Cat microchip tracking via phone app

[magicmoments]

Does this exist, that a cat can be tracked via their microchip via an app? I've been told today that scarsdale do one. My cats aren't with Scarsdale though, but it would be great if possible. Surely should be in this day and age with technology. Don't like the idea of a tracking collar, quick release or not.

 

[SOS]

I’m not aware of one. The microchips placed in animals are normally very low range and not GPS or anything like that.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Not unless they have incorporated a GPS system into the latest chips.

 

[Boulty]

Not that I know of. Would be awesome if it could be a thing but if you look at the size of any GPS tracking thingy (even air tags aren’t exactly small… I’ve yet to see anything that I’d be happy to put on a small or medium sized cat which is a shame as would be very handy to be able to track the Horrid one!) vs the size of a microchip I can’t see how it would be in any way feasible right now.

 

[Boulty]

Musing here but are they maybe meaning their chips can be scanned and read by a specific phone app perhaps? This would also be awesome tbf as would make keeping chip details up to date way easier & potentially make reuniting lost pets with owners easier as well

 

[magicmoments]

Musing here but are they maybe meaning their chips can be scanned and read by a specific phone app perhaps? This would also be awesome tbf as would make keeping chip details up to date way easier & potentially make reuniting lost pets with owners easier as well

I didn't think they were, but wondering now, after the replies I've received I must admit.

 

[poiuytrewq]

No, as I believe all gps trackers need charging etc
I really wanted one!

 

[poiuytrewq]

Not that I know of. Would be awesome if it could be a thing but if you look at the size of any GPS tracking thingy (even air tags aren’t exactly small… I’ve yet to see anything that I’d be happy to put on a small or medium sized cat which is a shame as would be very handy to be able to track the Horrid one!) vs the size of a microchip I can’t see how it would be in any way feasible right now.

The Tractive ones actually aren’t that huge once on. It certainly didn’t stop our cat, who’s not big doing a surprising amount of walking a day!

 

[Umbongo]

I didn't think this was a thing as the GPS technology is not small enough, but one day hopefully!

 

[Nasicus]

You can get cat collars that hold an apple airtag, could be an option? You do still have the limitations of an airtag, but at least if the cat loses the collar you should be able to find it again haha

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I'd really be interested in this device. One of my Pussies for some reason takes herself off at regular intervals. When she does return she is as fat as a pudding, so I'm thinking that someone somewhere is feeding the naughty beastie.

I'd love to know where she's going. I've put cardboard collars on her with my mobile no on before now, asking for anyone to ring me if they see her and that she is NOT homeless, but have never had any response. Ditto have put her on the village FB page asking people please not to feed her.

Blimmin thing.

 

[magicmoments]

You can get cat collars that hold an apple airtag, could be an option? You do still have the limitations of an airtag, but at least if the cat loses the collar you should be able to find it again haha

Really don't want a collar. Always worried they won't release when necessary, but as you say if they did you'd be able to find the collar, if not the cat.

 

[magicmoments]

Well, it's not looking hopeful judging by your replies, but will try and give my local Scarsdale vets a call just to check one way or the other.

 

[Britestar]

Microchips are not gps.

The number of times when I worked in a vets that we got asked to 'activate' a chip to find a lost animal.

 

[magicmoments]

Microchips are not gps.

The number of times when I worked in a vets that we got asked to 'activate' a chip to find a lost animal.

I'm well aware they aren't normally. It was information I was given by someone else. Tech is moving on all the time, so even if it isn't now, I'm dam sure it will be.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I'm well aware they aren't normally. It was information I was given by someone else. Tech is moving on all the time, so even if it isn't now, I'm dam sure it will be.

I hope so one day. It would save a lot of hassle.

Those thinking air tags. Just look carefully at them. The way of finding them as I understand is like “find my phone” it gives a location as long as you and your phone are in the area then pings. I just think if I was close enough to my cat to ping and hear him he wouldn’t be missing so they seem good for things in the house or car that don’t come when you call or can slip down the sofa but I’m not sure about an animal.

 

[Keith_Beef]

Does this exist, that a cat can be tracked via their microchip via an app? I've been told today that scarsdale do one. My cats aren't with Scarsdale though, but it would be great if possible. Surely should be in this day and age with technology. Don't like the idea of a tracking collar, quick release or not.

No.

The chip implanted in an animal has no power supply of its own. To read the chip, the scanner sends out radio waves; the chip converts the energy in the radio waves into a very tiny amount of electricity that is then used to send back the serial number to the scanner as radio waves again.

A longer explanation is here.

 

[Nasicus]

I hope so one day. It would save a lot of hassle.

Those thinking air tags. Just look carefully at them. The way of finding them as I understand is like “find my phone” it gives a location as long as you and your phone are in the area then pings. I just think if I was close enough to my cat to ping and hear him he wouldn’t be missing so they seem good for things in the house or car that don’t come when you call or can slip down the sofa but I’m not sure about an animal.

They ping off of other apple devices in the area if I recall correctly, so as long as there's people with iphones in the area you can track it.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Ah ok. Still no use for me sadly as the nearest iPhone could be mikes away. Good idea for a busier area though.