Cats can be escape artists, and there is nothing scarier than having your beloved pet vanish into the wider world without your permission. Many cats crave the exploration and opportunity of the outdoors, and that can leave many owners frustrated and worried. One great way to give yourself peace of mind is to get a GPS tracker for your cat. That way, you can know that your cat is nearby and even give yourself the ability to find out exactly where they are spending their time. There are tons of great online options for cats when it comes to GPS trackers, but not all of them are created equal.

This overview will present a number of small reviews, plus a buyer’s guide, for eight of the best GPS trackers for cats that are available right now. These reviews cover a broad range of different products in the hopes that one of them will work for you and your particular cat. There are a number of different types of GPS trackers for cats and each one will appeal to a different type of owner or a different type of cat. By the end you should have all of the information you need to make the best choice for your own situation based on relevant reviews.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 8 Best GPS Trackers and Collars For Cats

1. Tractive Cat GPS Tracker with Activity Monitoring – Best Overall

If you are looking for the best overall GPS tracker for cats, you want to consider the Tractive Dog GPS Tracker with Activity Monitoring. This tracker was initially developed for dogs but they have created a specific unit designed with cats in mind. The Tractive Cat GPS Tracker with Activity Monitoring uses a SIM card to keep your cat’s location via nearby cellular towers. This means that this tracker, unlike others on the market, has an unlimited range.

The tradeoff is that you have to pay for a subscription to use the cell towers. They have multiple different subscription packages to choose from to fit your budget and needs. Tractive Cat GPS Tracker with Activity Monitoring works in over 150 different countries. It also includes activity tracking and monitoring, which can ensure that your cat gets enough exercise to stay healthy and fit. You can even compare your cat’s activity, range, and distance traveled with other cat lovers in the neighborhood. The cat option is Dark Blue. Do not buy any Tractive products designed for dogs, as they might be too large. The Dark Blue variant is smaller and lighter, which is perfect for cats.

The biggest complaint, as is common with most GPS trackers, is the fact that the battery life leaves something to be desired. The battery usually starts off lasting a week (or more) but will slowly lose charge until it only works for a day or two at a time. Some people also reported not getting enough documentation to get started, leaving them confused on how exactly to operate the Tractive Cat GPS Tracker with Activity Monitoring. Be sure to set up through the app and follow all relevant instructions.

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2. Pawscout Version 2.5 Smarter Bluetooth Enabled Cat Tag  – Best Value

Some cat GPS trackers can be expensive, with high upfront costs and necessary subscriptions. That is not the case with the Pawscout Version 2.5 Smarter Bluetooth Enabled Dog & Cat Tag. This cat GPS tracker is unique in that it allows you to build a network of nearby neighbors and friends that can help track down your cat if they ever escape. This tag will alert anyone in the range who has the app when your cat is missing, which will help galvanize them to action.

Many Bluetooth trackers have a problem with range. Once your cat leaves the range of your phone, they drop off the map. Not so with the Pawscout Version 2.5 Smarter Bluetooth Enabled Dog & Cat Tag. Now, if your cat is within the range of anyone with the app, they will appear. While this will require you to get nearby people to download the app, once they do, it can be a valuable tool for tracking your cat. You can build a profile for your cat, so everyone knows exactly who to look for in case of the unthinkable. This is all done without any subscriptions or activation fees.

The biggest letdown with the Pawscout Version 2.5 Smarter Bluetooth Enabled Dog & Cat Tag is the fact that it does not give you the exact GPS location of your cat. It will only let you know when they are at home or when they are outside of their safe zone. Some people buy this product thinking it will give them a detailed map of their cat’s location. That is not the case. However, the community building features can offset that downside, especially for the cost and if you can get multiple neighbors on board.

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3. Cube Real Time GPS Cat Tracker – Premium Choice

The Cube Real Time GPS Cat Tracker is one of the best options on the market for buyers looking to spend a little bit extra on their cat’s GPS tracker. This tracker works with nearby cell towers to give you a precise location of where your cat is. This service requires a subscription in order to activate the embedded SIM card. (Cube recommends buying a subscription and setting it up as soon as you get the product for the best results.)

You can set up geofences that will alert you any time your cat leaves a specific area. That means if the Cube dings, you will know that your cat has crossed a line that you personally set up. This product is great for people who want to keep an eye on their indoor-outdoor cats. You can check your cat’s location on your phone or computer for maximum convenience. Cube also provides tech support in case you run into any technical problems that you cannot solve yourself.

One of the biggest downsides to the Cube Real Time GPS Dog & Cat Tracker is its size. This unit is a bit large and might be cumbersome for small cats. You should consider the overall size before purchasing it for your specific cat. Some people have also taken issue with the monthly subscription fee and upfront cost.

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4. Weenect XS

The Weenect XS is a great all-around cellular tracker for cats. This tracker presents as a small box that you attach to your cat’s existing collar. It includes a SIM card that will keep you informed of your cat’s location based on nearby cell towers. Weenect XS uses numerous different networks to give you plenty of options for keeping an eye on your cat, no matter where you or your cat might be.

Weenect XS is able to communicate with cell towers from T&T, T-Mobile, Commnet, Cellular One, Alaska Wireless Network, and Verizon, giving you the maximum possible coverage. The cell coverage includes over 100 different countries, giving you tons of flexibility. The battery should last up to 10 days, and it even includes terrain analysis, giving you an overview of where your cat is going and where it is spending the majority of its time when not at home.

It is important to note that Weenect XS requires a monthly subscription to operate. There are three different plans to choose from: monthly, yearly, and a 3-year package. Weenect XS also requires a hefty amount of updates and server communication to boot up for the first time, and if you don’t let it do its thing during start up you could be left frustrated. The last issue that people reported is that the battery is not super strong and quickly loses its charge, leaving you having to charge it more and more frequently over time. If you can get through start-up and deal with a declining battery, then you will have a great GPS collar with a number of great features.

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5. Tractive Mini GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats

Most GPS trackers for cats use one of a variety of different signals. Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats is different because it uses a variety of different frequencies to help you keep track of your cat. It has a Wi-Fi mode, which will keep you informed of your cat’s location within your “Home Zone” (AKA within Wi-Fi range of your house). There is also a Bluetooth option, which will let you know if your cat is nearby and you have its collar connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Lastly, it has cellular GPS through a SIM card that comes with the collar. These options give you the best range of coverages to help you keep track of your cat.

It even comes in two sizes, one specially designed for small cats. This is a nice touch since some GPS trackers can be a little big for smaller cats or kittens. The tracker will also light up when you are nearby, which can help you spot your cat in the dark if they get out after sunset. This collar also comes with a fitness tracker and monitor built in, allowing you to track your cat’s fitness, steps, and activity levels, which can be good for people hoping to beat back kitty obesity.

The two biggest drawbacks of the Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats are the battery life and the learning curve. This product only has a 2–3-day battery life, which means you will likely need to charge it each night after your cat comes home. This can be frustrating and is much shorter than other similar products. Second, due to the different types of connectivity, some people have trouble figuring out how to use the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular coverage in concert with one another. This is not quite as simple as connecting an AirTag to your phone, which is something to keep in mind.

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6. Typecase Waterproof AirTag Cat Collar

If you are one of the millions of Apple owners in the world, you don’t need to shell out tons of money for some new complicated GPS device to help locate your cat. Instead, you can use an Apple AirTag to help keep track of your cat.

The AirTag has a relatively close range, meaning you won’t be able to track your cat across the neighborhood. However, the AirTag will let you know when you are getting closer to your target, so you can use it to help pinpoint your cat’s location with a bit of work. You can even send a pulse from your phone to the AirTag that will set off an audible noise to help pinpoint your cat’s exact location or alert other nearby people that something is amiss.

If you go the AirTag route, you will need something to hold the AirTag. This adorable collar is specifically designed to hold an Apple AirTag, allowing you to keep track of your cat (as long as it remains in range).

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7. SAMSUNG Galaxy SmartTag2

If you are not an Apple user, you will be happy to learn that there is an option for Android users as well. The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 is Samsung’s answer to the AirTag. Unlike the AirTag, you can put this tracker directly onto your cat’s collar thanks to the nifty keyring feature that comes included. The SAMSUNG Galaxy SmartTag2 has a robust range of 400 feet or more and an excellent battery life. Samsung reports that the SmartTag2 can last up to 500 days on a single battery, but users report that the battery life ranges from 2 months to a year, depending on your usage.

The SmartTag2 comes in two colors (white and black), and you can buy a pack of them to outfit multiple cats. The SmartTag2 is also very small yet weighty. It feels quality, but it is not obtrusive or bulky like some other GPS trackers and tags can be. It is super easy to attach this tag to your cat’s collar, a process that only takes a couple of minutes.

The two biggest concerns with the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 are annoying beeping sounds and some connectivity issues. Some users have reported that their tags randomly emit a beeping sound, which can be frustrating to people who are sensitive to such things. It could also annoy or disturb your cat. Others reported having trouble connecting their tag to the app and reported that the tags work best with other Samsung products even though they are advertised to work with any Android phone. If you are not super tech savvy you might want to shy away from this product if you don’t use Samsung products.

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8. Tabcat v2 Cat Tracker

Many GPS trackers for cats require one of two things. You either need to pay for a subscription to keep the tracking services active, or you need to use specific apps or have a certain type of phone. That can be frustrating for people who just want something simple without all of the tech and subscription nonsense. That is where the Tabcat v2 Cat Tracker comes in. Unlike other products, the Tabcat v2 Cat Tracker requires no special apps and no subscriptions. Instead of working on GPS frequencies, this product uses radio frequencies to pinpoint your cat. This works differently from other products by leading you to your cat through radio pings.

The tracker will light up and let you know which direction to head to find your cat. You will need to triangulate your cat’s position through trial and error, but the Tabcat v2 Cat Tracker works when there is a poor cell signal or bad GPS service. This product is also highly accurate because it uses actual radio signals being emitted directly from your cat rather than relying on a system of towers and satellites to lead you to the right place.

The thing that people dislike the most about this product is the fact that it does not work like traditional GPS. This is important to know before you buy. You will not see your cat on a map. Instead, you will get signals on the tracker that point you in the direction of your cat and let you know roughly how far away you are. The benefit here is that you don’t have to pay for subscriptions or rely on third party services to help keep track of your cat.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat GPS Tracker and Collar

What Is Your Purpose for Getting a GPS Monitor?

One thing you should be able to answer before deciding on a final product for your cat is why you are buying a GPS tracker in the first place. Some people have cats that occasionally run out the door and try to have short adventures. Other people have outdoor cats that spend most of their time roaming around outside. Some people are just looking for some extra peace of mind when it comes to their feline friends.

Depending on why you want a GPS tracker, how much use it will get, and how frequently your cat gets lost or disappears will determine which kind of tag you want. If you are just looking for peace of mind or a safety net, you might not need an expensive global tracker. If your cat roams around a large area or disappears for days on end, you might want a more accurate and reliable tracker that has a better range. Tailor your cat’s and your needs to a specific type of tracker for the best results.

Durability

Some GPS trackers for cats are specifically designed to operate outside. Some of them have cases and are even waterproof. Others are not as tough. Things like luggage tags or simple collars might not be enough to hold up to rigorous use outside. If your cat manages to break, drown, or lose its tag because it was not designed for continuous use, it will defeat the purpose of keeping a tracker on your cat. Be sure to keep an eye on what kind of material the tags are made from, their battery life, and whether they are designed for outdoor or all-weather use.

Collars vs. Tags

These reviews mention collars and tags, sometimes interchangeably. But there is a difference. GPS collars are single products that have all of the tracking equipment integrated into the collar itself. Tags are devices that you attach to an existing collar. Both work fine, but they are slightly different. Tags will require you to use them with your cat’s existing collar or buy a collar that they fit into. GPS collars will require you to replace your cat’s existing collar with the new GPS collar. Collars are usually more expensive than tags, but they are often slightly more durable and designed for outdoor or continuous use. Tags are smaller and more flexible but might not be as rugged as GPS collars.

Be Aware of Subscriptions

Many GPS trackers require a monthly subscription to operate. This is because the true GPS trackers use an internal SIM card, similar to a phone, to work almost anywhere. These have the largest range out of any tracker, but they also require extra fees. Subscriptions can range from a couple of dollars per month to over $10 per month. Be sure to read the fine print of any subscription before you decide to buy. Some will give discounts for longer purchases, while others will be difficult to cancel or change if you need to. If you buy a GPS tracker with a subscription and don’t realize it, the product will be useless unless you agree to subscribe. If you don’t want to pay for an extra subscription, be sure to buy a product that does not require one to operate.

Don’t Discount Range and Battery Life

Two things that can be easy to overlook are range and battery life. Some people get caught up in the fitness tracking features or how good the map is for the GPS. Range and battery life are two things that will separate bad trackers from good trackers. If your tracker runs out of battery or has a low range, then it will quickly become worthless if your cat actually manages to find its way far from home. A good battery life should last multiple days, but the longer, the better. Changeable batteries are also a plus. Some trackers run on simple watch batteries that you can find at your local drug or grocery store. A solid range is typically anything over 100 feet, and Bluetooth usually has the lowest range out of all of the frequencies (more on that below).

Different Cat Tracker Frequencies

There are multiple different frequencies that cat tracking collars can use to pinpoint locations. There is Bluetooth, cellular GPS, radio frequency, and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth maintains a connection to your phone, cellular GPS works off of its own SIM card but requires a subscription, radio frequency uses local frequencies to locate your cat, and Wi-Fi uses your home Wi-Fi (or mobile hotspot) to keep your cat connected. Each frequency has different ranges going from a few dozen feet to worldwide, and each one requires different things (such as a specific phone or a subscription). Choose the frequency that works best with your particular cat and lifestyle but recognizes that each frequency works very differently from the others, and they will not all work equally in all situations.

Conclusion

Armed with these relevant reviews, you should be able to pick the GPS tracker that is perfect for you and your cat. If you want an all-around great choice, you should choose the Tractive Cat GPS Tracker with Activity Monitoring or the Tractive Mini GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats. People looking to save money can look at the Pawscout tracker. There are options for any type of cat and every type of budget. You just have to pick the one that is best for you based on these reviews.

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Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock