Is AirTag Good for Tracking a Lost Cat?

If you’ve ever had that heart-stopping moment when you can’t find your cat, you’re not alone. Whether they’ve sneaked out the door or are just playing a frustratingly good game of hide-and-seek, losing track of your feline friend can be seriously stressful. Enter the Apple AirTag – a tiny, coin-sized device that promises to help you keep tabs on your belongings. But here’s the million-dollar question: Is an AirTag good for tracking a lost cat?

I’m going to share our opinion here at GuidedPets what the AirTag can (and can’t) do when it comes to keeping track of your adventurous kitty.

What’s an AirTag Anyway?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. An AirTag is Apple’s little gadget designed to help you find your stuff-think keys, wallets, and bags. You attach it to whatever you want to track, and if that item goes missing, you can use the Find My app on your iPhone to locate it. The AirTag connects to Apple’s vast network of devices, which means it can help you track something down even if it’s not nearby. Sounds pretty cool, right?

But here’s the thing: The AirTag wasn’t really designed with pets in mind. So while it’s a nifty tool for finding lost keys, does it have what it takes to help you track down a lost cat?

Read Also: Why Is My Cat Sleeping By The Front Door?

How Does AirTag Work for Cats?

Let’s get into how this whole AirTag thing actually works when it comes to your feline friend. Basically, the AirTag uses Bluetooth to communicate with nearby Apple devices. When your cat is within Bluetooth range (about 30 feet), you can see their location on your phone. If they’re out of range, the AirTag will rely on passing iPhones, iPads, and Macs to help pinpoint their location.

Now, before you get too excited, there are a few things to consider. AirTags don’t use GPS, so they’re not going to give you real-time, step-by-step directions to where your cat is. Instead, they’ll show you the last known location where your cat’s AirTag connected with an Apple device. If your cat is hiding under a bush in your yard, you’re in luck. But if they’re on the move, it’s a bit more complicated.

Why People Use AirTags To Track Their Cats

Alright, so let’s talk about the good stuff. There are definitely some advantages to slapping an AirTag on your cat’s collar.

1. Cost-Effective

Compared to GPS pet trackers, which can cost a pretty penny (plus a monthly subscription), an AirTag is relatively cheap. You’re looking at around $29 for one AirTag, and there’s no subscription fee. For pet owners on a budget, this is a major plus.

2. Lightweight and Discreet

The AirTag is tiny and lightweight – perfect for your cat’s collar. It won’t weigh them down or bother them as they go about their day. Plus, it’s waterproof, so it can handle your cat’s antics, whether they’re caught in the rain or just knocked over their water bowl (again).

3. The Power of the Apple Network

Here’s where the AirTag really shines. Thanks to Apple’s Find My network, which includes millions of devices worldwide, there’s a good chance that if your cat is in a populated area, their location will be picked up by a nearby iPhone or other Apple device. That’s a pretty impressive safety net.

4. Precision Finding Feature

If your cat is hiding somewhere close – say, under the couch or in a neighbor’s yard – the AirTag’s Precision Finding feature is your best friend. This feature uses your iPhone’s camera, accelerometer, and gyroscope to guide you directly to the AirTag, complete with distance and direction. It’s like playing a real-life game of hot and cold with your cat.

Why Tracking Your Cat With an AirTag Can Be a Bad Idea

But of course, nothing’s perfect. There are some downsides to using an AirTag for your cat that you should definitely keep in mind.

1. Limited Range

The biggest drawback? Range. AirTags rely on Bluetooth, which means they only work within about 30 feet of your phone. Once your cat is out of that range, you’re relying on other Apple devices to pick up the signal. If your cat decides to wander into a rural area or somewhere with few Apple users, you might have trouble finding them.

2. No Real-Time Tracking

Unlike GPS trackers that give you real-time updates on your cat’s location, AirTags can’t do that. They’ll show you the last known location where your cat’s AirTag connected to an Apple device, but if your cat is constantly on the move, it might be hard to catch up.

3. Potential Privacy Concerns

Apple has built-in some privacy features to prevent AirTags from being used to track people without their knowledge. After a certain amount of time away from the paired iPhone, the AirTag will start beeping to alert the person it’s traveling with. That’s great for privacy, but if your cat is lost and the AirTag starts beeping, it could freak them out – or worse, alert someone who might not have the best intentions.

4. Durability Issues

While the AirTag itself is waterproof and pretty durable, it’s not indestructible. If your cat is particularly rough on their collar or loves to squeeze into tight spaces, there’s a chance the AirTag could get damaged or knocked off. And if you’re like me and your cat is basically a tiny, furry tornado, this is something to think about.

So, Is an AirTag Good for Tracking a Lost Cat? The Final Verdict

The answer is… it depends. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight option that works well in urban areas where there are lots of Apple devices around, the AirTag could be a good fit. It’s especially handy if your cat has a habit of hiding around the house or in the neighbor’s bushes. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than some of the other pet trackers out there.

But if you’re in a more rural area, or if you need real-time tracking, an AirTag might not cut it. The limited range and reliance on nearby Apple devices mean it’s not as reliable as a dedicated GPS tracker, especially if your cat tends to roam far from home.

In the end, an AirTag is better than nothing, but it’s not a perfect solution. If your cat is an indoor-only kitty who occasionally slips outside, it could give you some peace of mind. But if you’ve got a full-blown explorer on your hands, you might want to consider investing in a more advanced pet tracker with GPS capabilities.

Either way, keeping your cat safe is the top priority – whether that means using an AirTag, a GPS tracker, or just making sure they’re wearing a collar with your contact info. And, of course, giving them lots of treats and love when they come back home.