For door dashers to outside adventurers, GPS, or Global Positioning System, trackers and collars help zero in on your cat’s whereabouts within a specific range. Trackers are found in tags, collars, chips, and other small devices, making them easy to use with your pet. Outfit your cat with a GPS tracker to reduce the risk of losing him to environmental dangers.
We checked out dozens of cat GPS trackers and collars to identify the best. We considered the various tracking systems, different range lengths, size and weight, and price. Furthermore, we looked at those that require subscription services, and those that do not.
We chose the Whistle Go Explore Tracker for Pets as our top choice because it gives you real-time information and a wide range of coverage. Additional features help monitor your cat’s daily activities, and allow you to set reminders for appointments and medicinal treatments.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat GPS Trackers and Collars
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Whistle Go Explore Tracker for Pets | 3.7 |
| Best Cat GPS Tracker with No Monthly Fee | PetFon Pet GPS Tracker | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Buy | Tile Pro | 4.5 |
| Best GPS Cat Collar | BARTUN GPS Tracker | 4.6 |
| Best GPS Tag for Cats | Whistle 3 Ultimate Location Tracker for Pets | 3.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Cat GPS Tracker Overall: Whistle Go Explore Tracker for Pets
The Whistle Go Explore Tracker for Pets uses the AT&T network, plus Google maps to hone in on your cat’s location. Near or far, this tracker traces your cat’s movements, and alerts you if and when she leaves the designated safe area. Set up a zone around your home to first determine the safe area. Monitor your cat in real-time with the wide coverage area AT&T supplies. But also enjoy the 24-hour tracking of your cat’s activities, which gives you an in-depth look at her day. It also offers the benefit of recording when your cat was running, walking, playing, or sleeping.
The Whistle Go Explore is more than just a GPS and activity tracker. It also keeps track of your cat’s health, like tallying calories burned and recording the length of any given activity. Along with watching her health, the tracker sets reminders, such as veterinarian appointments, medication times, and play dates. The tracker is waterproof submersed for up to 30 minutes, should your cat decide to go for a quick swim. This lightweight GPS tracker attaches easily to any collar or harness up to 1-inch wide.
Whistle Go Explore Tracker for Pets Key Features:
- Built-in light with three modes
- Tracks activity time, distance, and calories burned
- Health monitoring for scratching and licking
- In-depth view of your cat’s past 24 hours
- Lightweight and waterproof
Best Cat GPS Tracker with No Monthly Fee: PetFon Pet GPS Tracker
The PetFon Pet GPS Tracker is our choice for GPS trackers that require no monthly fee. By using Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS, this tracker detects your cat up to 3.5 miles in an open environment. In dense areas, the tracker’s signal works up to more than half a mile. With real-time capabilities, the PetFon GPS tracker finds your cat’s location at any time, and without using a SIM card. Customize your alert area so you’re notified when your cat leaves your designated safe spot.
For nighttime tracking, activate the colored lights or sound the alarm on the receiver to help locate your cat. There is also the additional feature of recording voice commands, which are stored on the device for later use, allowing you to speak to him remotely. If your kitty gets caught in the rain, no worries, the device is also water-resistant. The PetFon GPS tracker has a battery life of up to 16 hours before it needs recharging. Simply attach the tracker to your cat’s collar to keep a virtual eye on him.
PetFon Pet GPS Tracker Key Features:
- No SIM card required
- No service and no monthly fee
- Tracks up to 3.5 miles in good conditions
- Tracks over half a mile in dense conditions
- Rain-proof
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Best Budget GPS Cat Tracker: Tile Pro
GPS trackers are available in a range of prices. If keeping to a tight budget is a must, check out Tile Pro. We like this product since it scans up to 400 feet without the use of a subscription or monthly fee. This device uses Bluetooth technology to locate your missing items, or keep tabs on your kitty. Tile Pro has been through rigorous testing, and is both durable and water-resistant. Even if it’s raining or your kitty has splashed through a puddle, this mini tracker will still ring your smartphone when it has located the receiver.
Use the Tile app on your phone to ring the receiver, and find your kitty. Or tell Alexa to find her for you. As long as your cat is in the scanning area, you will be notified by a loud ring. If she has gone out of range, connect to the lost and found community on the app to alert other users. If she enters the scanning area of any other user, an update can be made with her new location. Tile Pro boasts a long battery life of up to one year.
Tile Pro Key Features:
- Compatible with Alexa
- Loud notification ring
- Lost and found community available
- Durable and water resistant
- Battery life up to one year
Best GPS Cat Collar: BARTUN GPS Tracker
For a GPS cat collar that includes both the tracker and the collar, we chose the BARTUN GPS Tracker as our favorite. The company offers two adjustable collars for animals up to 28 pounds. Should you not use either of the included collars, attach the tracker to your cat’s current collar instead. It’s small, lightweight size matches collars with no more than .8 inch width. The tracker comes in a couple of different colors, is durable, waterproof, and shockproof. So if you have an adventurous cat, the tracker will keep on working. It also records your cat’s movements so you can see a history of where she’s been.
This GPS cat collar and tracker require you to have a subscription plan, with your choice of two network services. Completing this setup requires a SIM card and monthly fee to access the array of technology available. This tracker uses GPS, LBS, AGPS, and other tracking systems to zoom in on the target’s whereabouts, which is available in real time. BARTUN has unlimited range, and can be used in more than 150 countries. There’s a convenient low-battery alarm to alert you when the power in the tracker is low.
BARTUN GPS Tracker Key Features:
- Waterproof and shockproof
- GPS, LBS, and AGPS positioning
- Accessible data history
- Low-battery alarm
- 2G network coverage
Best GPS Tag for Cats: Whistle 3 Ultimate Location Tracker for Pets
The best GPS tag for cats is the Whistle 3 Ultimate Location Tracker for Pets. Using WiFi, and the AT&T nationwide network, you can keep a virtual lens on your cat’s outdoor adventures. With a subscription and monthly fee, monitor your furry feline’s daily activities. And check in to see where he’s been during the last 24 hours by viewing the recorded historical data. The tracker also gives you the option to track your kitty’s health, and customize his activity goals.
The Whistle 3 tracker is durable, with a battery life of up to seven days. Set up a safe zone or spot designated on your tracker, and receive alerts by text, app, or email if and when your cat ventures outside of this area. Simply attach the tracker to your cat’s collar or harness, and look in on him via your phone. The GPS tracker is also waterproof submerged under 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.
Whistle 3 Ultimate Location Tracker for Pets Key Features:
- Durable, and waterproof up to 30 minutes submerged
- Battery life lasts up to 7 days
- Attaches to most collars
- Notification alerts
- Recommended for cats over 8 pounds
Who Should Buy a Cat GPS Tracker or Collar
For the cat who loves to roam the neighborhood, laze around in the fields, or chase the dog down the street, a GPS tracker might be one way to keep a third eye on him. With a receiver attached to your kitty’s collar, your GPS tracker locates your furry feline within a certain range of distance. So if your cat is in the area, your device will detect him and let you know. Many devices sound off an alarm when your pet leaves the safe zone area. This adds a second layer of protection and prevention, helping reduce the risk of losing him.
If your cat is a known escape artist, outfitting him with a GPS collar could decrease the amount of time it might take to find and catch him. Some devices offer a lost and found pet community app. If your cat becomes lost, you enter the information on the app, and the app alerts all users to your lost cat. If your cat’s receiver is near any user’s tracker, it pings the nearest user that your cat is in their area, with your information readily at their fingertips.
Important Features to Consider
A cat GPS tracker and collar should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a cat GPS tracker and collar:
- The distance the device reaches. Consider why you’re getting a GPS tracker for your cat to determine the distance you may need. Sometimes, the further the better. However, if you’re only using the tracker to keep tabs on your kitty indoors, a short-distance device may suffice. Long-distance trackers require more technology and battery life, and you often need to subscribe to a service. There may or may not be a monthly fee.
- How it works. Location trackers are capable of a range of technology. With options like Bluetooth, standard radio frequency, Global Positioning System, Assisted Global Positioning System, solo cellular networks, and other location-based services, there are different trackers to fit different scenarios. Each technological option offers its own pros and cons. So it depends on what you need to determine which type of service is best for you and your cat. Bluetooth- and other radio frequency-based trackers will not detect your target at the same distances as GPS or cellular networks. Some trackers require a phone, while others are sold as complete units.
- How will your cat wear the device? GPS trackers are usually available as tags that clip to your cat’s current collar. Others attach to the collar by threading the collar through slots on the tracking device. And other cat GPS trackers come as part of a collar. The type of tracker you get largely depends on your preference.
- Battery life. How long does the battery last? How often does it need charging or replacing? What you want out of your battery depends on what you want the tracker for. If you want to place a tracker on your kitty who loves to seek long-winded adventures, then you’ll need a battery with a long life. If you’re just looking to keep an eye on her around your home, then a device that has a shorter battery life may be fine. Trackers that use a SIM card or require connecting to a network will drain a battery faster than those that don’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GPS cat tracker and how does it work?
A GPS cat tracker is a small device that typically attaches to your cat’s collar in order to track your cat’s movements. The tracker can work via multiple technological avenues, such as GPS, LBS, WiFi, and radio frequency. When you sync the receiver to the tracking system being used, you can access the location of your cat. The tracking system scans the area it is designed for, and if it senses the receiver, an alarm signals. This signal is sent to your device, often your smartphone, letting you know your target has been located.
GPS cat trackers offer different added features, such as real-time tracking, varying range lengths with a safety zone, health and activity monitoring, data history, and more.
How much does a cat tracker cost?
A cat tracker varies in price. During our research, we found cat trackers for as little as $15 and for as much as a few hundred dollars. Price often correlated with performance capabilities and added features. Expect to spend a few bucks if you want accuracy and dependability out of your cat GPS tracker.
Do GPS cat trackers need a SIM card?
Yes, most GPS trackers require a SIM card to operate effectively. A SIM card is not required to use GPS, but many devices need the card to provide real-time information. However, there are trackers available that don’t require a SIM card.
Can you locate a microchipped cat?
A microchip does not act like a tracking device. It stores information so that when the chip is scanned, that information is relayed over radio frequencies. Your cat needs to physically be in the hands of someone to have her chip scanned. So if she is lost, she has to be found first before the microchip is of any value.
Other Cat GPS Trackers and Collars We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat GPS trackers and collars. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cat GPS trackers and collars list, they’re the best of the rest, and are still great options for keeping an eye on your kitty. The information you need to compare each one is listed below.
- Cat GPS Trackers and Collars, Up to 200-foot Range
- Cat GPS Trackers and Collars, Up to 400-foot Range
- Cat GPS Trackers and Collars, Up to 3-mile Range
- Cat GPS Trackers and Collars, Within Service Location
Cat GPS Trackers and Collars, Up to 200-foot Range
COULAX Key Finder Bluetooth with GPS
Find your kitty within 100 feet using this item finder. Clip the receiver to her collar, and use Bluetooth technology to locate her within the connecting range.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable battery
- Full charge lasts up to 3 months
- Device alerts you when your cat goes out of range
Cost: $25
Cube Key Finder Smart Tracker Bluetooth Tracker for Cats
Connect via Bluetooth to keep track of your cat up to a 100-foot range.
Key Features:
- Waterproof, and works in sub-zero temperatures
- Small and lightweight
- Attaches to collar
Cost: $25
Key Finder Wireless RF Item Locator Tracker
Your cat can be located within 80 feet. Just attach the tracker to her collar.
Key Features:
- Battery life up to 9 months
- No subscription or monthly fee
- LED lighting
Cost: $25
Key Pets Finder Tracker Idcx Wireless RF Item Locator
Locate your cat up to 30 meters away using radio frequency. Four receivers are included, which beep when you’re near your target.
Key Features:
- LED lighting
- Signal works through walls
- Locator remote is a mini flashlight
Cost: $16
Use Bluetooth to find your cat within a 200-foot range.
Key Features:
- Compatible with Alexa
- Lost and found community available on the app
- Water resistant
Cost: $25
Cat GPS Trackers and Collars, Up to 400-foot Range
CAT TAILER The Smallest and Lightest Bluetooth Waterproof Cat Tracker
Keep track of your cat with a Bluetooth tracking device that attaches to her collar. The range for tracking is up to 328 feet in good conditions.
Key Features:
- 6-month battery life
- Waterproof
- Just over 1 inch in diameter
Cost: $59
DOTT The Smart Dog Tag – Bluetooth Tracker for Dogs and Cats
Compatible with iPhone and iPad devices, this Bluetooth alert tag lets you know when your kitty is in or out of range. If she becomes lost, notify the DOTT community, and all connected devices will scan for your cat’s tag.
Key Features:
- Battery life up to 9 months
- No subscription or monthly fee
- Track pet’s activity, and receive neighborhood alerts
Cost: $60
Loc8tor Pet Tracker relies on radio frequency technology to locate your cat. With no subscription service, simply place the device on your cat, and you track her up to 400 feet.
Key Features:
- Small, lightweight tag
- Indoor or outdoor use
- No monthly fee
Cost: $100
Connect to an entire pet community using Bluetooth technology. Locate the device on your cat within 300 feet, in good conditions.
Key Features:
- Create a profile for your cat on the app
- Social “petwork” available
- Small and lightweight
Cost: $20
Cat GPS Trackers and Collars, Up to 3-mile Range
Eureka Technology MARCOPOLO Advanced Pet Monitoring, Tracking, and Locating System
Easy to use at home or on the go, the Eureka Technology tracking system monitors your cat’s whereabouts with radio frequency. Detect your cat up to 2 miles in good conditions, with no monthly fee or service required.
Key Features:
- Additional tracking tags sold separately
- Device can support up to three pets with additional tags
- Battery life up to six weeks
Cost: $235
Findster GPS Tracking Collar for Dogs and Cats
Keep track of your cat with a Findster GPS Tracking Collar, and watch her for up to a half a mile in dense areas. In open areas, the range reaches up to 3 miles or more.
Key Features:
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Battery life of up to 12 hours
- No monthly fee or service required
Cost: $150
Available to connect up to four different tags, this cat tracker will find your furry feline within 500 meters, or 1,600 feet. No subscription is needed; the tracker works via radio frequency.
Key Features:
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Up to 30 days of battery life
- Does not work below freezing
Cost: $65
Cat GPS Trackers and Collars, Within Service Location
BARTUN Pet GPS Tracker Real-Time Tracking Collar
Use a mobile app with 2G network coverage to zero in on your cat’s location. This mini GPS tracker offers two service choices, and an invisible safety fence so the device alerts you if your cat goes out of range.
Key Features:
- Comes with two different sized collars
- Tracking data is recorded
- Full battery charge lasts up to 20 hours
Cost: $80
DETALLAN Smart WiFi Pet GPS Tracker Remote Wireless Finder
Find your cat with a GPS tracking system that uses GPS, LBS, AGPS, and the internet to hone in on your cat’s location.
Key Features:
- Durable and waterproof
- Stores activity history
- Safe zone notification available
Cost: $46
Dog GPS Tracking Pet Real-Time Tracking Collar Device
Using three types of locating systems, this GPS tracker also features a fenced safety zone area. Receive alerts if your cat ventures outside the given area.
Key Features:
- Pedometer and sleep monitor
- Do not disturb mode
- Route history
Cost: $80
GeoZilla GPS Location Tracker for Pets
With worldwide coverage and real-time tracking, clip this GPS tracker to your cat’s collar so you can find him anywhere. Small and lightweight, the tracker has up to 5 days of battery life.
Key Features:
- Customized alerts
- Safe zone setup available
- 30-day data plan included
Cost: $50
GPS Tracker Mini Portable GPS Finder for Cats
Attach this small, lightweight GPS tracker to your cat’s collar with a lanyard, and keep an eye on her in real time.
Key Features:
- 2G network coverage
- 3-month data plan included
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $40
Track your kitty using four systems of locating technology to know where she is.
Key Features:
- Real-time tracking
- Route history
- Safety zone area notifications
Cost: $60
Lightweight and waterproof, this mini GPS tracker monitors and tracks your cat’s movements and activity. Set up a safe zone, and the unit will alert you if your cat ventures outside of the zone.
Key Features:
- 2G network coverage
- Waterproof and shockproof
- 3-month history of activity data
Cost: $46
Tuscom GPS Tracker PET Tracker System for Cats Dogs
Monitor your cat’s movement via GPS.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable battery
- Sleep mode available
- 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed
Cost: $29
