The 3 Best Cat GPS Trackers For Maine Coons in 2024

You love your Maine Coon, and they are part of your family—you want to do everything possible to keep them healthy and safe from harm. You may also be curious about what your gentle giant gets up to when you are at work—especially if they are an outdoor cat. A GPS is a solution to your worries and your curiosity, but which GPS tracker is best for your Maine Coons?

GPS trackers are essential tools in keeping your Maine Coon safe—especially if you allow them outdoors. They should offer broad coverage and accurate real-time tracking and be lightweight, waterproof, and durable. The Tractive Cat Mini Tracker and the Jiobit Smart Tag are our top picks for your Maine Coon in 2024.

GPS trackers offer advantages beyond the less expensive Bluetooth and radio Frequency trackers, such as unlimited range and tracking your MC’s movements historically and in real-time. So let’s dive into why GPS is king and which company offers the best GPS trackers for Maine Coons.

Quick Look to Our Top Picks

---

4 Reasons You Need a GPS for Your Furry Coon

1. Cats Often Go Missing

It is in a cat’s nature to be curious and explore their environment—not to mention their silent tread and athleticism. These relatives of the African Wildcat are natural Houdini’s when it comes to escaping from “cat-proof” homes, and we all know the saying “curiosity killed the cat.”

The American Humane Society claims that 10 million pets go missing each year, and it is a sobering thought that a large percentage of this total are cats. A retroactive study of missing pets by Emily Weiss found that one in five cats goes missing every five years—with 25% percent never seen again.

Identification and microchipping may play their part, but tracking systems are invaluable in providing your cat’s whereabouts in real-time.

2. Maine Coons Are Valuable Pets

Maine Coons are beautiful and often friendly creatures, and as much as they are loved, some sick humans view the breed with a price tag. According to Reader’s Digest and Catster, Maine Coons are among the most likely breeds for pet thieves to target.

With a price tag between $3500 and $6900 for a registered purebred Maine Coon kitten, your beloved feline companion may attract the wrong attention should they wander outdoors.

3. You Can Keep Tabs on Where Your MC Roams

If you are brave enough to allow your Maine Coon outdoors, you can keep an eye on where your kitty is gallivanting when you aren’t around. It is fascinating to keep track of where your friend travels and how far they wander in their mysterious travels.

You can also ensure that your cat is not preying on animal life in protected areas around your home, an issue of growing global attention.

4. GPS Is the Best Choice of Tracker for Your Maine Coon

There are several options when it comes to tracking your beloved pets. Trackers such as Bluetooth and Radio Frequency are typically less expensive and smaller and don’t hurt the wallet as much as a GPS tracker. However, GPS tracking systems offer several advantages should your feline companion disappear.

GPS Cat Trackers VS Bluetooth and Radio Frequency Trackers: Unlimited Range

A GPS tracker uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to alert you to precisely where your Maine Coon might have wandered. The system relies on satellites that orbit around the Earth and offer unlimited range, which is essential should someone steal your cat and attempt to move it to another location.

On the other hand, Bluetooth systems use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to relay information to your smartphone or another compatible device. The range is limited to around 100-300 feet, so you don’t have the range that GPS offers should your kitty stray further than the surroundings of your home.

Radio Frequency trackers transmit a radio frequency via a transmitter in your cat’s collar. The receiver starts signaling and lighting up when the cat is in range. Much like a metal detector, the beeps and lights intensify the closer you are to your kitty.

However great they are at locating your cat indoors and outdoors, they can’t compare to the capabilities of a GPS. They can’t alert you when your cat has strayed from your home or neighborhood, nor can they provide a map overlay of your cat moving in real-time.

RF range is also limited to around 1,600 feet, and the system takes trial and error to get it right. As you can imagine, this time is crucial in an emergency should your cat be injured or lost in an urban area.

GPS Trackers Give Real-Time Locations for Your Maine Coon

If your Maine Coon goes missing, you will only be able to find their last location within range of the Bluetooth hotspot. On the other hand, GPS tracks in real-time, so you can trace your kitty even as it moves from place to place. Map overlays are also a GPS tracking feature that sets their systems apart.

GPS Offers Enhanced Accuracy for Cat Location

Radio frequency (RF) and Bluetooth tracking are not as accurate as GPS for transmitting the precise location of your cat. GPS offers a location only a few meters away with higher precision, so your search for your missing companion will have a happy ending.

The enhanced accuracy also has other benefits, such as this YouTube clip shows!

How To Choose the Best GPS Tracker？

1. Tracking Range

Most GPS-based car trackers offer an unlimited range—the safest option for your much-loved feline family. Should someone attempt to steal your MC, you can still track your cat if they still have their collar.

Some GPS trackers offer national coverage, and some provide international coverage. If you plan to travel with your MC, look for options for unlimited worldwide coverage.

2. Accuracy

Although the less powerful trackers, such as RF and Bluetooth trackers, are great for close tracking, GPS tracking devices have relatively high accuracy in an unlimited range. GPS

Accuracy is affected by variables such as the following:

• Satellite health status
• Radio frequency interference
• Natural and manufactured obstructions
• Atmospheric interference

However, the good news is that GPS can locate your kitty within 8-10 meters and with their movements in real-time, you can accurately pinpoint your cat’s whereabouts.

3. Adds-on Sensors

Modern GPS tracking systems use GPS and Bluetooth LE technology to measure your distance from your missing moggy. Our top GPS trackers incorporate the best of GPS combined with the sensitivity of Bluetooth over a shorter range.

4. Waterproofing

Maine Coons love water. I can’t keep my Halo out of the kitchen sink; his shower visits are always a shocker! For water-loving cats like MCs, you need to ensure that your tracker is fully waterproof because if they aren’t wandering off in the rain, they are actively seeking a water source for play!

5. Size and Weight

Cats hate collars—carrying these infernal devices goes against their wild cat instincts. When you add a GPS, they are typically more bulky and heavy than Bluetooth or radio trackers. Ensure you seek a model that is the most ergonomic and light to interfere least with your cat’s natural movements.

6. Battery Life

Unfortunately, GPS trackers must sacrifice battery size to fit a feline. The lightweight GPS offerings tend to need constant recharging—one downside to the spectacular performance of GPS cat-tracking technology.

While we wait for GPS batteries to turn nano, you can still find decent battery life spans of up to several weeks. Most GPS trackers offer a Power Saving Mode to extend the battery life.

7. Durability

GPS systems don’t come cheap; expect a higher initial outlay for the technology. So, you should seek a reputable company with at least a year warranty should anything malfunction on your tracker.

Discover the Best Cat GPS Trackers

1. The Tractive Cat Mini Tracker

Specifications

Dimensions	2.1×1.1×06.Inch
Weight	0.9oz
Connectivity	GPS and LTE technology
Battery Life	48 hrs. only on live tracking but up to 7 days on Power Saving Zone
Comes With	Rog’s safety collar, attachment clips, charging cable
Warranty	Two Year Warranty

The latest and most lightweight edition from the highly rated Tractive brand harnesses the best features of GPS technology with the added benefits of Bluetooth accuracy. 

The Tractive has dimensions suited for a GPS cat tracker, measuring just over 2 inches, with a  1-inch diameter, and only weighs 0.90 z. To put it in perspective, it weighs about the same as five teaspoons of sugar or 25g! It is also waterproof should your MC play in the kitchen sink.

The Tractive GPS tracker offers two tracking modes for monitoring your Maine Coon’s movements. The Default Tracking Mode provides periodic location updates, creating a map of your cat’s routes, while the LIVE Tracking Mode offers real-time updates every few seconds for closer scrutiny. Additionally, the tracker allows you to set up to five virtual fences, sending push notifications if your cat ventures outside the designated safe zones. The Tractive app also features Wellness Monitoring, tracking your cat’s activities to detect any changes in their regular behavior. However, note that the tracker operates on a subscription basis with options for basic and premium plans.

One drawback is the tracker’s battery life, lasting about two days in Live Mode. To mitigate this, the device automatically switches to Power Saving Mode when within range of your Wi-Fi, extending the battery life up to a week for cats staying close to home.

---

2. Jiobit Gen 3 – GPS Tracker

 Specifications

Dimensions	‎37mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 12mm (D)
Weight	‎18g (0.6oz)
Connectivity	GPS, Cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
Battery Life	Up to 30 days
Comes With	Charging dock. USB charging cable. Secure Loop, Hem Lock Clip, Integrated Loop, and Strap Clips.
Warranty	1 Year Limited (Only covered by devices sold on the Jiobit website)

Jiobit excels in its commitment to safety, serving not only as a leading tracker for children but also a reliable companion for your Maine Coon. Leveraging innovative patented technology, Jiobit seamlessly integrates GPS, Bluetooth, cellular, and Wi-Fi connections to ensure continuous and reliable tracking of your beloved feline companion, providing you with peace of mind.

You can keep an eye on your errant Maine Coon in real-time—Jiobit shares location information every ten seconds for precise monitoring of your cat’s movements. Experience unparalleled nationwide coverage with the Jiobit Smart tag, leveraging 5G compatibility and a low-power network for reliable tracking in remote areas. The patented Progressive Beaconing technology ensures consistent coverage, providing accurate location data for your Maine Coon.

The device comes with an app that offers plenty of features that one can expect for a tracker that parents choose to protect their children. Enhance your pet care with Jiobit’s user-friendly app, featuring customizable geofencing for added security. Set virtual boundaries around your Trusted Place, receive push notifications if your cat strays, and effortlessly manage Care Team members. Stay informed about your cat’s well-being and even monitor pet sitters to ensure the best care for your furry friend.

---

3. TabCat Cat Tracker V2

 Specifications

Dimensions	‎1.18 x .79 x 0.35 inches
Weight	‎4.8g (0.17oz)
Connectivity	RF
Battery Life	Up to one year
Range	Unlimited

The Cat Tracker v2 from TabCat is an efficient tracking solution that stands out by eliminating the need for a monthly subscription. This comprehensive set includes two homing devices, two silicone collar cases, and a user-friendly handset designed to monitor your cat’s location. TabCat utilizes radio frequencies (RF) instead of GPS for location tracking, providing precise results even indoors, with accuracy up to one inch.

Equipped with a homing device secured in the silicone case around your cat’s neck, activating the handset triggers a series of beeps. The color-coded lights on the handset guide you in the right direction, with red indicating a greater distance, amber signifying proximity, and green lights illuminating when you are close to your cat. While the tag itself isn’t water-resistant, the included protective silicone case safeguards it from rain, and the long-lasting batteries ensure up to one year of reliable performance. This lightweight tracker ensures your cat’s comfort, though it’s essential to note that the system may not distinguish between different cats.

---

Best Maine Coon GPS Trackers FAQs

Are GPS Trackers Bad for My Maine Coon’s Health?

A scientific study published in Animals (Basel) investigated the effects of electrical frequencies emitted by radio, mobile networks, and smartphones in tracking devices. They found that the levels of RF-EMFs (Radio Frequency-Electromagnetic Fields) from 2G to 5G due to tracking devices such as GPS are within international safety limits, which means they are unlikely to cause health issues in pets.

However, they did find that indoor Radio Frequency emitting devices such as WLAN can risk high exposure in pets.

Are GPS Cat Trackers Worth the Money?

If you have a cat-proof home and your cat is indoors safely, you might opt for a less expensive Bluetooth tracker to monitor your cat. However, it’s essential to remember If your indoor cat should go missing, they are more likely to panic and may travel further distances. GPS is invaluable should your cat go missing.