How Do Cat GPS Trackers Work? A Simple Guide for Cat Parents
For cat parents, a GPS tracker means freedom for your pet and reassurance for you. Find out how a cat GPS tracker lets you keep tabs on them effortlessly.
Whether you have an outdoor cat that loves to explore, or an indoor cat that sometimes sneaks out, a cat GPS tracker can be a lifesaver. But how exactly do cat GPS trackers work?
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about GPS cat trackers, including:
- Can I put a GPS tracker on my cat?
- What is a cat GPS tracker?
- Types of cat trackers
- How do cat GPS trackers work?
- Tractive GPS cat tracker features
- How accurate are cat GPS trackers?
- How far does a cat tracker work?
- How long do cat trackers last?
- How much does a cat tracker cost?
- Are cat trackers worth it?
Check out how cat trackers work at a glance in this short video from Tractive:
Can I put a GPS tracker on my cat?
Yes, you can 100% put a GPS tracker on your cat! A popular choice is the Tractive GPS Cat Tracker (rated excellent on Trustpilot).
Not only can you put a GPS tracker on your cat’s collar, it’s a really good idea if you want to keep your cat safe. Just check out this story about how Tractive saved Mango the cat’s life:
“Recently, I moved to the country. When I arrived neighbors informed me that a cougar made a home in our neighborhood. They said many cats had disappeared over the last few months. 🙀
One day, ❗ Tractive notified me that my cat Mango was out of the safe zone. Mango had pushed a screen out of the window and hopped right out.
I looked at the location history and it appeared Mango had stayed around our house for a bit and then took off and ran 900 feet away. 💨 I was worried that she had been chased by something and immediately set out on my way to find her.
As I was calling her name, suddenly I heard her distressed meow to my left. It was pitch black, quiet except for Mango’s cry. 😿 I found Mango who seemed relieved to see me. On our way home I heard a low growl in the bushes.
If Mango was chased by cougar, I may have scared it off by my calling for her. With Tractive, I was able to immediately know she was out of the zone and find her quickly.
Tractive saved Mango’s life” 💙
So, what exactly is a GPS cat tracker and how does it work to keep cats like Mango safe?
What is a cat GPS tracker?
A GPS cat tracker is a small, lightweight device that attaches to your cat’s collar and uses GPS to track their location in real-time. It allows you to follow and find your cat anywhere – whether they are exploring the neighborhood or hiding indoors.
Here’s how one cat dad uses Tractive find his cat at random times of the day to come say hi:
Cat GPS trackers usually come with a companion app that allows you to view your cat’s location on a map, set up virtual boundaries (like a “safe zone”), and receive notifications if your cat leaves those areas. This helps you keep your cat safe from potential dangers.
Some GPS cat trackers also offer additional features, like activity and sleep monitoring. This lets you ensure that your cat gets enough exercise and rest. But the best GPS cat tracker on the market today can even provide you with health alerts to help you spot health issues early on.
In short, a cat GPS tracker is an all-in-one tool to keep your cat safe, healthy, and give you peace of mind.
Types of cat trackers
It’s important to keep in mind that all products advertised as ‘cat trackers’ are not necessarily true GPS cat trackers. There are three main types of cat trackers:
- GPS cat trackers provide real-time location using satellites and cellular networks, ideal for cats that roam far.
- Radiofrequency cat trackers are less common but don’t need a cellular network, making them useful for shorter-range tracking.
- Bluetooth cat trackers have the shortest range, typically just a few meters, and are more suitable for finding cats within your home or yard.
For example, using AirTags for cats has become popular in recent years. But keep in mind, AirTag is a simple item finder – it doesn’t have the ability to locate itself in real-time with GPS. It also wasn’t built for tracking cats. So a GPS tracker is more helpful than an AirTag when it comes to finding a lost cat.
How do cat GPS trackers work?
True cat GPS trackers use a mix of GPS, cellular network, and sometimes Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology to locate your cat and share that information with you. Here’s a quick summary of how cat GPS trackers work:
- The cat tracker uses GPS to calculate it’s position.
- It sends GPS position info via SMS.
- The GPS location is sent to your phone.
With the new Tractive Cat Mini GPS tracker, all of this happens every 2-3 seconds in Live Tracking mode, so you can see your cat’s position updated on the map in real-time.
Tractive GPS cat tracker features
Besides GPS tracking, many cat trackers come with plenty of extra features. Here are some features of the Tractive GPS Cat Tracker:
Safety & Tracking Features
- GPS Tracking: Track your cat live with no distance limit.
- Virtual Fences: Set safe zones and get alerts if your cat leaves them.
- Location History: See where your cat has been and learn about their favorite spots.
- Cat Territory: See your cat’s territory outlined on the map.
- Light & Sound: Activate a light or sound on the tracker to find your furry friend if you can’t see them.
- Radar Mode: See if you’re getting closer or farther from your cat at close range (or indoors).
- Family Sharing: Let friends and family members track your cat with you.
Health & Wellness Features
- Activity Monitoring: Make sure your cat gets enough exercise.
- Sleep Tracking: Track how much rest your cat gets.
- Health Alerts: Get alerts if there are changes in activity and spot possible health issues early.
Besides all that, Tractive’s cat GPS tracker is also adventure- and waterproof, and designed for a cat’s comfort and safety in mind.
How accurate are cat GPS trackers?
Cat GPS trackers are usually accurate within 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet). The accuracy can be affected by things like tall buildings, trees, and the quality of the cellular signal. In open spaces, GPS trackers are more accurate. Some trackers like Tractive also use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth indoors to improve accuracy when GPS signals are weak.
While not pinpoint-perfect, the accuracy of cat GPS trackers is more than sufficient to help you quickly locate your pet and ensure their safety, giving you valuable peace of mind when your cat is out exploring.
How far does a cat tracker work?
How far a cat tracker works depends on what type of cat tracker it is.
- True GPS cat trackers have unlimited range.
- Radio Frequency trackers work within a range of a few kilometers.
- Bluetooth-only cat trackers have a maximum range of 100 meters.
| Type of Cat Tracker | Range | Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Up to 100 meters | Cat Tailer, Tile, Apple AirTag, Pebblebee, Cube |
| Radio Frequency | Up to a few kilometers | Tabcat, Girafus, Macro Polo |
| GPS | Unlimited | Tractive, Whistle, Weenect, Joibit, Pawtrack |
Keep in mind that Bluetooth and RF cat trackers are most effective for short-range tracking and can’t be relied on if your cat manages to goes out of range. And while most cats tend to stay close by, you never know if something unexpected may cause your kitty to wind up miles from home.
Know everywhere your cat goes
See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you.
How long do cat trackers last?
The battery life of a cat GPS tracker usually lasts between 2 to 7 days, depending on how often it is used. Battery life depends on things like how often the location is updated and if features like real-time tracking are always on. Trackers like Tractive have power-saving modes to help the battery last longer, and they also notify you when the battery is low so you can recharge it in time. This convenience makes it easy to ensure your cat’s tracker is always ready when they head out for an adventure.
How much does a cat tracker cost?
The cost of a cat GPS tracker varies depending on the features. There is usually an initial cost for the device and, in many cases, a monthly or yearly subscription fee to cover GPS and cellular services. The subscription helps keep real-time tracking features active, ensuring you can always see where your cat is.
Read more: Is there a GPS pet tracker without a subscription?
How much is the Tractive Cat Tracker?
At the time we wrote this article, the Tractive GPS Cat Tracker was selling for $49.99 on Amazon.
To access the tracker’s features, a subscription plan is required to cover the costs of the integrated SIM card and data usage. Tractive offers two main subscription plans, with a variety of payment options to fit every budget:
- BASIC Plan:
- Monthly: $15 per month
- 1 Year: $9 per month (billed annually)
- 2 Years: $6 per month (billed every 2 years)
- PREMIUM Plan:
- 1 Year: $10 per month (billed annually)
- 2 Years: $7 per month (billed every 2 years)
- 5 Years: $5 per month (billed every 5 years)
The PREMIUM plan includes additional features such as worldwide coverage, family sharing, and 365-day location history.
Please note that actual Tractive prices may vary based on your location, deals and other factors.
Are cat trackers worth it?
Many cat parents find GPS cat trackers invaluable for keeping their pets safe. User reviews often highlight the peace of mind that comes from knowing their cat’s location, especially for adventurous or curious cats. Features like activity tracking and virtual fences are also frequently praised for helping ensure cats are both safe and healthy.
So, now that you’ve learned how GPS cat trackers work – are you ready to start following your cat’s every move? 🔎 🐈⬛📍
