We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 5 Best Cat GPS Trackers for Keeping Tabs on Your Favorite Feline By Sophie Wirt Sophie Wirt Sophie Wirt is an NYC-based writer and editor who is a lover of all things pet-related. Her nearly 10 years of experience has included writing for InStyle, Allure, W, SELF, EliteDaily, and Byrdie, among others. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 12/17/24 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What to Look For in a Cat GPS Tracker FAQ Why Trust The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis Compact, connected, and ready for cat-sumption, a new generation of electronic monitors worn on a collar can help you track your feline friend. They're particularly helpful for finding a lost or trapped cat and, in multi-cat households, they allow you to see cat behavior patterns, areas they might consider their territory, and how often they interact with each other, according to Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist. Cat trackers should be small enough that your cat isn't bothered by the device and durable enough to withstand the elements your cat is likely to encounter. Our favorite cat tracker is the Tractive GPS Tracker for Cats, which is lightweight, constantly updating, and has a wealth of features across two subscription tiers. Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Tractive Mini GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats at Amazon $50 $25 Jump to Review Best for Cities: SALE Cube GPS Tracker at Amazon $100 $60 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE Tracki Dog GPS Tracker at Amazon $19 $14 Jump to Review Best GPS Alternative: TabCat Cat Tracker V2 at Amazon $110 Jump to Review Best for iPhone Users: SALE Apple AirTag at Amazon $29 $24 Jump to Review Best Overall Tractive Mini GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats Credit: Amazon $50 $25 at Amazon View on Tractive.com What We Like Location updates every few seconds More lightweight than any other tracker we’ve tested Premium subscription offers family sharing and more Waterproof and shock-resistant What We Don't Like Monthly subscription plan required The Tractive Mini GPS Tracker for Cats can access real-time GPS locations using three different major cellular networks to update your cat’s location every two to three seconds and has advanced features, including the ability to set safe zones or areas where your cat shouldn’t go and receive notifications if they cross into a no-go zone. Weighing just under one ounce and a little more than two inches long, this tiny, waterproof, ultra-durable device can go five days without a battery charge, though it will still take some getting used to for your cat. It also comes with a charging cable and a bracket for attaching it to your cat’s collar. Like most cat trackers, the Tractive requires a subscription but offers Basic and Premium subscriptions that provide unlimited live tracking and access to the Tractive app’s data monitoring, which includes your cat’s sleep and activity patterns. The Basic starts at $15 per month, or $6 per month if you pay for two years upfront, and the Premium plans start at $10 a month, paid annually. With Premium subscriptions, you can have multiple people tracking your cat at once, share data, receive international support, retain your cat’s location data for a full year, and even export GPS data so you can do your own analysis. Dimensions: 2.1 x 1.1 x 0.6 inches | Weight: 0.9 ounces | Battery Life: Up to 5 days | Water Resistance: Yes, IPX7 | Connection: GPS, 4G | Range: Unlimited | Subscription Required: Yes Best for Cities Cube GPS Tracker Credit: Amazon $100 $60 at Amazon View on Chewy $74 at Home Depot What We Like Can ring your tracker via the app Super-precise location tracking Lifetime warranty What We Don't Like Subscription required Comparable to the Tractive, the Cube differs in one major aspect by triangulating your cat’s location with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, in addition to GPS over cellular networks, making it particularly useful in urban environments where tall buildings can block the line of sight necessary to establish a location using GPS satellites. Other great features include built-in location history, movement tracking, an audible ring, and long battery life (10-to-60-day use per charging session). Although it's slightly heavier and bulkier than the Tractive, it can attach to most cats’ collars with ease thanks to the slide-on design. There’s also an excellent phone app that enables tracking and location services. But while the Cube itself is only $30, unlocking its features via the app requires a subscription, which costs $16.50 per month or $198 per year. Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.57 x 0.64 inches | Weight: 2.23 ounces | Battery Life: 10 to 60 days | Water Resistance: Yes, IP67 | Connection: Wi-Fi, GPS, 4G, Bluetooth | Range: Unlimited | Subscription Required: Yes Best Budget Tracki Dog GPS Tracker Credit: Amazon $19 $14 at Amazon What We Like Lifetime warranty Has chase mode functionality Built-in SIM card works with old and new cellular towers Multiple devices can be connected What We Don't Like Can be big and bulky on small cats' collars The Tracki GPS Tracker is light, weighing a mere 1 ounce, and attaches easily to your pet's collar—though at 1.5 inches in diameter, it can be a bit bulky on the collar of a smaller cat. It has a unique chase mode function that lets you receive updates every 5 seconds on your cat's location. Plus, this function allows you to add multiple devices so friends and family can help you locate your lost pet. Like other GPS trackers, it does require a subscription—but this one is a bit more affordable than some, costing only $3.99 per month if you go with the long-term plan. The month-to-month plan is a bit more at $9.95 per month. The tracker has a built-in SIM card that is capable of working with both old and new cellular towers, so it provides coverage in 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. Dimensions: 1.5 inches in diameter | Weight: 1 ounce | Battery Life: Up to 7 days | Water Resistance: Yes, IP67 | Connection: Wi-Fi, GPS, LTE, 4G, 3G, 2G | Range: Unlimited | Subscription Required: Yes Best GPS Alternative TabCat Cat Tracker V2 Credit: Amazon $110 $100 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Tabcat.com What We Like No subscription needed Comes with two homing devices and two silicone cases Uses RF (radio frequency) to indicate location indoors and outdoors Color-coded handset with lights to indicate where cat is located Battery life up to one year Two-year manufacturer warranty What We Don't Like Tracker does not distinguish between different cats The Cat Tracker v2 from TabCat is a reliable tracking device that does not require a monthly subscription for use. The set comes with two homing devices, two silicone collar cases, and a color-coded handset that keeps track of your cat's location. Instead of using satellite-based GPS, TabCat leverages the location tracking capabilities of radio frequencies (RF), which, according to TabCat, is more accurate than GPS and can locate your cat indoors and outdoors within 1 inch of where they are at any moment. While the tag itself is not water-resistant, the protective silicone case provided will help keep it protected from rain and puddles. Plus, unlike GPS trackers that need to be recharged regularly, the batteries for the Cat Tracker system have enough power to last up to one year. The tracker is very lightweight so it's likely your cat won't mind wearing it, but the detection technology cannot differentiate between different cats. Dimensions: 1.18 x .79 x 0.35 inches | Weight: 0.17 ounce | Battery Life: Up to 1 year | Water Resistance: When inside silicone case | Connection: RF | Range: Unlimited | Subscription Required: No Best for iPhone Users Apple AirTag Credit: Amazon $29 $24 at Amazon $30 $25 at Target View on Walmart What We Like Compact and lightweight Doesn't require a subscription Battery lasts about a year What We Don't Like Not compatible with non-iOS products Relies on bluetooth connectivity, not GPS tracking The Apple AirTag is a compact, lightweight, affordable option that does not require a monthly subscription but is only compatible with Apple products and not as effective in remote areas. You'll also need to purchase a collar with an AirTag holder to keep it securely attached to your cat and protected from the elements. However, the battery lasts about a year, so you don't have to charge it. AirTags pair easily with Apple devices and you'll be able to spot your cat's location via the "Find My" app. If your cat goes missing, you can activate an alert that will transmit a notification with your contact information to any iPhone or iPad user that finds your cat. Unfortunately, if the person who finds your cat doesn't have an Apple device, they will not receive the notification. Dimensions: 1.26 x 0.35 inches | Weight: 0.39 ounce | Battery Life: 1 year | Water Resistance: Yes, IP67 | Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 | Range: 33 feet | Subscription Required: No Final Verdict Our favorite cat tracker is the Tractive GPS Tracker for Cats, which offers constantly updating locations and lots of features in a package small enough for your cat's collar. But if you live in a city, we recommend the Cube GPS Tracker instead, since it boasts features that help track your cat's location even when a GPS satellite can't be accessed, such as when the signal is blocked by big buildings. What to Look For in a Cat GPS Tracker Tracker Size Small, streamlined, lightweight trackers made from comfortable, smooth materials, such as plastic, are best for cats’ collars and less likely to impede your cat’s movement or weigh them down—ideally, your cat should feel like they’re wearing nothing at all. Be sure to check the weight on the cat tracker you intend to purchase, as well as the measurements, particularly if you have a very small cat or kitten. App Features Cat-tracking devices typically come with a corresponding smartphone app, most of which allow you to view your cat’s location on a map in real time, though some apps are more user-friendly than others. Apps can include additional helpful features, such as the ability to make a ringing sound on the device, and even offer real-time support from veterinarians. Be sure to double-check that your cat-tracking device works seamlessly with your type of phone (e.g., iPhone, Android, etc.). Range Some cat-tracking devices feature significantly more range than others. For example, many have a range of a few hundred feet, which is great for knowing where your cat is within the area of your home, backyard, and nearby premises. Others offer unlimited range, which allows you to see exactly where your cat is no matter how far they travel from home. Battery Life Batteries and power come in many forms depending on the cat-tracking device you choose. Some offer a rechargeable battery, similar to a phone's battery, that will need to be plugged in and recharged every so often (this can be a few days or a few weeks, depending on the cat tracker you choose). The other option is a good old-fashioned battery—typically, the flat, circular variety that can fit inside a small tracking device—which generally offers longer-lasting power until it needs to be replaced. Subscriptions Most cat-tracking devices require subscriptions to use the location services you’re looking for. Often, the subscription is paid monthly, though annual subscriptions are also an option with some cat-tracking devices. Depending on the number of features the cat tracker offers, the subscription price can vary significantly, so be sure to double-check before purchasing to fully determine what suits your budget. Water Resistance If your cat is outside in the elements, it is highly likely that the tracker will be exposed to water. All of the trackers on our list have some level of water resistance, but none are completely waterproof. The standardized Ingress Protection (IP) rating for each product is listed in our review when provided by the manufacturer. IPX-0 means no resistance to water and IPX-8 means a device can withstand continual water submersion. Our favorite cat tracker is the Tractive GPS Tracker for Cats has a water resistance rating of IPX7 whereas other cat trackers we like have IP67 rating. Both ratings indicate that a device has been tested and can withstand being submerged in a little over three feet (one meter) of water for 30 minutes. The X in IPX7 and the 6 in IP67 both refer to dust resistance with 6 being more resistant. FAQ What is GPS? GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is a standardized, accurate means of determining location by way of specialized satellites. How does GPS work? On a high level, GPS works via communication with satellites—specifically, satellites that orbit the earth twice per day, sending signals to GPS-enabled devices via receivers to communicate precise locations at any given time. How does Bluetooth connectivity track location of a cat? A Bluetooth tracker attached to your cat's collar sends out a signal that can be scanned by a smartphone or other smart device (e.g., tablet, watch, or laptop) within a specific range. The closer the tracker is to your Bluetooth-enabled device, the stronger the signal and the more effective the tracking. Can you use a microchip to locate a missing cat? No, a microchip is primarily used to identify your pet in case they get lost or stolen. It uses a passive RFID technology for scanning their ID number. Can you use a dog GPS tracker on a cat? Yes, if the tracker is the right size, lightweight, and small enough to fit comfortably on your cat's collar. Most GPS trackers for dogs are too large for the average cat. What is an IP rating? For electronic devices, IP stands for Ingress Protection and the rating tells you how well the device is protected from particles (water and dust) that might try to get inside. Why Trust The Spruce Pets Sophie Wirt is a freelance writer for The Spruce Pets and a cat mom of two. For this article, Sophie carefully considered an array of cat-tracking device models and evaluated each for comfort, value, and ease of use regarding the corresponding app. For additional insight, she consulted with Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist, certified cat behavior consultant, and founder of the nonprofit CatBehaviorSolutions.org. The 7 Best Cat Collars Explore more: What to Buy Cat Products Cat Accessories