The Benefits of GPS Trackers for Cats
Worried about your cat sneaking off and disappearing? Whether you have an adventurous outdoor explorer or a quiet indoor snoozer, finding the right GPS tracker for cats can make a huge difference in your peace of mind.
In this post, we’ll show you the best GPS tracker for indoor cats, perfect for keeping tabs on felines who love hiding in tight spots — or slipping out unnoticed. You’ll also find out which cat tracking device with no subscription gives you real-time tracking without ongoing fees.
From lightweight GPS collars for small cats to smart apps that help you locate your furry friend instantly, we’ve tested the top options for 2025. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to track a cat that goes outside safely.
Let’s get into the details and find the tracker that fits your cat’s lifestyle.
1. Tractive CAT Mini GPS Tracker for Cats
This device uses a SIM card and sends data back to the app via mobile networks.
Features & Pros
✅ Accurate real-time tracking with customizable geofencing (safe zones). Provides location updates every 2-3 seconds and will send alerts if your cat leaves the safe zone area.
✅ Comprehensive activity monitoring such as sleep, activeness, and calories burned.
✅ Works in 175+ countries.
✅ Lightweight, waterproof and comfortable for cats to wear. Breakaway collar included.
✅ Battery lasts up to 7 days, depending on usage and coverage.
✅ iOS and Android compatible.
Cons
❌ Requires a subscription plan for GPS and activity features (starting at $5/month).
❌ Requires good LTE cellular coverage for it work efficiently.
Customer Reviews
“Tractive has been an absolutely invaluable tool for peace-of-mind for our indoor-outdoor kitty, and has been a constant source of entertainment to boot!”
“It was money well spent. The device is pretty lightweight, although still big enough that I take it off when he has to eat or sleep. It has shown me his daily routes and routines, and now I know he is pretty close by and doesn’t venture far (sometimes just snoozing under the porch). It also has the ability to sound a device alarm if it gets lost. You can even turn on a little light remotely from the app if your pet is outside in the dark.
2. Weenect GPS Tracker for Cats
This device is one of the most advanced GPS trackers for cats in 2025. It supports 2G/4G/5G and uses a SIM card that connects to mobile networks.
Features & Pros
✅ Real-time location updates every second using Superlive mode
✅ Works in over 100 countries.
✅ Recall training tool that you can ring at mealtime, assisting your cat to associate the sound with food and in turn, making it easier to call them home.
✅ Includes a flashlight, territory tracking and a miniature design that fits comfortably on any cat over 3kg.
✅ Battery life ranges from 3 days with continuous use, to 10 days in power-saving mode. 2 hours recharge time.
Cons
❌ Requires subscription plan (from $12.99/month).
❌ Not suitable for cats under 3kg.
❌ Needs strong network coverage for best performance.
Customer Reviews
“Comfortably fits our roaming kitty. It’s location service is very accurate and the battery lasts for the day with proper settings. The features are all fantastic and very useful. User friendly, will definitely be buying again for other pets.”
“I got 3 of these for my 3 cats, they roam on a big section of wooded property, and I can see where they are at all the time. I just go onto the weenect app and it shows their real time location. I can literally go outside and call their names and watch their icons running to me on the map. And if they don’t hear me or come to me, I can walk out to them bc I know exactly where they are. This is great. I had 4 cats and lost one, and I wish I had these before we lost him.”
3. TabCat V2 Cat and Kitten Tracker
This cat tracking device with no subscription uses RF frequency and has a directional handset that guides you to where your cat is with a click of a button. The lights change from red to green as you get closer to your cat’s location. The beeping sound can also be used to train your cat to return home when they hear it.
Features & Pros
✅ No ongoing subscription costs.
✅ Highly accurate RF frequency for tracking within a 500ft range. (higher for outdoors, less for indoors with walls, etc.)
✅ Lightweight and comfortable for cats and kittens.
✅ Long battery life – several months per charge.
✅ Track up to 4 cats with one handset.
Cons
❌ Limited Range (400 feet) – best for cats that stay close to home.
Customer Reviews
“I admit it — I did not have a lot of confidence this device would find my cat — but it does. Last night it found her in complete darkness four houses away with no trouble.”
“I was skeptical at first, but this tracker has helped me find my cat multiple times when she hides in bushes or under the deck. No subscription fees make it even better!”
Get the TabCat with 2 Homing Tags:
Get the TabCat with 4 Homing Tags:
4. TypeCase Waterproof AirTag Cat Collar for Apple Airtag
This collar is specifically designed to hold the Apple Airtag – a small BlueTooth device that fits into wallets and cases that assists in keeping track of, or finding items with the help of all other Apple devices in the Find my Network.
Features & Pros
✅ No subscription fees—uses Apple’s Find My network.
✅ Waterproof and secure design protects the AirTag.
✅ Lightweight and comfortable and can fit cats, kittens and small dogs.
✅ Indoor and outdoor use
Cons
❌ Limited to Apple users only
❌ No real-time GPS tracking – relies on nearby Apple devices
Customer Reviews:
“I love how this collar integrates with my Apple AirTag. It’s super easy to use, and I can always check my cat’s location in the Find My app.”
“This waterproof AirTag cat collar is a game-changer! It fits my cat perfectly and keeps the AirTag securely in place without worry of it getting wet. The water resistance is a huge plus, especially when my cat likes to explore outside or play in the rain.“
Apple Airtag – $24.95
Comparison Table
| Tracker | Technology | Range | Subscription | Weight | Extra Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tractive Cat Mini | GPS + LTE | Unlimited | ✅ | 25g | Virtual fence, activity monitor |
| TabCat V2 | RF | Up to 122m (400 ft) | ❌ | 6g | Sound/light proximity tracking |
| Apple AirTag | Bluetooth (Find My network) | Short-range + crowdsourced | ❌ | 11g (with collar) | Location ping, separation alerts |
| Weenect XS | GPS + Multi-Network | Unlimited | ✅ | 27g | Recall training, flashlight, territory analysis |
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a GPS Tracker for Cats:
1. Size & Weight:
- The cat tracker should be lightweight and compact to avoid discomfort. Look for models under 1 oz (28g) for better comfort.
2. Real-Time Tracking vs. Bluetooth/Radio Frequency:
- GPS trackers such as the Tractive CAT Mini and Weenect GPS Tracker provide real-time location updates, making them ideal for outdoor cats.
- RF (Radio Frequency) trackers, like TabCat, are better for close-range tracking, but don’t provide live location updates.
- Bluetooth trackers (e.g., AirTag) work well in urban areas, but rely on nearby devices.
3. Subscription Fees:
- Many GPS trackers require a monthly subscription for live tracking. If you prefer a one-time purchase, opt for RF-based trackers like TabCat or an AirTag-compatible collar.
4. Battery Life:
- GPS trackers for cats last a few days with real-time tracking.
- RF trackers can last weeks to months on a single charge.
- AirTags last up to a year.
5. Waterproof & Durability
- Outdoor cats need a waterproof or water-resistant tracker.
- Choose durable designs that withstand scratching, running, and climbing.
6. Safe & Secure Collar Fit:
- The tracker should attach securely to a breakaway collar to prevent choking hazards.
7. Geofencing & Alerts:
- Some trackers let you set up a safe zone (geofence) and send alerts if your cat leaves the area.
8. Tracking Range & Connectivity:
- GPS trackers work anywhere with cellular coverage.
- RF trackers have a limited range (e.g., 400 feet), but are more precise in close areas.
9. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use:
- The best GPS tracker for indoor cats, an RF tracker or AirTag might be enough.
- To track a cat that goes outside, a GPS tracker with real-time tracking is best.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a GPS collar made for dogs on a small cat?
Yes, but only if the GPS tracker weighs under 1 oz and is safe for smaller pets. Some dog GPS trackers can work for small cats, but always ensure the collar fits comfortably and securely. Choose lightweight options specifically marketed as GPS collars for small cats for the best fit and performance.
Are GPS collars safe for small cats to wear every day?
Yes, most modern GPS collars for small cats are designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and safe for everyday wear. For extra safety, attach the tracker to a breakaway collar to avoid choking hazards. Look for trackers made specifically for cats under 10 lbs.
Do GPS trackers for indoor cats work inside the house?
While GPS signals work best outdoors, many GPS trackers for indoor cats come with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi support for improved indoor accuracy. If your cat tends to hide inside, trackers like TabCat or AirTag may be better suited for pinpointing indoor locations.
Which cat tracking devices work without a subscription?
If you want a cat tracking device with no subscription, options like the TabCat V2 and Apple AirTag are great picks. They don’t require ongoing fees and can still help locate your cat in a small area. However, they don’t offer live tracking like subscription-based GPS collars.
How can I track a cat that goes outside safely?
To track a cat that goes outside, use a GPS collar that offers real-time location updates, escape alerts, and geofencing. Devices like the Tractive Cat Mini and Weenect GPS Tracker are great for outdoor cats, letting you see your cat’s movement and get alerts if they leave your chosen safe zone.
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