The Best GPS For Cats: Shopping Guide and Recommendations (05/22)

Cat GPS tracker - Weenect | #1 in Europe | GPS live tracking | No distance limit | Most compact model on the market

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49.99 GBP

Tractive GPS Cat Tracker (2021) with Custom Cat Collar, Follow them Everywhere, 24/7 Location and 365-day History

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68.28 GBP

UBEE CAT GPS Tracker for cats, Lightest UK tracker (23g), Unlimited Range, Free & Shareable App, UK Support

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31.99 GBP

Pet Smart Mini GPS Tracker Dog Cat Anti-lost Alarm Tag Wireless Bluetooth Tracker Child Wallet Bag Key Finder Locator Anti Lost Alarm

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3.29 GBP

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27.99 GBP

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29.99 GBP

Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a cat GPS device

What is a cat GPS, how does it work and how do I use it?

The cat GPS is still relatively new on the market and has a few gaps in its use. In general, however, you can use it to locate your cat in the open air or to track its route. This is useful for little runaways that stay away for a while, as well as out of curiosity to see what the little tiger is up to.

Cat GPS is a GPS system specially developed for this purpose, which is usually attached to the cat's collar or already integrated into it. The transmitters can have a wide variety of functions, for example "spying": you are notified via an app where your cat has been in the last few minutes, when it left the house and where it spends most of its time.

There is also a notification function if the cat leaves its normal territory or is in a dark place for a longer period of time. In the specially developed search mode, the cat's location is transmitted every 20 seconds if it has ever escaped. An additional feature is the LED light-up of the cat collar at the push of a button.

This can help if the cat is nearby during the search but you don't know exactly where. The collars are usually powered by a rechargeable battery, sometimes also by battery. The newer ones are connected via an app, others via a locator.

So you see that there are very different intensively developed GPS transmitters, and you should explore them more closely depending on your personal needs in order to finally buy the right one.

How much does a small animal GPS cost?

Although the quality of the transmitter should of course always come first, the question of price often plays a role as well. And since a high price does not always mean good quality, it is certainly important to take a closer look at this issue as well.

The following table shows the most common prices for cat collars with different transmitters:

Type of transmitter	Price
Collar with PGS transmitter	30€ - 90€
Collar with tracking transmitter	40€ - 120€

In general, you can currently find cat GPS between €60 and €200. This depends mainly on the features, such as how many cats the transmitter is made for.

There are no major differences in brands yet, as the market leaders have yet to emerge. However, in our opinion, it doesn't always have to be the most expensive of the most expensive to guarantee good quality.

It's best to find out what you're looking for on the internet first and then get advice from a specialist shop.

Decision: What types of cat GPS devices are there and which is the right one for you?

Basically, there are two different types of cat GPS devices:

GPS transmitter
Tracking device

What are the prerequisites for a GPS transmitter and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

The prerequisite for GPS reception is an existing mobile phone network. The data is transmitted via SMS or Maps. In contrast to a tracking device, however, GPS transmitters are heavier and larger - but so is the range.

Advantages

Transmission directly to mobile phone with all associated functions via Maps
Long range
Frequency of data transmission can be determined

Disadvantages

Heavy weight
Only works with a good mobile phone network
Rapid battery loss

You can set the data transmission time manually; for example, it can vary between 10 seconds and one hour. The more frequently the location is transmitted, the faster the battery will run down.

Pro-tip: Are you looking for a GPS device to find your cat again if it gets lost? The best preparation for this is always to have it chipped and tattooed! Only when this is done do you have the best chance of finding her again.

How do trackers work and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Trackers are a smaller and lighter version of the cat GPS that work by using radio waves. The data is transmitted to an extra device that the cat owner receives with the purchase.

Advantages

Light weight
Lasts a long time (usually also waterproof)
Tracking through walls, even in basements
No additional mobile phone card needed

Disadvantages

Short range (approx. 120 metres)
No additional functions such as maps etc.

Direction finders work with radio waves at a range of up to 500 metres. In built-up areas it is considerably less. They are lighter than GPS transmitters and the battery also lasts much longer than GPS transmitters.

The location is transmitted via a receiver part, not by mobile phone. In terms of numbers, the advantages of the tracking transmitter outweigh those of the GPS transmitter, but the short range is only something if your cat doesn't run far, i.e. hides in the garden, for example.

There you can also find them behind walls, which is more difficult with the GPS transmitter.

Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate cat GPS devices

In the following we will show you which criteria you can use to compare and evaluate cat GPS devices. This will make it easier for you to get an overview and decide on a suitable cat GPS device. In summary, these are the following criteria:

Length
Charging time
Distance
Weight
Price
Additional functions
Number of cats to be tracked

In the following, you can read about the respective criteria and find out why it makes sense for you to purchase a cat GPS device under these aspects or not.

Length

What is the circumference of your cat's neck? Some collars are adjustable, others are not - pay attention to this and measure your cat's neck beforehand, preferably in the company of your vet.

Of course, you only need to pay attention to the length if you buy a whole GPS collar and not just the transmitter. You can also attach it to an existing collar, for example a flea collar.

If the collar is too loose, it will slip off, if it is too tight, there is a risk of strangulation.

Duration of charge

The duration of the charge of the battery depends on both the battery and the device. Check the manufacturer's specifications and compare them with customer reviews.

The duration of the charge and its staying power should match your cat's roaming behaviour, so if it is indoors most of the time, this criterion is less important than if it is an avid roamer. In general, the duration of the charge should not exceed one day.

Distance

How far can your cat move away from you so that you can still locate it? This is one of the most important questions when buying a GPS transmitter or collar. It is also affected by whether the signal passes through walls.

If you need the transmitter to find your cat in a heavily populated area, you should not skimp on this criterion. The distance can vary from a few metres to many kilometres.

petpointer 15090 gps tracker 2 — Most GPS trackers communicate via the mobile phone network and can provide location information to the nearest metre. However, monthly service fees are charged for this.

Weight

The weight of the GPS transmitter is not to be trifled with, as your cat will have to carry it around all the time. This can even cause serious health problems. The lightest GPS transmitters start at 28 grams.

This is acceptable. When choosing a transmitter, don't just look at the product name, because sometimes it says "cat GPS" but the transmitter is much too heavy for cats. If you are not sure, it is best to seek advice from a pet shop or your vet.

A GPS transmitter that is too heavy will make life more difficult for your cat and can cause health problems.

Price

The price should not be the most important criterion, of course, but it should be taken into account if the range of application of the GPS varies. It can range from roughly 60 to 200 Euros, but outliers are also possible. To help you decide, we have put together a table with the different price classes and the expected performance:

Price	Performance	Additional information
from 30€	V-SIM GPS Tracker. Location of the animal is sent to the mobile phone incl. directions. Features: Activity Monitor and Virtual Fence (warning if cat moves further away)	You have to pay a monthly service fee for the V-SIM service. A mobile phone number is required to activate it (credit card sometimes required)
from 50€	GPS tracker with safety lock. Waterproof collar with app and real-time GPS tracking (live tracking mode locates the cat's position every 2-3 seconds). Feature: Virtual fence	You have to sign up for an additional ABO (monthly costs apply)
from 80€	Homing tag. The position of the cat is indicated to you by acoustic and visual signals. Information is accurate to within 2.5 cm	It is lighter (only 6g) and more accurate than a GPS device
from 120€	Waterproof GPS tracker with special app and no distance limit. Features: Long battery life (up to 1 month), virtual fence, updates every 5-10min	Offers may already include a limited ABO, which must be renewed afterwards
from 300€	Wireless tracker incl. tracking device without GPS ABO. Large range in the terrain as well as in the building. Tracker can be extended to 10 trackers. Features: Long battery life (up to 3 months), virtual fence, touch screen, etc.	There are no monthly follow-up costs as with GPS trackers, i.e. no subscription is necessary

For example, you don't necessarily need to spend the 200 euros on a GPS collar that is only used for observation purposes for fun, which some concerned cat owners will spring for a professional collar.

Look at your needs and those of your cat and the price will come automatically.

Additional functions

These are entirely up to you. Do you want a camera on the transmitter, light effects, waterproofing or other features?

Think about the application area of your transmitter and then weigh up what will be of most use to you. A look at our products can help you identify different features and how they relate to each other.

Number of cats to locate

How many cats do you need tracking devices for? Often you don't even have to buy different items, but can locate several cats with one device. Of course, you can locate and specify them individually so that there is no confusion. This is very practical for cat owners with several animals.

But be careful: Pay attention to the different needs of your animals - if in doubt, take the lighter, more comfortable collar for both of them before you hurt a cat with it.

Facts worth knowing about the topic of cat GPS

Isn't a collar like this cruelty to animals?

There is always an argument about this. However, as long as you get your cat used to the unfamiliar garment with lots of love and patience and don't pull it too tight, there is hardly any increased risk of strangulation, according to vets.