Apple’s AirTag can be used to track a variety of things, but when it comes to keeping a virtual eye on a cat, the item tracker might not be as useful as some would expect. Technically, there’s nothing stopping a user from buying an AirTag cat collar, and many places are already selling them online. However, here’s what you should know before buying one.
The AirTag is a powerful item tracker as it combines various different tracking technologies into one product. For example, when within range, Bluetooth can be used to find an item, and when even closer, Apple’s ultra-wideband technology can help to pinpoint with even greater accuracy. When out of range, Apple’s substantial and impressive Find My network steps in to help narrow down the search to within Bluetooth and ultra-wideband range.
Since the release of AirTag, many have been discovering new and novel ways to use the item tracker. One that seems to be proving fairly popular is its use as a way to monitor the family pet. However, while Apple doesn’t deny that an AirTag can be used in this way, it also doesn’t recommend it either. Just like when it comes to tracking people, an AirTag can prove to be problematic for pets, and especially cats.
Problems With Tracking A Cat With An AirTag
While an AirTag can certainly be attached to a collar and used to monitor the whereabouts of a cat, it is not a foolproof system. For one thing, and in spite of its various tracking abilities, there are times when an AirTag won’t be able to find a cat. For example, if out of close range and reliant on the Find My network, then the cat will need to be in somewhat close proximity to an Apple device connected to the network to be able to ping back the location. When it comes to cats, especially those that are lost and stranded, it is more likely they will avoid people and busier locations where other Apple devices are likely to be located. Essentially, if hiding, the ability for the AirTag to display the location could be greatly reduced and even eliminated.
There is also the issue of the cat’s general comfort and wellbeing to take into consideration. While many might be thinking about using an AirTag to track a cat as a means to protect the pet, not all cats take kindly to collars in general, let alone one that has a coin-sized tracker attached to it. Furthermore, similar to other item trackers, AirTags are designed to sound off an alarm when they’ve been separately from the owner for a period of time. The sound is meant to make it easier for those nearby to find the item, but it could prove problematic and confusing for a cat, especially one that’s already lost and scared. Overall, just because an AirTag cat collar can be used to track a cat, doesn’t mean it should or will be suitable for all cats.
