“Fitbit” For Cats: What To Look For & Why You Need One
Every cat can run into health issues without you knowing. That's where a fitness tracker for cats can step in. Here's how to pick the right one.
Your cat might be a bit of a mystery to read. But that doesn’t mean their health and activity should stay a mystery too. That’s why cat fitness trackers – or a fitbit for cats – are a thing these days. It’s tech that lets you actually understand what your cat’s behavior might be telling you. Like how much exercise they’re getting, how well they’re sleeping, and how they compare to other, similar cats around the world.
So whether you’ve got a chill indoor kitty or a neighborhood-roaming adventurer, here’s what you need to know about cat fitness trackers. (And why the Tractive GPS & Health Tracker might just be your best choice.)
Key takeaways
😺 Cats need health tracking too
A cat fitness tracker can help monitor activity, sleep patterns, and health changes, making it easier to spot health issues early.
⚠️ Health Alerts can be a helpful early warning system
With one, you can get notifications if your cat’s behavior changes significantly – such as a drop in activity or sleep patterns – so you can quickly check in with a vet if needed.
💡 Look out for trackers with…
A lightweight design, long battery life, user-friendly mobile app, and transparent subscription plans.
Find out where your cat spends their time.
Read moreWhy would a cat even need a fitness tracker?
Even the most graceful feline can run into health issues without anyone noticing. Because, sadly, cats are really good at hiding discomfort. That’s where a fitness tracker comes in. By keeping tabs on your cat’s activity levels, sleep patterns, and daily routines, you can start to spot what’s normal – and what’s not.
This can be a potential lifesaver for:
- Senior cats
That may be slowing down (or hiding pain) - Indoor cats
That need extra motivation to stay active - Cats with medical conditions
Where sleep and movement matter - Cats with a few extra pounds to lose
To help them live their best and healthiest life.
Basically, it’s peace of mind, delivered straight to your phone.
What should a cat fitness tracker actually do?
If you’re thinking, “Okay, but how much info do I really need about my cat?”, the answer is: just enough to help you be proactive, not paranoid. A good cat fitness tracker will:
- Monitor daily activity
See how much your cat moves around, whether it’s chasing toys or patrolling the yard. With time, this can help you figure out what’s a normal level of activity for your cat. - Track sleep quality
Changes in sleep patterns can be an early sign something’s off. In fact, it’s one of the first and easiest to miss signs of cognitive decline in cats. - Alert you to sudden drops or spikes in activity
These can be red flags worth checking in on. A sudden burst of hyperactivity or a complete drop in your cat’s active minutes could both be a sign they need a trip to the vet.
💡Your trusty Tractive device also lets your track your cat’s movements in real-time as they wander about the outdoors. With real-time GPS tracking, you won’t be limited to a network of devices (like with an AirTag). Or any limit to how far your cat likes to roam.
4 features a cat fitness tracker worth its salt needs
If you’re ready to level up your cat-parenting game, here are a couple of features to look out for in a “Fitbit for cats.” (And that you’ll also find on Tractive GPS & Health trackers.)
🐾 Activity Tracking
Does your kitty zoom around at 2 AM or prefer mid-morning exercise bursts? With a cat fitness tracker, you’ll know when your cat is most active – and how that compares to their usual patterns. Meaning, a detailed overview of how active (or lazy) your cat’s day has been. Including:
- Active minutes and rest time
- Daily, weekly, and monthly trends
- Calories burned (perfect if your cat is on a weight loss plan)
- An overall Wellness Score to help you figure out at a glance how your cat is doing, health-wise
And if there’s a sudden drop in movement or a spike in rest time, it could point to an injury, illness, or simply a lazy day. Either way, you’ll be in the know, with the power to take action if needed.
With time, your cat’s Activity Tracking data builds a full picture of their lifestyle. Helping you make decisions that support their health and happiness.
💤 Sleep Monitoring
Cats sleep a lot – but just how well are they sleeping? Sleep patterns are often one of the first things to shift when a cat isn’t feeling their best. This could mean waking up more often, sleeping less, or suddenly sleeping all day. All of these changes can indicate underlying issues like arthritis, anxiety, or even digestive discomfort.
Sadly, cats also tend to keep to themselves when they’re not well. Meaning, having objective sleep data can be a game-changer for early detection. With regular Sleep Monitoring, you’ll be able to figure out:
- How much sleep your cat gets each day (and night)
- The quality of your cat’s sleep (including disturbances)
- Any changes in your cat’s sleep patterns that might point to pain or illness
With these insights, you can monitor trends over time, get a clear picture of what “normal” sleep looks like for your cat, and spot anything unusual before it turns into something serious. That way, you can give your vet helpful info – and your cat the care they need to get back to snoozing like a champ.
🚨 Health Alerts
If your cat suddenly becomes less active or sleeps way more than usual, your tracker sends you a Health Alert. Aka, a little nudge to keep an eye out or book a vet check.
These alerts are based on your cat’s own unique activity and sleep data, so you’re not getting random notifications. Instead, Tractive looks for meaningful changes in your cat’s behavior that could signal pain, discomfort, illness, or just a need for a closer look. It’s like having a mini health assistant who knows what’s normal for your cat – and lets you know when something’s off.
So you can respond quickly and make informed decisions before a small issue becomes something bigger. Think of it as one more way to stay a step ahead when it comes to your cat’s wellbeing.
Get health alerts for your cat
Our cats can’t always tell us if something’s wrong. But if their tracker detects unusual changes in their routine, you’ll get an alert, helping you catch potential issues early.
🏆 A local leaderboard
Want a little motivation to keep your cat moving? A good cat fitness tracker doesn’t just help you monitor your cat’s health – it also brings in a bit of fun. With Tractive, you can join a local leaderboard that shows how your cat stacks up against other, similar cats in your area or around the world.
Think of it like a Duolingo streak – but for your cat’s activity. It’s a great way to understand what’s normal, celebrate small wins, and get a healthy dose of competition that can inspire both you and your cat to hit those daily goals. Whether your feline’s a nap-loving senior or a high-energy kitten, the leaderboard adds a social, playful touch to everyday tracking.
What else to look out for in a cat fitness tracker
Beyond these core features like tracking sleep, activity, and health changes, there are a few practical things to consider before choosing the right fitness tracker for your cat. Look out for a:
- Small, lightweight design
Your cat isn’t going to appreciate a bulky device weighing them down. Make sure the tracker is compact and light enough to be worn comfortably all day (and night). The Tractive GPS & Health Tracker, for example, is designed to be sleek, cat-friendly, and comes with a weight-adjustable Rogz safety collar that adapts to your cat’s weight. - Battery life that lasts
No one wants to be charging a cat tracker every day. A good tracker should hold its charge for several days – or longer – so you can track your cat without interruptions. Tractive CAT Mini trackers last up to 7 days without charging.
- Easy-to-use mobile app
You shouldn’t need a PhD in tech to understand how your cat’s doing. A clean, intuitive app experience is key. Tractive’s mobile app makes it easy to track trends, set safe zones, view health insights, and monitor real-time location – all in one place. - A subscription plan that’s worth it
Some trackers come with ongoing costs, so make sure you’re clear on whether a subscription is required. Tractive includes GPS tracking and health monitoring with a monthly charge priced less than your Netflix subscription. Plus, with features like unlimited range and LIVE tracking, a Premium subscription means your tracker works across 175 countries.
Once you’ve checked all the boxes above, you’re in great shape to find a tracker that gives you the insights you want – without bothering your cat or breaking your brain.
Bottom line: Fitness trackers aren’t just for dogs anymore
Fitness trackers aren’t just for gym bros or overachieving border collies. Cats might be subtle creatures, but their health and wellbeing deserve the same attention. And with tech like Tractive, it’s easier (and more affordable) than ever.
Whether you want to keep tabs on a sneaky explorer, check in on your senior sweetie, or just understand your cat’s secret life a little better, a cat fitness tracker gives you that insight – without cramping their mysterious style.
Help your cat stay fit and healthy
Get a complete overview of how much exercise and rest they’re getting. Compare their activity to that of similar cats. Set daily goals.
Curious? Here’s a short, sweet video covering the Tractive GPS & Health Tracker for cats and all we offer. So you can give your cat the care they didn’t ask for, but totally deserve.
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
