your cat is prone to wandering, it may be a good idea to invest in a long-lasting tracker for your cat. While many people have their cats chipped, trackers can be a great alternative for those who do not want to go that route.
That is why we decided to put the most popular options on the market to the test in order to find the best one. While each of these trackers has advantages and disadvantages, you will undoubtedly find one that meets your requirements. There are many different types of trackers, such as those that use Bluetooth, cellular networks, or radio frequency. Fortunately, we have tested all kinds and you’ll find the best of each type of tracker on our list of recommendations.
If you want a tracker that uses the cellular network, this is a great option. During our testing, it performed admirably, and our cat was free to roam wherever he pleased, as evidenced by the app. The app you download on your phone is also very user-friendly, with a live mode that updates the location every two seconds.
What we liked best about this tracker was its lightweight design, which didn’t bother our cat. Though the monthly fee of around $6.00 per month does add up. The tracker also does not come with an extra battery, but the battery lasts about seven days before needing to be recharged. It was highly accurate in our testing because it uses the cellular network, and that is all we ask.
PROS
CONS
This tracker was originally designed for children, but people use it for pets, and it works well, so why wouldn’t you? We found this to be the most accurate tracker on this list during our testing. And the live mode in this one might just dethrone the Tractive tracker. The app also made it very simple to set up fences. While it primarily uses your cellular network to track your cat, it also has a Bluetooth option for when your cat is indoors.
The tracker is also quite light, and our cat had no trouble moving around with it attached to his collar. It does take about three hours to charge, but a fully charged battery lasted us more than a week, though this could be due to the fact that it was new. The only thing we have to say about it that we didn’t like is that it is quite expensive, and you have to pay about $9 per month for the subscription.
PROS
CONS
This is a one-of-a-kind tracker that does not rely on Bluetooth or a cellular network, so there are no monthly subscription fees. It does, however, use radio frequencies, allowing you to create your own safe zones. Although it does not include an app, the small handheld device was quite useful. It was a little tricky to understand at first, but reading the instructions helped us set it all up quickly.
The battery can last for more than a month, and we didn’t have to charge it once during our testing. However, it only works within 2 miles of your cat, so you may have to roam around a bit if your cat is the wandering type. Overall, this is a great option for those who do not want to pay a monthly fee, but it does come at a high upfront cost.
PROS
CONS
If all of the above trackers are too complicated for you and you want something simple for your indoor cat, this Cat Tailer tracker might be the perfect fit. It’s a Bluetooth tracker, so it has a limited range, but it worked well for our indoor kitty, who is too scared to even step outside. You may be wondering why a tracker would be necessary for an indoor cat. We all know that cats are sneaky creatures who like to hide under furniture, so this saves you the trouble of trying to locate your cat before it pounces on your ankles.
It was relatively lightweight, but it did not appear to be as durable, and it already had a few bite marks during our testing. Even when we could see our cat, we noticed quite a few fluctuations, but it did get the job done quickly.
PROS
CONS
This tracker is similar to the Cat Tailer Bluetooth tracker above, but it has a much shorter range. But what it lacks in range, it more than compensates for in accuracy. It was far more accurate than the other Bluetooth trackers we tested, and it is a multi-purpose tracker that isn’t just for your pets. The app that comes with this tracker is what makes it unique. We were able to broaden our reach by connecting with other users who also had this app installed.
So, if you live in an area where many people use Tile Mate, this is a good fit for you. It may not be the best tracker available, but it is reasonably priced and ideal for those who only want to use it on their indoor cat.
PROS
CONS
Girafus pro is another tracker that uses radio frequencies to assist you in locating your cat, and it has one of the most extensive ranges currently available on the market. We did notice, however, that it is not as user-friendly as it should be, and it took us quite a bit of trial and error to get everything assembled and working properly.
It has a small design, so even our smallest kitten was pleased when we strapped it to her collar. It can also use Bluetooth to track your cat when it is nearby and switch to radio frequencies if your cat has wandered around the neighborhood.
PROS
CONS
These are just a few of the trackers available on the market, and we are confident that there are many more. However, after conducting extensive testing, we found that these were the most highly rated, and for good reason. So, whether you want a Bluetooth tracker for your indoor cat or a radio frequency tracker for when you need a traveling companion, you should have enough information to make an educated decision.
While these trackers will never be as accurate as having your cat chipped, they are an excellent alternative for those who do not wish to do so. There is no such thing as a perfect cat tracker, and everything depends on what you are looking for. You must consider your personal preferences and what your cat is comfortable with before making the purchase decision.
