Whether you’re a new cat parent or a veteran, keeping them safe is priority #1. So if your cat has a habit of wandering, you may have considered putting a tracking device on their collar. But is AirTag really the best option for keeping track of your feline friend? Below, discover the three main problems with AirTag for cats, plus which tracker you need to keep your cat safe.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags pose safety risks for cats, including swallowing hazards and battery leaks.
  • AirTags have limited range and only work near Apple devices, so they may not track your cat everywhere.
  • AirTags aren’t built for cats: They lack essential pet-specific features like live tracking and health alerts.

For true peace of mind, a dedicated GPS & health tracker for cats is the way to go.

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Why your cat needs a tracker in the first place

Even the most indoorsy cats are natural explorers and need outdoor time for exercise and mental stimulation. However, outdoor adventures come with risks like cars, poisonous plants, pests, and the potential to wander too far and get lost.

That’s why many cat parents use GPS trackers to monitor their cat’s movements, set virtual safe zones, and ensure their feline stays safe. A GPS tracker gives peace of mind, allowing you to track your cat in real-time, no matter how far they roam.

brown outdoor cat wearing a GPS cat tracker from Tractive
Pictured: Tractive GPS & Health Tracker for cats

How an AirTag cat collar might work

AirTags are small Bluetooth devices designed to track personal items like keys, but they’re not built for real-time pet tracking.

Here’s how it works for your cat:

  • Bluetooth, not GPS: AirTags use Bluetooth to send signals to nearby Apple devices. The device picks up the signal and updates the AirTag’s location, but only when within range of those devices.
  • Limited range: The range is short, so if your cat moves too far from Apple devices, you won’t be able to track them.
  • Find My app: You can check your cat’s last known location using the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Lost Mode: If your cat goes out of Bluetooth range, you can enable Lost Mode. If your cat passes by another Apple device, the AirTag will send you an alert with its location.

While AirTags may work in busy areas, they’re not ideal for remote or low-Apple-device environments.

A Russian blue cat wearing an Apple AirTag on its collar.

What’s the Apple AirTag range?

Keep in mind, AirTags work best within close range of your phone or another iPhone. And while Apple hasn’t given the exact AirTag tracking range, Bluetooth trackers tend to work best at a range of up to 100 meters1. So they don’t work over an unlimited range like a GPS tracker.

GPS vs Bluetooth range - illustrated infographic from Tractive, the makers of the Smart Cat Collar with GPS and health monitoring

General perks of using an AirTag

A pair of keys aren’t likely to wander far away out of curiosity. So AirTag is great for helping you find non-moving physical objects. And folks are drawn to the idea of using an AirTag on their cat or dog because AirTags are:

  • Lightweight: Weighing around 0.39 ounces (or 11 grams).
  • Affordable: $29 for a single AirTag, or $99 for a 4-pack.
  • Water-resistant: AirTag can withstand 30 minutes at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 meter) underwater.
  • Compatible with all Apple devices: Including your smartphone, iPad, and Mac.
  • Equipped with long-lasting battery life, up to a year.

These advantages of AirTag make them a great tool for keeping track of a bike, keys or wallet. Not your cat. Here’s why.

Problem #1: AirTags may not be safe for your cat

Vets advise against using AirTags for pets due to safety concerns2. So if you’re wondering if AirTags are safe for cats, here are the risks to consider:

  • Chew or Swallow Hazard: AirTags are small and may dangle from your cat’s collar, tempting them to bite or swallow it.
  • Battery Leaks: If chewed or swallowed, AirTags can leak battery fluid, which could harm your cat’s organs.
  • Stress and discomfort: AirTags don’t come with a collar, making them uncomfortable for smaller cats. They may also slip out of collars or get caught while your cat plays.

👉 The solution: Use a tracker built for cat health & safety 🐾

A dedicated cat tracker should be lightweight and compact, but also designed to be safely out of reach of your cat’s teeth and claws. Tractive’s Mini Cat Tracker tracker includes a weight-adjustable Rogz Safety collar, so your cat stays safe and comfortable. Plus, it features Health Alerts and Activity Monitoring to keep an eye on your feline’s wellbeing.

An orange cat wearing a Tractive GPS tracker

Problem #2: AirTags may not work everywhere your cat goes

Your cat might love a backyard adventure or a trip to the neighbor’s garden. But an AirTag can only track them within Bluetooth range – about 100 meters, or roughly the size of a football field. Once your cat goes beyond that range, the AirTag relies on nearby Apple devices to update its location.

That means:

  • You’ll only get updates if someone with an iPhone or Mac comes close to your cat.
  • If you’re in a rural area or a place with few Apple users, the tracker might not be much help.

So while AirTags can work in busy, tech-filled neighborhoods, they’re not designed for reliable cat tracking – especially if your four-legged explorer tends to wander.

👉 The solution: Use a dedicated cat tracker with unlimited range 🌎

Unlike AirTags, the Tractive GPS & Health Tracker for cats uses GPS, Bluetooth, and cellular technology—so you can track your cat whether they’re curled up indoors or off exploring the great outdoors. Here’s why it’s a smarter choice:

  • Unlimited Range: Track your cat from anywhere, with Live GPS Tracking that works globally.
  • Global Coverage: Works in 175+ countries, anywhere there’s cellular coverage.
  • Radar Mode: Use Bluetooth to track your cat indoors or at close range.
  • Augmented Reality (AR), Light & Sound: Easily locate your cat in hiding spots.

Problem #3: AirTags weren’t designed for cats

Apple has openly stated that AirTags are built to track items, not pets. As Kaiann Drance, Apple’s VP of Marketing, puts it, “The AirTag was designed to track items, not people or pets.” If you do decide to use one for your pet, she recommends ensuring your pet stays within range of another Apple device in the Find My network3. But if your cat is missing, how can you control that?

Additionally, AirTags aren’t fully waterproof or durable enough to handle the wear and tear of being attached to a collar. With all the adventures your cat gets into, an AirTag is more likely to get wet, dirty, or damaged—leading to malfunctions.

👉 The solution: Use a tracker that’s built for cats 🐈

Many dedicated cat trackers come with durable designs, advanced tracking features, and even activity and health monitoring. For example, the Tractive GPS Cat Tracker includes:

  • Virtual Fence: Set up a safe zone for your cat. If they stray beyond it, you’ll be notified immediately.
  • Location History: Track your cat’s past locations, and see their favorite spots.
  • Light and Sound: Use these features to track your cat in the dark or at night.
  • Activity & Health Monitoring: Track your cat’s activity and sleep, and receive Health Alerts if anything unusual occurs.

Track your cat wherever they go

See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they roam. Discover their territory. Get alerted if they go too far. Track activity, sleep, and receive health alerts if your cat’s activity changes. Keep your feline friend healthy and safe.

Get Tractive

Never lose your cat again – with a dedicated cat GPS tracker

Cat parents around the world are relying on Tractive’s life-saving technology to ensure peace of mind, even in emergencies. Like the case of Nala, an adventurous cat who went missing one evening. Her parents used Tractive’s GPS tracking to find her in an empty house still under construction.

Tabby cat with Tractive GPS Tracker on its harness is sleeping on the wooden porch outside

In Michel’s words:

My wife and I have two Bengals at home, both equipped with Tractive GPS trackers. We got them since our beloved and dearly-missed Emil left and did not come home.

Now that we can keep an eye on our other cats, Yuki and Nala, we’ve stopped worrying when we let them roam free and explore the surrounding village.

I love Tractive for keeping our cats safe.“

Read more: The Cat Search With A Little Miracle Ending

The bottom line on AirTag for cats

While AirTags might seem like an easy solution for tracking your cat, they come with several limitations and safety concerns. For true peace of mind, especially when your cat is exploring outdoors, a dedicated GPS tracker like the Tractive GPS & Health Tracker is the smarter, safer choice. With real-time tracking, unlimited range, and pet-friendly features, you can keep your feline friend safe no matter where their adventures take them. Don’t leave your cat’s safety to chance—choose a tracker built for them.

Discover Tractive GPS for Cats