Different Ways to Track Your Cat

You’ve no doubt heard the expression, curiosity killed the cat? Well when it comes to keeping track of your feline companions, this can definitely cause some problems for you and your family.

Cats are generally curious and are natural born explorers, and this can sometimes lead them astray. Sadly, stories of owners being reunited with their pets do not happen every day, but this is a situation that can definitely be improved upon with modern technology.

Here are some examples of how we can help…

Microchip

Microchips are small and convenient and require no power, so they can just be inserted into your cat’s scruff without any fuss. Remember, however, that it’s only reliable if it’s actually scanned correctly.

In other words, this type of technology only works if the person who finds your cat actually goes to the veterinarian to scan the microchip. Secondly, when the chip is scanned, you’ll be able to extract a microchip number, which is registered and contains current contact information.

Just keep in mind that microchips can’t locate a pet, they can only help to identify it.

GPS trackers for cats

GPS trackers, on the other hand, can help you locate your cat in real time. They’ll also help in monitoring your cat by using a smart phone or computer and a downloaded app. When choosing GPS for your cat, you have to consider a few main categories, including…

• GPS Recorder. It’s small and lightweight and offers post activity map-based tracking, which means you’ll only be able to see where your cat has been when you upload the data upon your pet’s return. This gives you the ability to see where your pet goes every day; however this GPS recorder cannot locate your cat’s location in real-time.

• Real-Time Near Field GPS. This is also small and lightweight and offers global positioning by transmitting a location signal to your smart phone via Wifi or Bluetooth. This is definitely better than a microchip or a GPS recorder because it offers a range position and perimeter alert, allowing a pet owner to take a proactive approach when finding their missing pet. The limitation, however, is distance. This unit can only broadcast a real-time location when in range of a Bluetooth or a Wifi device. So it has to be within 30 meters of a mobile device before it is recognized and can broadcast the location of your cat. If your cat is not within range or if there are signal disruptions, then the animal cannot be located.

• Real-time GPS. This is probably the most practical as these units offer unlimited range and global positioning. An internal SIM card enables it to broadcast a reliable location so any pet owner can find their lost pet anywhere and at any time. It is indeed very reliable, but the downside is that it’s heavier and larger compared to the others mentioned. There are breakthroughs in the unit size, however, which is approximately the size of a wine cork.

A cat GPS tracker is definitely better than a microchip. Or you may also consider combining microchipping along with comprehensive GPS location technology.

After all, you don’t want to lose your beloved four-legged friend.