
Our method
Welcome to our big GPS for cats test 2022. Here we present all the GPS for cats that we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the web.
With this, we would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best GPS for cats for you. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a GPS for cats.
Contents
- 1 Weekly newsletter with the best personal finance tips
- 2 Summary
- 3 The Best GPS For Cats: Our Picks
- 4 Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a cat GPS device
- 5 Decision: What types of cat GPS devices are there and which is the right one for you?
- 6 Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate cat GPS devices
- 7 Facts worth knowing about the topic of cat GPS
Summary
- GPS for cats is especially suitable for cats that not only roam your flat or house, but also your neighbourhood. The device is attached to the collar.
- Depending on the built-in technology, a distinction is made between a device with a GPS transmitter and a tracking transmitter. While a mobile phone network is not required to use a tracking transmitter, the GPS transmitter has a longer range.
- You can compare GPS devices on the basis of length, charging time, range and weight. Additional functions, such as a camera or splash guard, are also practical for playful and curious cats.
The Best GPS For Cats: Our Picks
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Image source unsplash.com / Bing Han