Last Updated on October 8, 2024 by Dogs Vets
In your quest for the perfect pet tracker, you’ve probably considered the Apple AirTag to help keep your adventurous cat safe and prevent them from getting lost. Choosing the right tracking system can be overwhelming, but the Apple AirTag stands out as an affordable, easy-to-use option that is widely available. Its small size and lightweight design also make it seem like an ideal solution for tracking your cat.
But does the AirTag really work well as a cat tracker? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of using the Apple AirTag for cats, including the pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your pet.
What is the Apple AirTag?
The Apple AirTag is a Bluetooth-enabled tracking device designed to help you locate commonly misplaced items like keys, wallets, or backpacks. It works in conjunction with Apple’s Find My app, which shows the last known location of the AirTag on a map. But as many cat owners have discovered, the AirTag can also be used as a pet tracker by attaching it to your cat’s collar.
Apple AirTag Specs:
- Size: 1.26 inches in diameter, 0.31 inches thick
- Weight: 0.39 ounces
- Battery life: About 1 year, and the battery is easily replaceable
- Range: Not specified by Apple, but Bluetooth typically has a range of around 30 feet
- Water resistance: Can be submerged up to 3.3 feet for 30 minutes
- Price: $29 for a single AirTag or $99 for a pack of four
The AirTag is an appealing option for many cat owners because of its small size, which makes it easy to attach to a cat collar without adding much weight.
How Does the Apple AirTag Work for Tracking Cats?
The AirTag primarily uses Bluetooth technology to track items. When your cat is wearing an AirTag, you can use your iPhone’s Find My app to see the last known location. If you’re within Bluetooth range, the app uses the Precision Finding feature to guide you to the AirTag by displaying an arrow and showing the distance between you and your cat. This feature works on iPhone 11 or newer models and helps locate your cat if they are within close range.
But what happens if your cat ventures outside the Bluetooth range?
In such cases, the AirTag uses Apple’s Find My Network to send out a Bluetooth signal. If another Apple device is nearby, it can pick up the signal and anonymously update the AirTag’s location in your Find My app. This feature is helpful in populated areas where other Apple users are around, but it’s less reliable in remote locations, such as forests or rural areas.
What is Lost Mode?
One of the most useful features of the AirTag is Lost Mode. When you enable Lost Mode in the Find My app, you’ll receive a notification if your AirTag is detected by another device in the Find My network. You can also include a phone number or email address in the Lost Mode message so that someone who finds your cat can contact you.
However, this feature is dependent on other Apple users being nearby. If your cat is lost in a remote area with no other Apple devices around, Lost Mode won’t help you locate them.
Can You Use the Apple AirTag for Cats?
Although the Apple AirTag wasn’t specifically designed for pets, you can certainly use it as a cat tracker. However, its effectiveness depends on the environment and circumstances. Because the AirTag is meant for stationary objects, it can struggle to track a moving pet, especially in low-signal areas or when the cat is constantly moving.
To use the AirTag with your cat, you’ll need to purchase a third-party AirTag holder or collar attachment, which can be found on Amazon or Etsy.
Testing the Apple AirTag for Cats: My Experience
As an Apple enthusiast, I was excited to test the AirTag on my cat. I used it in various environments, including in my house, backyard, and out in the woods, to see how well it would work in different situations.
In My House and Backyard
In my home and backyard, the AirTag worked reasonably well. The Precision Finding feature was fairly accurate, though it did give me the “Signal is weak. Try moving to a different location” message even when I was only a few feet away from the AirTag. While the AirTag eventually guided me to its location, the experience wasn’t always seamless.
In the Woods
Out in the woods, the AirTag’s performance dropped significantly. Since there were no other Apple devices nearby, the Find My Network feature couldn’t help me locate my cat. Even when I was within close range, the Precision Finding feature struggled to detect the AirTag’s signal. Only when I was within about 3 feet did the AirTag show up on my phone.
Pros and Cons of Using the Apple AirTag for Cats
Pros:
- Affordable: At $29 per AirTag, it’s an inexpensive tracking option.
- Small and Lightweight: Ideal for a cat’s collar.
- User-Friendly: Easily integrates with the Find My app, which is familiar to most Apple users.
- Lost Mode: A useful feature if your cat is in a populated area where other Apple devices are present.
Cons:
- Limited Range: Bluetooth range is around 30 feet, making it ineffective for long-range tracking.
- Inconsistent Precision: The Precision Finding feature can be finicky, even at close range.
- Not Designed for Pets: It’s intended for stationary objects, not moving animals.
- Relies on Find My Network: It’s only helpful in areas with other Apple devices.
When the Apple AirTag Works Well
- Locating Your Cat at Home: The AirTag is great for keeping track of your cat indoors.
- Tracking in Your Yard: It performs well when your cat is close by and within range of your phone.
- Urban Areas: In cities or areas with many Apple devices, the Find My Network can help track your cat if they go missing.
When the Apple AirTag Fails
- Tracking in the Woods: The AirTag struggles in remote locations with no nearby Apple devices.
- Cats on the Move: Since it’s not designed for moving objects, tracking an active cat can be unreliable.
Conclusion: Should You Use the Apple AirTag for Cats?
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable solution to track your cat at home or in your yard, the Apple AirTag can be a good option. It’s small, lightweight, and integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. However, for more adventurous cats or those who spend time in remote areas, the AirTag may not be the most reliable choice. In those cases, a dedicated pet tracking system like the Marco Polo might be a better investment.
FAQs
1. Can the Apple AirTag track my cat anywhere?
The AirTag works best in areas with other Apple devices nearby. In remote locations, it’s less effective.
2. How long does the Apple AirTag battery last?
The battery lasts about a year and can easily be replaced when needed.
3. Can I attach the Apple AirTag to any cat collar?
You’ll need a third-party collar attachment to secure the AirTag to your cat’s collar.
4. Is the Apple AirTag waterproof?
Yes, the AirTag can withstand water immersion up to 3.3 feet for 30 minutes.
5. What’s the best pet tracker if the AirTag isn’t enough?
For more reliable tracking, especially in remote areas, the Marco Polo or other pet-specific trackers are better options.
