Domestic cats are famous for their hunger for wandering and adventure. Like dogs, they tend to wander and explore whenever they find themselves lost or without their owners. Indoor cats are difficult to locate when they get loose and reluctant to return even after they're found, at times. They might wander a mile in any direction just in a single day, and it's next to impossible to locate them without the best Cat GPS trackers in 2021.
Cat GPS trackers are bit-sized mobile trackers you attach to your cat collar so that you might locate them easily if they get lost. They use a different technology from the tracking chips that veterinarians can implant. Cat GPS trackers provide active tracking so that you can find and locate your pet in real-time. With a cat tracker, your animal is never really missing. In this post, we'll be going over some of the most notable cat trackers available on the market, and what features you should prioritize when looking at them
A wireless tracker that helps you keep track of your cat’s location. The adjustable design makes the tracker great for cats of all sizes.
The integration of a SIM card ensures this particular cat tracker is capable of submitting data to the mobile app at all times. The mobile app gives you a live location of your cat at any time. The tracker weighs just 36 grams, ensuring it doesn’t weigh your cat down. You can also keep track of past trips, as data in the app will be stored for a period of one year.
The multipurpose design of this tracker makes it ideal for cats, as well as other pets and items that you want to keep track of. Single and bulk pack options are available.
Bluetooth technology adds a wireless communication feature to this tracker. The tracker provides support for a range of up to 120 metres. You can choose between black, grey, white, pink, and green colours. The device syncs with a smartphone, which makes the process of detecting it and tracking your cat much easier.
The official Apple AirTag is one of the most popular options used to track pets. The AirTag is also great for keys and other personal belongings.
The AirTag comes equipped with Bluetooth technology, making it quick and easy to track your cat in a close perimeter. The Ping function allows you to hear a sound whenever you track your cat. The precision of the device makes it a more efficient solution. By seamlessly integrating with iOS devices, the AirTag makes the process of configuring the tracker fast, easy, and efficient.
One of the most advanced tracking systems that are currently available. The system also provides functionality for monitoring certain vitals of your pet.
The technology used in this system ensures you do not have a self-contained device. You do not need any type of cellular network connection or GPS, as a proprietary technology is used for wireless communication. The device gives you access to real-time data. Multiple tags are included, which are great for monitoring your pet during certain activities.
A smart device that easily syncs with your smartphone. The system provides compatibility with Alexa, as well as Google Home.
Bluetooth technology allows this tracker to wirelessly communicate with your mobile phone. The built-in battery provides a lifespan of around one year. The device offers a range of 60 metres. You can choose between a single, double, or four-pack when opting for these Bluetooth trackers.
There are no shortages of outstanding pet trackers on the market. Most of them ship out with outstanding features, range, and designs, and with this sheer volume of great products comes a dilemma. It becomes far more difficult to find the best cat tracker for your pet. In this section, we’ll help by highlighting the various features and functionalities that you should look for in a great tracker.
Not all trackers are created equal, and some are priced higher than others, but that doesn’t automatically make them better. We will also cover optional features, discuss the various types of trackers and answer popular questions you might have.
There are three main types of cat trackers available on the market.
GPS trackers use global positioning service technology to allow pet owners to locate their animals anywhere in their local area. To work, the tracker needs to remain active at all times so they drain a lot of power. It is also bulkier than the other type of trackers. It offers the most range and functionality out of all three types. It can be configured with geo-fencing, which alerts you when your pet leaves your home. Through a mobile app, you can also view movement data, behaviors, and patterns in real-time.
The biggest disadvantage of this type of tracking is that it requires an active subscription, has a steep upfront cost, and it does not track through buildings.
Radiofrequency trackers help you track your animal using radio frequencies. The tracker sends a radio wave to the receiver, which is usually with the pet owner. The receiver then guides the pet owner back to the tracker using beeps that indicate the strongest signal point.
Unlike GPS trackers, radiofrequency trackers can track through trees and buildings. Unfortunately, they only have 1600ft. of range, and stop receiving signals after the tracker wanders outside that range.
Through an interface like a mobile app, they can be set up to do a variety of interesting things like fencing, movement alerts, etc. They are also incredibly energy efficient and are cheaper than GPS trackers.
This is the most energy-efficient of the three-tracker types. It can last up to a year without needing a battery change. However, that longevity is out to waste because it has a very limited range. It can only track your let if it's within 300ft, which is effectively your home or apartment. They won't be able to help you find your cat if they wander outside your home.
There are several great features you need to keep an eye out for when you're shopping for the perfect cat tracker.
The battery life of the tracker should make or break a tracker for you. The longer the battery lasts, the more time you have to theoretically find your animal, if the tracking technology is good. Ideally, you want to spring for a device with a beefy battery life. You want trackers that can last you at least a week or two. Products that can last even longer should be higher up on your shortlist.
Long-lasting trackers also require less charging, which means less downtime when you can't track your pet.
The form factor of your tracker of choice also matters a great deal. The ideal tracker should be lightweight and should weigh less than a pound. You want it to easily fit on your cat's collar without impeding their movements in the least. You also want them to be large enough for passing people to easily identify. If a nice stranger sees the tracker, they might take your pet to the local rescue so that you might easily find him or her.
This is another desirable feature you want in a cat tracker. Cats famously dislike baths, but you never know. Waterproofing ensures that your tracker remains functional even after it gets wet. This feature could be very useful especially if your pet wanders off before a storm or is listed for several days.
Most animal trackers feature some type of interface that ensures that the owner can actively track and monitor their pet at all times. It is also the portal to more advanced analytics and data features that you can use to monitor your pet's health and movement.
A GPS tracker, for example, will display your pet's last location, its current location and show you street names, landmarks, and buildings surrounding it.
In addition to traditional tracking, some GPS trackers also offer interesting additional features. Some of which include:
These features are not necessary, but they offer a great deal of added functions to improve your overall experience. You should consider getting products that offer them if the pricing is within your budget.
The biggest factors that contribute to the price of a tag are the additional features, and tracking technology. The more features they tend to have, the more they cost. If you're trying to save money, you should only opt for products with only the most essential features.
A: A microchip will only help you identify your cat should they be found after they were lost for some time. A cat tracker helps you actively track your animal so that you can find it immediately.
A: Yes, you can. You only need to be mindful of the size, as larger trackers typically don’t agree with cats.
A: Yes, you can. You could choose to microchip your pet, in addition to fitting a tracker on her collar.
