Cat tracking devices e.g Loc8tor Pet - any recommendations

[WalkingThePlank]

After our recent missing cat debacle, I'm looking for something we can attach to the cat track her if she goes missing.

Has anyone use a Loc8tor Pet? Is it comfortable for the pet? Are the replacements expensive if pet loses collar?

Is there anything else you would recommend?

TIA

[CheeseandPickledOnion]

I wouldn't recommend the one for cats. The range is shite, and if they lose collars regularly it will end up costing you - around £40 for two tags + waterproof cases.

[fenneltea]

I have loc8tor tags for mine, we looked into it and decided that the proper gps type would be far too heavy and bulky for a cat.

I'm not sure they're that effective, I've found three collars minus the cats with it, and keeping a collar on has its own risks too.

I found it useful when we let a new cat out initially, and if I had an elderly cat that might wander it could be handy, but for your average active moggie I think losing the collar is the major problem. If you do use one I'd make sure you get the tags that attach to the collar rather than the tag dangling - if they get wet in a water bowl they don't work!

[thecatneuterer]

Everything Fennel said. I use them for 'at risk' cats - those that are ill, and so likely to go off to hide if they feel they're dying, those that are very, very stupid and so will be 'lost' if they even manage to get to the next garden, and for one that got dementia and used to try to escape at the front of the house and then would wander in a confused way.

For all those they've been very useful. And yes, they have managed to lose the odd collar, but it's been relatively easy to 'locate' it again.

Whether they would have found your missing cat (so glad she's home!) though I don't know. The range isn't great, and through doors/walls it's worse. What I've done though, with my locator in hand, is to knock on doors and ask to be let though to the back of each (or at least every other) house so that i could wave it around, pointing particularly at sheds and garages. That would probably have worked for you.

I think it's worth having.

[thecatneuterer]

and of course if you're putting leaflets through letterboxes you can wave your locator at their garage at the same time.

[chockbic]

You'll have to buy two locators, to locate the missing locator

They are probably worth a go, in absence of a better solution.

[fenneltea]

Forgot to say that you also have to be prepared to be seen as even madder than your neighbours might have suspected. When one of mine goes missing it's the usual calling etc, then the walking round with the locator beeping, zig zagging about when it picks up a signal and finally reducing myself to asking neighbours if I can scramble through the holly hedge, climb a tree, or crawl under their car to get the collar and tag! :D Blooming cats!

[RubbishMantra]

I have loca8tors on both of my cats, and I wouldn't be without them. They wear the quick release collars,but have managed not to lose them. I think they feel quite dandy wearing them. :D

Always use the snap quick release collars though. The elastic ones can cause hideous injuries. You can buy replacement collar attachments from Loc8tors.

The other night, when it was blowing a gale MCat didn't come home. Instead of roaming the streets endlessly, we found him really quickly.
I've trained them like Pavlov's dogs, and when the bleep goes off on the collar, they associate it with a treat. (Dreamies)

[RubbishMantra]

Haha Fenneltea, are you sure you're not me?

[fenneltea]

Nice to know I'm not alone in my cat crazy antics Rubbishmantra