Though relying on microchips and careful watchfulness remains crucial, Cat Collar Trackers offer an extra layer of security, letting you monitor your cat’s whereabouts when they’re out of sight. They bring peace of mind for adventurous outdoor cats who love to explore and are also a valuable safety measure for travel. Even indoor cats, especially those with a knack for escaping, can benefit significantly from using a tracker on their collar.
To simplify your decision-making, we’ve rigorously tested a variety of trackers, prioritizing accuracy, cat comfort, and user-friendliness. We recommend the Tractive GPS Cat LTE + Tracker as the best overall GPS cat collar tracker, but understand it might not suit every cat’s needs. That’s why we’ve curated a diverse selection of top-rated options for you to consider below.
Top Cat Collar Trackers: Quick Picks
1200hours of
research
12brands
vetted
9features
reviewed
9top
picks
Want a fast comparison of the top cat collar trackers featured? The table below highlights key features of each product for a quick overview. You’ll find more in-depth details on each tracker further in this article.
Overall Best
aac-table__image
Tractive
10.0
Picked by 31 people today!
Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats
- Unlimited range tracking, no distance limits
- Virtual fence alerts sent directly to your phone
- Wi-Fi power saving & 7-day battery life
$49.99 At Tractive
Runner Up
aac-table__image 
Jiobit
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!
Jiobit GPS Pet Tracker
- Accurate, reliable GPS tracking in Live Mode
- Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant design
- Collar included, or attach to your cat’s existing collar
Best Tracker for Small Cats
aac-table__image 
Tabcat
9.7
Picked by 18 people today!
Tabcat RF Tracker
- Simple to attach, activate, and operate
- Precise directional guidance
- Control up to four trackers with a single handset
Best Bluetooth Cat Tracker
aac-table__image 
CAT TAILER
9.6
Picked by 21 people today!
Cat Tailer
- Ultra-small, lightweight, ideal cat collar tracker for kittens and small breeds
- Incredibly user-friendly app interface
- Useful for locating cats indoors or in the immediate yard
Best Radio Frequency Cat Tracker
9.5
Picked by 25 people today!
Eureka Marco Polo Advanced Pet Tracker
- Impressive battery life of up to 45 days per charge
- Set up to four safety zones to monitor your cat’s activity
- Operates without Wi-Fi, GPS, or cellular service
Best for Urban Environments
aac-table__image 
Pawscout
9.3
Picked by 31 people today!
Pawscout Version 2.5 Smarter Bluetooth Tag
- Leverages a community of pet lovers to aid in finding lost cats
- Connects you with local pet owners and businesses via a neighborhood map
- Free app with no subscription fees
Best Tracker for Indoor Cats
aac-table__image 
Apple
9.2
Picked by 31 people today!
Apple Air Tags
- Built-in sound to “ping” and locate the device
- “Lost Mode” alerts you when your cat nears any iPhone user
- Long battery life, approximately 1 year
Best for Multiple Cats
Girafus
9.0
Picked by 21 people today!
Girafus Pro-Track-Tor RF Finder
- Exceptional 1,600-foot range among RF trackers
- Battery lasts up to 30 days
- No monthly fees
Best Budget Cat Tracker
aac-table__image 
Tracki
9.0
Picked by 18 people today!
Tracki GPS Tracker
- Unlimited distance tracking with worldwide coverage
- Lifetime warranty covering loss and damage
- Waterproof design
Why Cats.com is Your Trusted Source
For this review, extensive research was conducted over many hours into various types of cat collar trackers. We explored market options and analyzed hundreds of customer reviews to bring you the best recommendations.
Each tracker was evaluated for setup ease and assembly. My cats then tested each tracker to assess comfort and security. Our key questions were: Are these trackers easy to attach and secure to a collar? Or are they too cumbersome for cats to wear comfortably?
After observing my cats wearing the trackers around the house, setting up data plans, and familiarizing ourselves with the apps and receivers, it was time for field testing. To simulate a real-world escape scenario, we played a game of cat tracker hide-and-seek to test their effectiveness.
tester holding several cat trackers outsideAccuracy and connectivity were key testing points for each cat collar tracker. Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
In this test, one person used the receiver (or smartphone for GPS trackers) while another acted as the “runaway cat,” hiding trackers in secret outdoor locations.
Beyond our hands-on testing, we consulted with veterinary experts and cat behaviorists. Their insights helped us define essential features to consider when evaluating these products, ensuring our recommendations are both practical and expert-backed.
Based on our comprehensive findings, we selected these nine cat collar trackers as the top choices currently available.
*An earlier version of this article was authored by Mallory Crusta. This version has been updated with new product testing and reviews by Liz Coleman.
Understanding Our Top Picks
While our recommendations have been updated, we still value the products and brands highlighted in Mallory’s video.
Our rankings are based on multiple criteria. Every cat has different needs and preferences, so while the Tractive GPS Tracker is our top pick, it may not be perfect for every cat. To assist you in selecting the ideal cat collar tracker for your feline, we’ve categorized our recommendations by size, technology, best use scenarios, and other important factors.
| Product Name | Type of Device | Weight | Battery Life | Includes App? | Accuracy Level | Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tractive GPS Tracker | GPS | 1.2 ounces OR 0.9 ounces for Mini size | 2-5 days | Yes | Mid | $39.93 for regular device; 49.99€for Mini | 1-year |
| Jiobit GPS Tracker | GPS | 0.6 ounces | 7 days | Yes | High | $129.99 | 1-year |
| Tabcat RF Tracker | Radio Frequency | 6 grams | 4-12 months | Yes | High | $109.99 | 2-year |
| Cat Tailer Tracker | Bluetooth | 7.9 grams | 6 months | Yes | Low | $67.00 | 1-year |
| Eureka Marco Polo Tracker | Self-Contained RF | 0.8 ounces | Up to 45 days | No | High | $364.95 | 90 days |
| Pawscout Bluetooth Tag | Bluetooth | 1.28 ounces | N/A | Yes | $26.99 | 1-year | |
| Apple AirTags | Bluetooth | 0.39 ounces | 1 year | Yes | $36.99 | 1-year | |
| Girafus Pro-Track-Tor | Radio Frequency | 4.2 grams | Up to 30 days | No | High | $85.99 | N/A |
| Tracki GPS Tracker | GPS | 1 ounce | 3 days | Yes | $18.88 | Lifetime warranty |
#1 Overall Best Cat Collar Tracker: Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
49.99€ At Tractive $49.99 At Amazon
Read Our Full Product Review
- Type of Device: GPS + LTE
- Weight: 1.2 ounces
- Battery Life: 7-day battery life
- Includes App: Yes
- Accuracy Level: High accuracy
The newly updated Tractive GPS Cat LTE + tracker employs LTE cellular technology to track your cat’s GPS location. It includes all essential features for a top-tier GPS cat collar tracker, such as customizable virtual fences and mobile app alerts when your cat leaves designated safe zones.
Setting up the Tractive was straightforward. The app guides you through each step, from attaching the device to the cat collar to creating a personalized pet profile. The Tractive app is user-friendly, intuitive, and easy to navigate. It also provides timely notifications for low battery levels.
A standout feature is the remote-activated LED light. With a tap in the app, you can turn on a light on the tracker, which is invaluable for nighttime searches.
In default mode, the Tractive updates location every 2 to 60 minutes, and in live mode, every two to three seconds. For active searches, live tracking helps pinpoint your cat’s location, after which you can switch to Find mode. As you approach your cat, more rings appear on the screen, guiding you closer. You can also activate the collar’s LED light or a sound indicator from this screen.
The tracker’s redesigned curved shape enhances cat comfort. This lightweight device (just 1.2 ounces) easily attaches to any cat collar. A “mini” version (0.9 ounces) is available for smaller cats, though battery life is slightly reduced (2 days vs 3.5 days).
white cat wearing Tractive Mini gps tracker on collarThe Tractive tracker in both sizes has been tested by the Cats.com team. Floyd found the “mini” size comfortable. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
While the new model boasts features like Wi-Fi power saving, it no longer includes a spare battery. However, the battery life has been improved to up to 7 days, a significant upgrade from the previous model’s 2- to 3-day lifespan.
This cat collar tracker also offers health insights by monitoring your cat’s activity and sleep patterns. Health Alert emails notify you of dramatic changes, potentially helping you catch early signs of health issues.
What We Liked:
- Tracks over unlimited distances
- Virtual fences with phone alerts
- Wi-Fi power saving and 7-day battery
- Affordable compared to other GPS trackers
- Integrated LED for nighttime visibility
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires consistent cell coverage
- Requires a subscription plan ($5–13/month)
- Even the mini size is relatively large
#2 Runner Up Cat Collar Tracker: Jiobit GPS Pet Tracker
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Type of Device: GPS
- Weight: 0.6 ounces
- Battery Life: 7-day battery life
- Includes App: Yes
- Accuracy Level: High accuracy
Initially designed for children, the Jiobit GPS Tracker is now effectively marketed for pets. This cat collar tracker provides a robust set of features with reliable performance in a lightweight design.
The Jiobit uses GPS technology for real-time, turn-by-turn tracking in Live Mode. In hands-on tests, it proved exceptionally accurate – possibly more so than the Tractive. The virtual fence feature also performed consistently, sending immediate notifications when the tracker moved outside set boundaries.
Another valuable feature is Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring reliable indoor tracking. You can even activate a sound indicator to pinpoint your cat’s hiding spot within your home.
The Jiobit’s design is small and discreet, clipping onto your cat’s existing collar. Weighing just 0.6 ounces, it’s unlikely to be bothersome for your cat. It is also water-resistant, and a fabric sleeve is available for customization.
Battery life is a strong point, with up to a week of use on a single 2.5-hour charge under optimal conditions, outlasting many competitors.
Priced at $129.99, the Jiobit is slightly pricier upfront, and requires a monthly subscription starting at $8.99.
What We Liked:
- Reliable, precise GPS tracking in Live Mode
- Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant
- Can attach to existing cat collar
- Long-lasting battery, up to 7 days
- Bluetooth for indoor tracking
What We Didn’t Like:
- Monthly subscription required (starting at $8.99)
- Bluetooth can be occasionally unreliable
#3 Best Cat Collar Tracker for Small Cats: Tabcat RF Tracker
Tabcat RF TrackerLiz Coleman / Cats.com
- Type of Device: Radio Frequency
- Weight: 4.2 grams
- Battery Life: 4–12 months
- Includes App: No
- Accuracy Level: High
- Warranty: 2 years
The Loc8tor Tabcat is a compact, lightweight RF tracker specifically designed for cats, making it an excellent cat collar tracker for smaller breeds. The tracker module, encased in rubber, attaches to your cat’s collar and communicates with a handheld receiver.
The receiver uses color-coded lights and beeps to indicate proximity to your cat. A single handset can pair with up to four trackers, ideal for multi-cat households.
orange cat wearing the Tabcat tracker on their collarWessie showcases the Tabcat in its splashproof silicone case. Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
After a quick setup, the Tabcat is ready to use. The handset is intuitive and consistently provided accurate readings in indoor tests. However, its 400-foot range is less effective outdoors compared to GPS trackers. Unlike GPS, which guides you immediately, the Tabcat requires you to be closer before it starts directing you.
Once within range, the Tabcat was highly accurate and reliably pointed to the cat’s location.
What We Liked:
- Easy to attach, activate, and use
- Accurate directional guidance
- One handset for up to four trackers
- Affordable price point
- Effective indoors and outdoors
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited 400-foot range
#4 Best Bluetooth Cat Collar Tracker: Cat Tailer
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Type of Device: Bluetooth
- Weight: 7.9 grams
- Battery Life: 6 months
- Includes App: Yes
- Accuracy Level: Low
- Price: $67.00
- Warranty: 1-year
The Cat Tailer, resembling a bottle cap in size and weight, is a superb lightweight cat collar tracker, ideal for cats sensitive to bulkier devices. However, its detection range is limited, making it less useful if your cat ventures far.
Its 328-foot range is generous for Bluetooth but weak compared to other tracker types. It can assist once you’re within this range, but requires you to search common cat locations first.
cat wearing the cat tailor tracker on their collarEven 7-pound Forest was comfortable wearing the lightweight Cat Tailer collar tracker. Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Outdoor testing revealed limited effectiveness beyond visual range, losing signal quickly. The app lacks directional guidance, providing only radial distance, necessitating trial-and-error navigation.
Location accuracy was also inconsistent, fluctuating by about 30 feet in scans even when stationary. Connection unreliability led to false “out of range” notifications.
The Cat Tailer is best suited as an indoor cat collar tracker or for cats with predictable outdoor habits. Within its range, it can help narrow down your search in familiar areas.
What We Liked:
- Very small and lightweight, excellent for kittens and small cats
- Simple, user-friendly app
- Useful for indoor and close-range outdoor location
What We Didn’t Like:
- Shortest detection range among pet trackers
- Inconsistent Bluetooth signal
#5 Best Radio Frequency Cat Collar Tracker: Eureka Marco Polo Advanced Pet Tracker
aac-table__image
$364.95 At Amazon $274.95 At EurekaProducts.com
- Type of Device: Self-contained RF
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Battery Life: Up to 45 days
- Includes App: No
- Accuracy Level: High
- Warranty: 90 days
The Eureka Marco Polo Tracker stands out as a unique cat collar tracker. It’s a self-contained system, operating without GPS or cellular networks, eliminating monthly fees and making it ideal for travel.
Available in single or multi-pet systems, adding pets is simple with additional tags. These durable tags are built to withstand rough conditions and water submersion. They attach securely to your cat’s collar with a rugged ballistic nylon holder for protection and stability, and offer an impressive 45-day battery life.
With the Eureka Marco Polo, you can monitor your cat within four programmable safety zones or use the lost pet feature for real-time distance and direction tracking.
Unlike many GPS trackers using smartphone apps, the Marco Polo uses a handset locator acting like radar, with up to a 2-mile range in open areas. While you need to be within this range to locate your cat, it works well for cats that stay relatively close to home.
Overall, the Eureka Marco Polo is ideal if you want to monitor your cat near home. Its independence from GPS and cellular services is perfect for travel and saves on subscription costs.
What We Liked:
- Long battery life up to 45 days
- Programmable safety zones
- No Wi-Fi, GPS, or cellular needed
- Expandable for multiple pets
- No subscription fees
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited tracking range
- Range can be further limited by terrain and obstacles
#6 Best Cat Collar Tracker for Urban Areas: Pawscout Version 2.5 Smarter Bluetooth Tag
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Type of Device: Bluetooth
- Weight: 1.28 ounces
- Includes App: Yes
- Accuracy Level: N/A
- Price: $25.62
- Warranty: 1 year
The Pawscout Bluetooth Tracker, while not providing precise location, is a valuable cat collar tracker for urban areas, alerting you if your cat leaves a safe zone.
Its unique strength is a digital community for pet recovery. If your cat goes missing, an app alert notifies nearby Pawscout users. If someone finds your cat, they can scan the tag and contact you directly.
The comprehensive app allows pet profiles with photos, contact info, medical details, and behavioral notes. You can include microchip and license numbers for added safety, which aids rescuers in caring for your cat.
A social feed connects you with the local pet community for questions and hazard alerts. Pawscout also tracks walks and sets virtual boundaries. There are no subscription fees, and the app is free.
What We Liked:
- Community-based lost pet recovery network
- Connects to local pet owners and businesses
- Free app, no monthly fees
- Water-resistant
- Includes a spare battery
What We Didn’t Like:
- Bulky for smaller cats
- Short-range (around 300 feet)
#7 Best Indoor Cat Collar Tracker: Apple AirTags
Apple Air TagsLiz Coleman / Cats.com
- Type of Device: Bluetooth
- Weight: 0.39 ounces
- Battery Life: 1 year
- Includes App: No
- Accuracy Level: N/A
- Price:$39.98
- Warranty: 1 year
Apple AirTags, designed for items like keys and wallets, are repurposed by many as affordable cat collar trackers, despite Apple’s recommendation against it.
Using Bluetooth, their 100-foot range is best for indoor use. If your cat hides indoors, you can “ping” the tag to emit a sound for easy location.
In populated areas with many iPhones, AirTags can also help locate your cat outdoors.
Priced affordably at $29 with no subscription, activating “Lost Mode” in the “Find My” app alerts you when the tag nears any iPhone user. You receive the location and can send care instructions to whoever finds your cat.
However, in less populated areas, AirTags have limited outdoor use for lost cats.
What We Liked:
- Built-in “ping” sound
- “Lost Mode” with iPhone proximity alerts
- Long 1-year battery life
- No subscription needed
- Lightweight and water-resistant
- Budget-friendly
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited outdoor use in sparsely populated areas
- Requires a compatible cat collar
- Not compatible with Android
#8 Best Cat Collar Tracker for Multiple Cats: Girafus Pro-Track-Tor RF Finder
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Type of Device: Radio Frequency
- Weight: 4.2 grams
- Battery Life: 30 days
- Includes App: No
- Accuracy Level: High
- Price: $97.49
- Warranty: N/A
The Girafus RF tracker offers a long 1,600-foot range, making it a standout RF cat collar tracker. It supports up to four tags, each in a different color, ideal for multiple cats.
Setup was the most involved of tested trackers, taking 18 minutes to assemble batteries, cases, and screws, and learn operation.
orange cat wearing the Girafus tracker on his collarThe low-profile Girafus tracker has a cat-friendly design for a cat collar tracker. Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
The tracker’s silicone case fits slim collars and includes Velcro for larger ones, sitting lightly on the neck. It’s the smallest profile tracker tested, well-suited for smaller cats.
Operation is straightforward after setup. Calibration involves 360-degree turns. Signal detection triggers tones and colored lights indicating distance.
The Girafus performed reliably indoors and outdoors, even locating a hidden tracker in woods where Bluetooth failed.
What We Liked:
- Exceptional 1,600-foot RF range
- Up to 30-day battery life
- No monthly fees
- High accuracy
- Smallest, most cat-friendly design
- Supports up to 4 trackers
What We Didn’t Like:
- Battery can become loose, causing inconsistent performance
- Receiver is bulky
#9 Best Budget Cat Collar Tracker: Tracki GPS Tracker
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
$18.88 At Chewy $18.88 At Amazon
- Type of Device: GPS
- Weight: 1 ounce
- Battery Life: 3 days
- Includes App: Yes
- Accuracy Level: N/A
- Price: $18.88
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty, including loss and damage
The Tracki Pet Tracker stands out as a budget-friendly GPS cat collar tracker option under $20. Prepaid two-year subscriptions are available at $3.99/month, with month-to-month at $9.95. Tracki offers global coverage with GSM cellular service.
Designed for dogs, it may be bulky for smaller cats but suitable for larger breeds.
The app allows pet profiles and a lost pet alarm feature to share your cat’s info. Location sharing is possible with up to ten contacts.
Live tracking is available 15 times daily, and geofences can be set for perimeter alerts.
What We Liked:
- Unlimited range, worldwide coverage
- Lifetime warranty including device loss/damage
- Waterproof
- App battery life display
- Silicone sleeve and ring for different attachments
What We Didn’t Like:
- Heavier, may be uncomfortable for small cats
- Limited live tracking (15 times daily)
Understanding the Types of Cat Collar Trackers
Cat collar trackers use three main technologies: GPS, Radio Frequency (RF), and Bluetooth. The best type depends on your cat’s habits and tracking needs.
1. GPS Cat Collar Trackers
GPS trackers use satellites for location data, offering strong visual mapping and long ranges, often miles. They show your cat’s general location on a map and connect to phone apps for safe zones, activity monitoring, and real-time location. Some even provide health insights.
However, GPS cat collar trackers can be blocked by obstructions and don’t work indoors. They are also typically larger, heavier, and more expensive, often requiring monthly data plans. They are best suited for cats 8 lbs or heavier.
2. RF Cat Collar Trackers
RF trackers use a transmitter on the cat collar and a handheld receiver. The receiver beeps and lights up when in range, pinpointing location to centimeters, indoors and outdoors, even through obstacles. They are lightweight and have long battery life.
However, RF trackers lack GPS mapping, don’t alert you to escapes, and have limited range (typically up to 1,600 feet), requiring a more active search approach. They generally cost around $100.
3. Bluetooth Cat Collar Trackers
Bluetooth trackers are affordable, lightweight, and have long battery life (months). However, their range is very limited (up to 300 feet), making them useful for finding cats indoors or in the immediate vicinity, but not for widespread lost cat scenarios.
Key Features to Consider in a Cat Collar Tracker
Choosing the right cat collar tracker involves considering these factors:
1. Reliable and Accurate Tracking
Essential for knowing when your cat leaves home and where they are. Look for long battery life, reliable connections, and sufficient range to locate your cat whether nearby or further away.
2. User-Friendly Apps or Receivers
Trackers should have intuitive apps or standalone receivers for easy monitoring. Beneficial features include night lights, behavior alerts, and customizable virtual fences that notify you when your cat leaves designated areas.
3. Comfortable and Secure Design
The best cat collar trackers are small, lightweight, and easily attach to your cat’s existing collar or harness, ensuring comfort and secure attachment.
