GPS Tracking for Cats

Most cat owners worry when their feline friend doesn't make it home for supper. Tracking your cat via GPS, or global positioning system, can greatly decrease stress and save time searching for a pet that is frequently missing in action. But they're not necessarily practical for felines.

  1. GPS Collars: Too Heavy?

    • The vast majority of GPS tracking collars are marketed to both dog and cat owners, but most are too heavy for a standard domestic cat to wear comfortably. A little research, and knowledge of your cat's limits, will help you find the proper collar if you choose this option.

    Radio Collars

    • Lighter than their GPS counterparts, some collars on the market use a specific radio channel to help locate your missing pet. They often are much lighter and more comfortable for your cat, but often lack the enormous range offered by GPS collars.

    The Chip

    • Implanting a microchip beneath your cat's skin is one of the safest and most reliable ways of tracking your pet. The procedure costs roughly $50, according to MyHealthyCat.com, with additional activation, registration or usage fees as they apply (total cost should not exceed $100). The microchip can be read by a certain type of scanner, which many animal shelters use to identify a lost animal and its owner. Not every shelter has microchip identification capabilities.

      The device is very small and must be inserted by a veterinarian or specialist. Microchip tracking is a relatively new technology compared with radio and GPS collars. But it poses no known, significant risks to your cat's health.

    Is it worth it?

    • Only you can decide if it is worth attaching a collar or implanting a microchip in your pet. Weighing the cost of the procedure, or device, against the stress of not knowing your pet's location can be tough. Many outdoor cats return home reliably, and turn up missing only when injured. Cats have a remarkable sense of direction and rarely get lost.

    Choosing a Device

    • When you decide to attach a tracking device, be sure to research the product thoroughly. The devices can be expensive, but it is worth spending a few extra dollars to make sure you are getting a quality product. Look for consumer comments and responses to the product and be sure to note the effective range of the device. Coverage of 300 feet may sound like a lot, for example, but many cats regularly wander past that distance every day.