The Apple AirTag was designed as a practical way to find lost items such as keys, bags or wallets. Thanks to its compact design and user-friendly technology, the AirTag appeals to many people. But what if you want to use this gadget to track your pet? In this article we look at how an AirTag for cats works, why the AirTag is less suitable for animals and which better alternatives there are.
In short:
An AirTag for cats uses Apple’s Find My network. This network consists of millions of Apple devices worldwide that can help locate an AirTag. As soon as an AirTag comes near another Apple device, its location is sent to your Find My app. This process is completely anonymous and encrypted, which protects your privacy.
An important advantage of an AirTag collar for cats is that it is affordable and easy to get. For a relatively low price you get a light device that you can attach to your cat’s collar. The AirTag is water and dust resistant (IP67), so it can handle rain and dirt. Setting it up is simple: you pair the AirTag with your iPhone via Bluetooth and you are ready to go. In the app you can then see the location of the AirTag on a map.
The battery lasts about a year and then needs to be replaced. This is especially handy for users who don’t feel like charging regularly. Finally, the AirTag has a sound function. You can use it to play a sound so the device is easier to find. That can be useful if your cat is hiding somewhere in the house, for example.
Although the AirTag seems in theory to be usable for tracking your pet, there are some important limitations that make the device less effective for this purpose. One of the most important points is that the AirTag was designed specifically to find objects, not living beings. Apple itself has stressed this several times. In an interview, Kaiann Drance, vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple, said that the AirTag contains mechanisms that discourage its use on living beings. Although Apple has not shared all the details, this means that the AirTag’s performance is limited when it comes to tracking animals, such as an AirTag for cats.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the AirTag for cats is its limited range. The AirTag only works on the Find My network, which means location updates are only sent when other Apple devices are nearby. Apple devices therefore play a crucial role, as it is not possible to use the AirTag with an Android device. Outside this network the AirTag works as a Bluetooth transmitter, with an effective range of only about 50 metres. For a pet that moves quickly or covers long distances, this range is not enough. If you live in a less urban area with few Apple devices, you will soon notice the limitations of this product. In that case it can take a long time before the location is updated, or it may not happen at all.
In addition, the AirTag has no built-in GPS chip. This means the device does not give you instant location updates. You depend entirely on the other devices in the network, which can cause delays and inaccuracies in the location data. This is a big problem for an adventurous dog or cat that loves to explore. The lack of features such as geofencing also makes the AirTag less suitable for use with pets.
Although Apple has made it clear that the AirTag is not intended for tracking animals, some people still try it. The question then is: is an AirTag for cats really suitable for tracking your cat? If we look at the features of the AirTag in detail, it quickly becomes clear why this product is not the ideal solution.
The AirTag is not a GPS tracker. The device works via Bluetooth, with a maximum range of about 50 metres. If your cat is outside this range, you depend entirely on the presence of other Apple devices nearby to locate it. In an urban environment this can be fairly effective, but in rural areas or villages with fewer Apple users you will quickly run into the limits of the AirTag. This range is too limited for reliable long-term tracking, especially for adventurous animals.
For indoor cats an AirTag collar can work fine, because they usually stay close by. But for outdoor cats, which often cover long distances and follow unpredictable routes, the AirTag is not suitable. The lack of instant tracking and alerts makes it hard to feel at ease about your cat’s safety. These are important considerations before you decide to use an AirTag as a GPS tracker for your cat.
For anyone looking for a reliable and effective solution, a GPS for cats is a much better alternative than an AirTag for cats. Unlike the AirTag, a GPS tracker for cats is designed specifically for tracking pets. These devices use real GPS technology and often offer precise location tracking, which is a huge advantage over Bluetooth solutions such as the AirTag.
An AirTag depends on devices nearby, but a real GPS collar for cats works with an integrated SIM card and GPS module. This makes the device completely independent of smartphones in the area. You see your cat’s location very accurately, whether you are in the city or in the middle of nature, you stay connected with your pet.
In the overview you can see how an AirTag, a GPS tracker with subscription and the Spotter CatX differ in practice.
There are certain things an AirTag cannot do, but a GPS collar can: for example, you can set up a virtual fence (geofencing). You get an alert as soon as your cat leaves this safe zone, very handy for curious cats that love to go on adventures.
A good GPS tracker for cats is sturdy, waterproof and shock resistant. Ideal for cats that love to climb, run or roam around in the rain. Also important: they are light and comfortable to wear, so your cat is not bothered by it. The battery life is also longer than that of many other trackers, so you don’t have to charge it all the time.
Another plus: these GPS trackers are suitable for both Apple and Android users. That makes them a practical choice for families with different smartphones. Through a user-friendly app you get clear information about where your cat is, and that gives peace of mind, even if you are not technically minded. Wondering how a GPS tracker for cats works? You can read more about it on our GPS tracker for cats page.
The Apple AirTag is handy for finding belongings, but it falls short when it comes to tracking animals. The limited AirTag functionality, the lack of instant updates and the dependence on other Apple devices make it no ideal solution for cat lovers.
If you really want to be sure where your pet is, a GPS tracker for cats is the better choice. A model like the Spotter CatX, designed especially for cats, offers everything you need: accurate GPS location, alerts when your cat leaves a safe zone, a robust design and compatibility with all devices. That way you always know where your cat is, whether you are at home, in the park or on holiday.
