The Best GPS Cat Collar Trackers

  • Jack Gorman

Any cat lover knows that independence and wanderlust are natural qualities of their furry friend's personality. Though we love to let our cats explore the outside world on their own four feet, sometimes we might want to keep track of their movements for their safety and our peace of mind. Equipping your pet with a GPS tracking collar can offer deep insight into their habits and movements and could just be your saving grace if they don't return home in time for dinner. We've gathered a few of our favorite models so you can take your pick.

What to Look For

We highlighted three essential features when choosing our top picks: range, battery life, and app functionality. The PETFON tracker is a great short-range option with a bundle of app features well suited to house cats. However, The 3.5-mile range might leave something to be desired for the most adventurous felines. If you’re looking for an option that keeps you informed whatever the distance, consider Tractive’s GPS tracker with unlimited range. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorites.

PETFON Pet GPS Tracker

Stay put

This innovative short-range tracker is a great way to keep an eye on cats who don't like to venture too far from home.
Best Overall

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This fully-featured GPS tracker makes it easy to keep track of roaming cats. The compact tracker measures less than two inches across, so it can be attached discreetly to collars without causing irritation or burden. The intuitive mobile app allows you to access every function directly from your smartphone, so you won’t have to familiarize yourself with dedicated hardware. With a maximum tracking range of up to 3.5 miles, this tracker will keep tabs on your cat as they wander through the neighborhood.

Pros:

  • Some GPS pet trackers require a monthly fee for operation, but this option offers complete functionality without any hidden subscription costs.
  • The tracker is equipped with sound and light functions, helping you to locate your pet in dim conditions.
  • With geofencing settings included, you can keep track of exactly when and where your pet exceeds the bounds of your property.

Cons:

  • This tracker has a working battery life of only 16 hours, but a recharging pack offers up to three full charges when you can’t access a wall socket.

Zeerkeer Pet GPS Tracker

Collar included

This neat all-in-one package will sit handsomely on cats of all sizes.
Runner Up

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Finding your pet in a moment of need can merit a lightning-fast response, which is why this option from Zeerkeer made our list. With a refresh speed of just 10 seconds, you’ll be able to plot the movements of your cat as they roam without any nail-biting suspense. The GPS module boasts a positioning accuracy of up to 10 meters, leaving little room for doubt as you study the in-app map system.

Pros:

  • We appreciate that the Zeerkeer tracker includes a dedicated adjustable collar.
  • This waterproof design will operate as normal, even during the rainiest days.
  • The mobile and desktop app will store tracking information so that you can view a three-month history of your pet’s trajectories.

Cons:

  • This tracker requires the additional purchase of a 2G Simcard to get it up and running.

Tractive Waterproof GPS Cat Tracker

Far and wide

If you trust your cat to venture further than the average domestic feline, this GPS module is worth considering.
Unlimited Range

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We all know that our cats love to explore far and wide, and the most adventurous felines might exceed the bounds of some limited GPS tracking systems. This option from Tractive offers a dependable solution for pet owners who aren’t looking to limit the roaming of their pets. Thanks to its unlimited range of operation, you won’t be left in the dark if your cat steps beyond the backyard.

Pros:

  • This 100% waterproof design can withstand rain showers, swimming excursions, or adventures through wet shrubbery.
  • The speedy live tracking will provide an updated location every two to three seconds.
  • This collar weighs just 35 grams, so it’s a good choice for younger cats or those with smaller builds.

Cons:

  • Despite the attractive price of this option, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of the monthly subscription plan.

Apple AirTag

Seamless integration

If you own an iPhone, you'll have this tag up and running in seconds.
Best For Apple Users

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If you’ve ever misplaced an apple device and been able to locate it using the powerful Find My app, you’ll know that this is a dependable GPS. The AirTag offers apple users a way to enjoy this same functionality with almost anything you could think of. In fact, the compact and lightweight tag fits most collars. Furthermore, the replaceable battery offers an impressive service life of up to one year, exceeding most of the options we found by a large margin.

Pros:

  • The tag features IP67 water and dust-resistant coating, making it well suited for pets who like to get down and dirty.
  • You can remotely activate an onboard speaker to help locate your cat if they’re lost in a densely packed area.
  • The simple one-tap setup means you won’t waste time scouring manuals or tutorial videos to get this tag up and running.

Cons:

  • The AirTag doesn’t include an attachment, so you’ll also have to purchase a compatible collar to fit this tracker to your cat.

Whistle GO Explore

Statistics galore

This fully-featured fitness tracker keeps an eye on more than just your pet's location.
Best Fitness Tracker

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While some of us might want to keep track of our cat’s adventures for safety reasons, others might want more. The Whistle GO Explore offers rich insights thanks to a host of onboard fitness trackers. The detailed app keeps you informed about the number of calories they burn as they stroll. You’ll also get updates about their licking and scratching habits as well as their general health and fitness.

Pros:

  • The GPS collar features an impressive 20-day battery life. You won’t need to bother with nightly charging.
  • This collar pairs with AT&T and Google Maps networks to offer accurate real-time tracking at distances of up to 3000 miles.
  • A built-in light helps you locate cats hiding in the dark or signal their presence to others if your cat gets lost.

Cons:

  • The Whistle Go Explore requires a monthly subscription package to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any other hidden costs I should expect when purchasing a GPS collar?

It’s worth reading the small print before settling on what seems like a great deal, as some options can cost more than the initial investment. Depending on the mode of GPS tracking, some collars require either an additional Simcard purchase or a monthly subscription package to operate.

How can I attach my GPS collar to my cat without causing discomfort?

You might be put off by attaching this hardware to your cat’s collar for fear of causing irritation as they explore. The GPS collars we reviewed are compact and comfortable, but growing kittens might demand a smaller option. Be sure to check whether the option you buy comes with a collar strap included, as some only include the tracking module.

About the Author

Jack has always had feline companions. Currently, he's the proud parent of two characterful cross-breeds that he adopted nearly ten years ago. The neighborhood outdoor cats also seem to love him, probably because he gives them toys and games when they visit his garden. With a lifetime of cat ownership behind him, Jack hopes to help offer insight and information to help cat owners make the right health and well-being choices for their cats.

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