What is a cat collar with GPS function?
GPS for cats is a beacon and receiver. A small chip embedded in a plastic housing is attached to the collar. The receiver can be either separate equipment or the owner’s smartphone, which will receive data on the animal’s location and alert signals using the application.
Cat wearing a GPS collar
How it works
The main task of a GPS tracker is to track the location of a cat through satellites in Earth orbit. If it is not possible to use satellites as a positioning tool, the tracker determines the location through cell towers. Some tracker models have the function of combining geopositioning methods, which increases the accuracy and speed of the search result.
Communication with the cat's owner is carried out through an application installed on a smartphone using the mobile Internet or GPRS/GSM channels. To do this, a SIM card that supports a 2G network or higher is inserted into the tracker.
Important! The higher the network standard - 2G, 3G, 4G, the lower the risk of losing communication outside the city. For the beacon to work as it should, it is best to purchase a SIM card that runs on 4G.
Also, the owner, for his convenience, can use such built-in parameters as
- Limitation. Virtual creation of a zone allowed for walking on the map. As soon as the animal leaves its boundaries, an alert will be sent to the owner’s smartphone.
- Increased accuracy of geolocation determination. The error is no more than 5 meters.
- Alarm signal. If the cat finds itself in a risk zone, for example, too close to the water or is frightened by a dog, then anyone who wants to help the animal can press a special button on the beacon. Then an alarm signal will be sent to the owner, notifying him of a situation that requires his attention.
- Record. The cat's walking routes can be recorded on a SIM card.
What does it look like
GPS trackers for cats are compact, light in weight and comfortable for the animal to wear. It consists of a collar made of durable material that will not rub the pet’s neck, and a sensor, inside of which there is a chip that performs the main technical tracking function.
There is also a hole in the case for inserting a SIM card so that the sensor can receive information not only from satellites, but also from mobile communication towers.
Note! Any GPS tracker has a battery, the charge of which the cat owner can track through his smartphone. Energy consumption is affected by the frequency of requests for the cat's location.
GPS collar and cat tracking app
Additional features of GPS collars
GPS tracker for dogs with navigator beacon
GPS trackers for cats from different companies combine basic functions. And their difference lies not only in the appearance of the device, but also in additional functions.
- Water resistance. In case of rain or snow.
- Real-time surveillance.
- Built-in microphone and speaker. The owner can give commands to the cat or listen to the sounds of its environment.
- Speed sensor. If the cat's speed increases compared to its normal walking pace, an alert will be sent to your smartphone. This will help prevent an accident if the cat is being chased by a dog or if it is stolen and taken away in a car.
Additional information: a Gypsy collar for cats with basic functions will cost 3,000-5,000 rubles*. The cost of devices equipped with additional functions can exceed several tens of thousands of rubles.
*Price valid as of October 2021.
For which dogs are collars and locators suitable?
GPS collars are made in various designs and sizes. Thus, you can easily find a collar for both small dogs or cats and a suitable collar for a large dog . Locators are an ideal assistant for owners who want to constantly monitor their dog and want to know where he is or in what direction he is moving at a certain moment. You will appreciate the GPS collar during professional training, for example in the forest, when you need to give the dog some freedom, but at the same time you need to keep him under control. Tracking collars help you monitor your dog during a chase or hunt.
How to choose a GPS collar
When choosing a collar with a GPS navigator, the owner should focus on the purposes for which he is purchasing this accessory for the animal.
Which dog has the strongest bite and jaw?
Based on your basic needs, you can review a GPS tracker based on the following parameters:
- Manufacturer.
- Weight and size.
- Price. Depends on the list of functions.
- Strength. The safety of the sensor depends on the wear resistance of the housing.
- Waterproof and dustproof. Weather conditions should not affect the performance of the radio collar for cats.
- Temperature resistance. Possibility of use at any time of the year.
- Battery capacity. Number of hours of work in offline mode.
- Connection quality. Provides continuous control over your cat in any area.
Additional Information! Often those who want to purchase a cat collar with GPS are concerned about the legality of such a device. No special permission or registration is required for use after purchase.
You can ask the seller for a certificate that is notarized that this GPS tracker is not a special technical device.
Rating of the best collars for cats with a beacon
Harness for a Spitz: which collar is better to choose
Such a rating can be called conditional, because animal owners have different preferences. And a stranger will not be able to choose the best collar for a cat without knowledge of the specific conditions of detention.
Trixie with bell
Reflective collar with a German-made nylon insert with a bell. This is the simplest and most inexpensive collar that helps the owner know where his pet is walking.
Characteristics:
- budget price;
- adjustable length;
- a bell to notify you of your pet's location;
- suitable for home or closed area;
- the cat may be disturbed by the sound of the bell;
- Size is only suitable for adult cats.
Gibi Pet Locator
An easy-to-use GPS tracker that can work from 12 to 96 hours when fully charged. In the application on your smartphone, you can set the zone allowed for walking. If the cat goes beyond its boundaries, the owner will receive SMS and e-mail notifications.
Characteristics:
- waterproof case;
- accessible wherever there is Internet;
- it is possible to track the cat’s movement in real time;
- weighs 43 g;
- time without recharging from 1 to 4 days.
PetPace smart collar
Cats may not always show illness or poor health. If your pet has already been diagnosed with a disease, then monitoring its progress is simply necessary. For this purpose, a cat collar with GPS PetPace has been created, which scans the state of the body, saving all the data in an application on a smartphone.
- Comprehensive health monitor. Tracks breathing, heart rate, body temperature, activity and metabolism.
- GPS function.
- The application creates a virtual medical record, which is constantly updated with data. Taking into account the information, an analysis of the cat’s condition is performed based on the breed.
- There are two subscription options: basic and professional. The second allows you to track the health and geolocation of several animals at the same time.
GPS tracker TK STAR LK110
One of the most popular collars. The TK Star GPS tracker for cats is of high quality and advanced functionality.
Characteristics:
- accuracy of readings up to 5 meters;
- support for GSM and GPRS standards;
- the housing is protected from moisture and dust;
- Can be attached to any collar;
- light weight;
- up to 10 days without recharging;
- you need to buy a SIM card and service it monthly.
Collars Trixie, Gibi Pet Locator, PetPace and TK STAR LK110
IPTS Beeztees silicone glowing with USB
Designed to track cats in the dark. The device is equipped with a light-emitting diode, which is charged via USB. One charge lasts for 5-7 days.
Characteristics:
- a budget option;
- high autonomy;
- light in weight, only 60 g;
- a choice of bright and pastel shades of collars;
- charges quickly;
- for a short walking radius.
Hunter Smart Neon
Portable cat collar with LEDs. Comfortable design and light weight of 13g are the perfect combination for even a small cat to carry.
Characteristics:
- light weight;
- suitable for cats of different sizes;
- simple tracking functionality.
GPS collar for cats Tractive GPS Cat
Created taking into account all the physiological needs of the cat. The functional application tracks the pet's location, evaluates its activity and stores its walking route throughout the day.
Characteristics:
- the ability to establish a zone permitted for walking;
- anatomical shape of the device;
- the collar is equipped with IP67 protection for uninterrupted operation in all weather conditions;
- battery life up to 120 hours;
- weight 35 g;
- “live” tracking function;
- viewing a map from a computer;
- works with SIM card.
IPTS Beeztees, Hunter Smart Neon and Tractive GPS Cat Collars
GPS tracker MonkeyG Dest D79
This GPS cat tracker is one of the best pet trackers. Light weight, a high degree of protection from moisture and dust using IP65 technology, positioning accuracy up to 5 meters, a built-in speaker that makes it possible to give a command to your pet at a distance - all this allows the MonkeyG Dest D79 GPS tracker to be competitive among its analogues.
Characteristics:
- a light weight;
- work through SMS requests and monitoring servers;
- greater accuracy of geopositioning;
- up to 5 days without recharging;
- works with SIM card.
Paw Tracker
The Paw Tracker review shows that the device uses two tracking systems: the American JPS, and the Russian GLONASS system. With proper setup, one charge will last up to 72 hours. You must choose to automatically turn off cellular and GPS transmitters when your home Wi-Fi network is detected. And the built-in motion sensor will also turn off data transmission as soon as the animal falls asleep and stops moving.
Characteristics:
- weighs 70 g;
- battery saving mode;
- displaying location on Google map;
- history of the cat's movements;
- no SIM card required;
- automatic switching between cellular networks;
- uses American GPS and Russian GLONASS;
- The mobile application warns when the cat leaves the specified area and the collar battery is low.
Tracker GARMIN ASTRO 320 T5
This tracker is more suitable for dogs, as it is designed specifically for hunting breeds that can move away from their owner at a distance of up to 10 km.
Characteristics:
- holds a charge for up to 20 hours of active use;
- coverage radius up to 10 km;
- Designed specifically for dogs, not cats.
Beaphar
There are no beacon collars in the Beaphar line. But from the manufacturer you can find a high-quality anti-flea product that is absolutely safe for cats.
Advantages:
- no toxic substances, impregnated with margosa extract;
- suitable for kittens;
- comfortable to wear;
- specific smell in the first hours of use.
MonkeyG Dest D79, Paw Tracker, Garmin ASTRO320 T5 and Beaphar collars
GPS tracker Real Find V-30
Beacon for cats in a lightweight plastic case, protected from moisture and dust. Signal accuracy up to 5 meters.
Characteristics:
- free mobile application;
- night light function and light beacon;
- real-time location tracking;
- fast charge via micro-USB.
GPS collar FutureWay PetTracker FP03
The most compact and one of the most multifunctional GPS collars on the Russian market.
Characteristics:
- location accuracy up to 5 meters;
- restriction of the walking area;
- motion trajectory tracking;
- movement speed statistics;
- degree of protection IP67 from dust and moisture;
- 1 year warranty;
- you need a micro sim card.
Tracker Supra
Thanks to the antenna of the new Supra GPS collar, you have access to the cellular network even in the most difficult conditions. Due to its properties, the antenna is ideal for transmitting mobile data. Positioned outward from the dog's body to ensure optimal function. How does Supra Tracker work? The device on the dog's neck sends data to a central server with its own ID in Finland. It then automatically sends and displays the position to your mobile phone. Positions are transferred via mobile data. real-time location