The Best GPS Cat Trackers & Collars

As a cat owner, sometimes it can be tricky to keep track of your feline friend. A GPS cat tracking collar can make it easier to know exactly where your cat is. Even if your cat isn’t supposed to go outside, a tracking collar might make sense, particularly if you have moved to a new neighborhood or if you have some other reason to believe that your kitty might get spooked and make a run for it.

We have evaluated dozens of GPS cat tracking collars and clip-on devices to help you find the best one for your cat. We looked at features such as ease of use, range, and whether it was simple to keep the collar or device attached to the cat. We evaluated both GPS and bluetooth versions to suit every preference.

Top pick

Whistle Go Explore/The Ultimate Health + GPS Location Tracker for Pets/Grey

A premium GPS tracker that offers real-time tracking and instant notifications.

The Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker for Cats easily made our top spot. You’ll enjoy nationwide tracking, so you can use it when you’re traveling. It’s also a great option for keeping track of your kitty’s daily activities if you use a catsitter or travel without your best furry friend.

The 5 Top-Rated GPS Cat Trackers & Collars

Editor’s Picks Brand Rating
Best Overall Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker 4.8
Runner Up BARTUN LTE GPS Pet Tracker 4.3
Budget Pick PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag 4.4
Handheld Pick TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System 3.9
Bluetooth Pick Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker 3.6

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker for Cats

The Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker is our top pick. Simply attach it to your cat’s collar and you will be able to locate her no matter where she roams with nationwide tracking. Daily activity is also sent directly to your phone, giving you peace of mind when you’re away from home or when your cat is being cared for by others. Worried it won’t fit comfortably on your kitty? According to Whistle, this GPS tracker is suitable for any pets—including cats—over 8 lbs.

Because this tracker works with GPS, Wi-fi and cellular connections, you don’t have to worry about not being able to locate your cat if the power were to go out, such as might be the case during a storm. The Whistle monitor snaps easily onto your cat’s regular collar, keeping her comfortable. Depending on how adventurous your cat is, the battery will last from one to seven days; the more she leaves home and the further she goes, the more often you’ll need to charge.

Whistle GO Explore Health & Location Tracker Key Features:

  • Snaps onto cat’s collar
  • Nationwide tracking
  • Daily activity
  • Uses three points of connection
  • Long battery life

Our Runner Up Pick: BARTUN LTE GPS Pet Tracker

Runner Up

BARTUN LTE GPS Pet Tracker

This GPS pet tracker will ensure that you can keep an eye on even the most adventurous of cats.

BARTUN LTE GPS Pet Tracker is a fantastic pick for any cat parents who want to be able to easily check the whereabouts of their beloved fluff ball. This real-time GPS pet locator works using 4G LTE, 3G WCDMA, and 2G GSM networks. To use it, you’ll need to install a compatible SIM card. There are no other fees you’ll need to pay, as you’ll be able to access all of this pet tracker’s features within the free BARTUN GPS app. Notable features include activity tracking and the ability to make geofences.

One of the greatest drawcards of the BARTUN GPS Pet Tracker is that it offers location tracking in over 150 countries. It also comes complete with a number of handy features which makes keeping track of your cat as easy possible. Not only is it lightweight, small, and easy to attach to your cat (you can either use the provided collar or use your own), but it’s also IPX7 waterproof.

BARTUN GPS Pet Tracker Key Features:

  • Lightweight
  • No subscription needed
  • Includes an activity tracker
  • Worldwide location tracking
  • Waterproof

Best Budget Pick: PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag

Best for Budget

PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag

This budget-friendly GPS collar will help your cat get back home to you.

The PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag is a tracker that attaches to your cat’s collar. If she is missing, anyone finding her can scan the tag. At that point, it will record the GPS information about where your pet is and it will be sent directly to your phone, allowing you to collect your kitty.

No app is required, and there are no subscription costs, so this is an extremely economical choice for those who would like to have that backup GPS protection for their cats who rarely get out. It is available in several colors, so you will be able to choose the one that best suits your feline friend.

PetTouchID Smart Pet ID Tag Key Features:

  • GPS sends information to your phone
  • No app required
  • No subscription required
  • Good backup GPS protection
  • Available in several colors

Best Handheld Cat Tracker: TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System

Best Handheld Cat Tracker

TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System

This handheld device will give you peace of mind when your cat is missing.

The TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System is our top pick for trackers that you hold onto while you search. It’s an award-winning tracking collar for cats that features proprietary RF-based directional tracker technology. While it’s not GPS-operated, the technology it uses requires no subscription fee. The tags are extremely small and weigh only 0.21 ounces, so your cat will barely notice she has it on. The handset is the size of a credit card.

If your cat is missing, put on the “locate” mode, and the handheld device will help you find her. This tracker will also alert you if your cat slips out the door. Simply program it to the range you want and if your kitty leaves that range, you’ll get a notification. This can potentially save you hours of not knowing whether your cat is in or out of the house. It boasts a range of up to 400 yards and is designed to be completely comfortable for you feline to wear. It even comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System Key Features:

  • Tiny tags that won’t bother your cat
  • Handheld device
  • Has a “locate” mode
  • Comes with a key ring loop, batteries, mini homing tags, and more
  • Alert mode tells you if your cat gets out

Best Bluetooth Cat GPS Tracker: Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker

Best Bluetooth

Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker

This is the smallest, lightest bluetooth cat tracker available, so your cat will hardly notice it.

The Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker is our top pick for trackers that use bluetooth technology instead of GPS. It is the smallest and lightest tracker of its kind; it is just over one inch in diameter and weighs about a quarter ounce. It is fully waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about rainy days or your cat’s water bowl. The range is up to 328 feet in a flat, somewhat treeless area.

The battery will last six months. It emits a low-energy wireless homing beacon that will communicate with your smartphone, so you will know how far your cat has wandered within the range. If your cat leaves the range of the device, you’ll get a notification when she’s back in range.

Cat Tailer Bluetooth Cat Tracker Key Features:

  • Uses bluetooth technology
  • Communicates with your smartphone
  • Range is up to 328 feet
  • Fully waterproof
  • Lightest cat tracker on the market

Who Should Buy a GPS Cat Tracker or Collar

If you have a cat who sometimes gets out of the house either because you allow them to go out or because they slip out the door at times, a GPS cat tracking collar can help you get your cherished pet back should they get lost. People who are moving might find that their cat gets disoriented in the new neighborhood; in this case, a cat tracking collar can help give you peace of mind and also keep your cat safer. An indoor cat who becomes anxious during storms is another candidate to wear a GPS cat tracker, as a frightened kitty can easily slip out.

If your cat escapes often or loves to be outside, we recommend these outdoor cat enclosures to keep her safe. Another option is to look at these cat harnesses, which allow you to take your furry friend for a walk. A GPS tracker is still an excellent idea, because kitties can be excellent escape artists and could still get loose.

Top pick

Whistle Go Explore/The Ultimate Health + GPS Location Tracker for Pets/Grey

A premium GPS tracker that offers real-time tracking and instant notifications.

Important Features to Consider

There are a few things to keep in mind as you go about choosing a cat tracking collar for your feline pal. Here’s what to look for as you make your decision:

  • Size and weight. Your cat is small, so larger collars that are meant for dogs might not work. Some collars are appropriate for both types of pets, but it’s important to read the descriptions carefully to be sure that they are okay for a cat.
  • GPS vs bluetooth. Some collars use only GPS, some use only bluetooth, and others use both. Still others will use other types of communication technology. Depending on whether you have access to wifi in any given area, you might choose GPS or a cellular tracker over bluetooth. On the other hand, you usually do not have to pay any subscription fees for a bluetooth product.
  • Collar vs clip-on attachment. Some cats are used to a certain type of collar and do better with their own familiar collar and a clip-on attachment. Other cats don’t mind a full collar. Think about which type of tracker you’d rather have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a GPS cat tracking collar and how does it work?

A GPS cat tracking collar contains a device that will help you track your cat. Some use GPS technology and others use bluetooth or other types of technology. These devices will communicate with your cellphone to let you know where your cat is and if the cat goes outside of a range, which varies by the specific product. Some will also flash to let others know that the cat has been reported as missing or lost.

Do cats get lost easily?

Most cats do not get lost easily. Indoor-only cats can get scared if they inadvertently get outside, and this can cause them to either become lost or to find a sheltered location and refuse to leave. Outdoor cats usually have a territory that they will venture to. If a cat becomes disoriented, however, they can become lost and might have trouble getting home. Also, if you move to a new house, your cat might try to get back to the old house and become lost in the process.

Will cats return home?

Many cats will return home after going missing for a couple of days. Putting out cat food and also putting out your cat’s used kitty litter can help guide her nose toward home. A GPS tracking collar will give you a place to look if your cat goes missing, which can get her home more quickly.

Do GPS cat tracking collars have monthly fees?

Yes, some GPS cat tracking collars require you to pay a monthly fee. Those that run on bluetooth generally do not have a monthly fee. Read the product descriptions carefully to find out whether the one you are considering has a fee.