How I Track My Cat with an Apple AirTag

How I Track My Cat with an Apple AirTag

As a cat parent, one of my biggest fears is my fur baby wandering too far from home. Cats are natural explorers, and even the most well-behaved indoor cats can slip outside when you least expect it. I needed a simple and affordable way to track my cat’s location, and that’s when I discovered a game-changer—Apple AirTags.

If you’ve ever worried about losing your cat, keep reading to learn how I use an Apple AirTag to track my cat, plus the pros and cons of this method!

Why I Chose an Apple AirTag for My Cat

There are plenty of pet trackers on the market, but many require a monthly subscription and are bulkier than I’d like. Apple AirTags, on the other hand, are:

Affordable (a one-time purchase, no monthly fees!)
Lightweight (perfect for small pets like cats)
Easy to use (no complicated setup)
Long-lasting (battery lasts up to a year)

While AirTags weren’t designed specifically for pets, they work surprisingly well when attached to a cat’s collar!

How I Set Up My Cat’s AirTag

1️⃣ Choose a Secure Collar

The first step was finding a breakaway collar with an AirTag holder. Since safety is my #1 priority, I made sure the collar would release if my cat ever got stuck on something.

2️⃣ Pair the AirTag with My iPhone

Setting up the AirTag was easy:

  • I pulled the plastic tab to activate it.
  • I held it next to my iPhone and followed the on-screen instructions.
  • I named it "Gizmo's Tracker" in the Find My app.

3️⃣ Attach It to the Collar

I placed the AirTag into a protective holder and secured it to my cat’s collar. The AirTag is small and lightweight, so my cat barely noticed it!

4️⃣ Track My Cat with the Find My App

Whenever I need to check on Gizmo, I open the Find My app to see her location on the map. If he's nearby but I can’t see her, I use the Play Sound feature to help me find her!

Pros and Cons of Using an AirTag for a Cat

✅ Pros

Budget-friendly compared to GPS trackers
No monthly subscription required
Lightweight and comfortable for cats
Find My network updates location if they wander too far

❌ Cons

Not a real-time GPS tracker (updates depend on nearby Apple devices)
Only works where Apple devices are present (less effective in rural areas)
Collar safety is crucial (always use a breakaway collar!)

My Final Thoughts

Using an Apple AirTag to track my cat has given me peace of mind without breaking the bank. It’s not a perfect replacement for a GPS pet tracker, but for casual tracking, it works great!

If you want to keep an eye on your adventurous cat, an AirTag might be the perfect affordable tracking solution.

💬 Have you tried using an AirTag for your pet? Let me know in the comments!

📲 Follow @BarkUpBargains on Instagram and TikTok for more pet tips & deals!

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