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Best GPS Cat Trackers and Collars

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  November 19th, 2020

It’s a great idea to keep your kitties indoors, for several good reasons. But if you live in an area where it’s safe to let your cat spend some time outside, one way you can make sure she’ll stay safe and be easy to locate is by adding a GPS tracker to her collar. This type of product can also be useful if you let your feline friend explore your backyard while you supervise, in case she gets scared by something and runs off. And it’s also helpful if your pet has a tendency to run out the door even though she’s an indoor cat.

The Benefits of a GPS Tracker for Cats

Basically, a high-quality GPS tracker will be comfortable for your cat to wear, and it will connect to your mobile device so you can see where your pet is. In the event that your companion starts wandering off or doesn’t return home as expected, you can use the GPS to find her more quickly and easily.

Note: if you can fit a tracker and ID tag on your cat’s collar, you can rest assured that, in the event your pet gets lost, even if you aren’t able to track her down, someone might read the tag and contact you to bring her home.

Shopping for a GPS Tracker for Your Cat? Here Are Some Suggestions

There are quite a few pet GPS trackers on the market. Some are designed only for dogs, others are made with cats in mind, and still others are appropriate for both dogs and cats.

We took a look at some of the trackers and collars that are available for felines, and we’ve listed them below, in no particular order, to give you an idea of what’s available if you’re ready to shop for one.

1. Whistle 3 Dog & Cat GPS Tracker & Activity Monitor

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The Whistle 3 Dog & Cat GPS Tracker & Activity Monitor is an all-in-one location and activity tracker. It is also one of the more popular trackers for pets.

This product, which is waterproof and shock resistant, will easily attach to your kitty’s collar using the attachment that is included, so you don’t have to buy a special collar to use it. Then, it will connect with your smartphone via an app that provides GPS tracking so you can keep track of where your cat is. Plus, you can even use the app to track your pet’s activity every day.

Another feature is the Whistle Safe Places. Basically, you can customize a zone, such as the immediate area around your home, so you can get an alert by text, email, or through the app if your kitty goes beyond that zone. You can set up more than one of these, and if you get the alert that your pet is starting to wander too far, you can begin tracking her with the GPS and Google Maps by using the app.

All you need is Wi-Fi, along with the subscription to a Whistle service plan, which is an affordable monthly rate. This product works on a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that will last up to seven days, depending on the amount of use it gets, and it will recharge fully in two hours. Also, Whistle boasts nationwide coverage on the AT&T cellular network, and it utilizes advanced GPS, cellular technology, and Wi-Fi to pinpoint the location of your cat anywhere in the United States 24/7. This allows you to find your cat quickly when you need to.

This GPS tracker is designed to provide you with accurate and comprehensive tracking when your cat is exploring the great outdoors or ends up getting outside. It is recommended for pets that weigh more than 8 pounds. And it comes with a 90-day limited warranty.

2. Findster Duo+ Dog & Cat GPS Tracker & Activity Monitor + 1 Year Subscription

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With the Findster Duo+ Dog & Cat GPS Tracker & Activity Monitor + 1 Year Subscription, you can have everything that you need to keep a closer eye on your cat at all times. It works by tracking both activity and location in real time, even when you are off the grid, giving you the information that you need right on your smartphone.

This product, which is waterproof up to 3 feet, uses the brand’s MAZE technology, and you can wirelessly communicate with the tracker without a SIM card and without cell coverage. Plus, the radius is up to 3 miles.

You can define what you consider a safe area, and if your pet makes her way outside of that area, you will receive an alert right away. The battery can last up to 12 hours with the GPS on continuously, but it can last several days if you’re using the GPS intermittently instead.

With a 1-year subscription, you will not incur monthly fees. Plus, with a Findster Care Membership, you can gain access to a veterinarian 24/7, which can be really helpful if you have any questions about your cat’s well-being. And, because this device monitors your pet’s behavior over time, you and the vet might be able to pick up on changes that may alert you to potential health problems.

3. Jiobit Dog & Cat Location Monitor

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The Jiobit Dog & Cat Location Monitor is durable, lightweight, shock resistant, water resistant, and tiny, so it’s great for felines. And it is yet another tracker that can be attached to your pet’s collar easily so you can use it to know where she is at all times.

This tracker has progressive beaconing technology, so it utilizes a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS to help you keep an eye on your pet, and it does so accurately and reliably. Plus, in addition to that, it has a battery that is long-lasting, along with an unlimited range.

Like other trackers on this list, you can download the mobile app for the Jiobit so you can keep an eye on your pet’s movements. It has geofenced areas, live tracking, location updates, and real-time alerts, so you can always be informed of what your furry friend is up to. And with the timeline history, you can review anything you didn’t see happening in real time over the previous two days.

This product, which is compatible with Android and Apple products, is designed to fit on pets of all sizes, and you can use it on any collar, thanks to the multiple attachment options. It measures 1.46” x 1.97” x 0.47”, and it weighs a mere 0.64 ounces. The battery can last longer than a week on a single charge, but that will depend on factors like the strength of the Wi-Fi (you’ll receive notifications if the battery should be charged).

4. Tractive 3G GPS Dog and Cat Tracker

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Next up is the Tractive 3G GPS Dog and Cat Tracker, which is shock resistant, 100% waterproof, and recommended for pets that weigh more than 9 pounds. It is a GPS tracking device that’s lightweight (1.2 ounces), and it measures 2” x 1.6” x 0.6”. You can simply attach it to your pet’s harness or collar to start keeping an eye on where she goes, without any range limitation. Plus, with worldwide location tracking, you can use this product in more than 150 countries.

To start, just download the free Tractive GPS app to your mobile device (alternatively, you can use your browser on your computer). This will allow you to manage the product’s features, as well as see where your pet is located on a digital map 24/7.

What’s great about this product is that you can perform live tracking and pinpoint the location of your cat in real time, with the position updated every two to three seconds. You can even share that location with your family and friends, and you can also access the location history to see where your cat has been. Plus, you can establish a safe area with a virtual fence so you will get notifications instantly when your kitty moves out of that particular area.

To use this pet tracker, you need to select an affordable subscription plan because it uses GPS and cell phone towers. This subscription will ensure you are able to get the highest quality cellular service with an integrated SIM card. Also, this tracker runs on a rechargeable battery that charges up in about two hours and has a life of around two to five days.

5. Cube Pro Bluetooth Tracker

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The Cube Pro Bluetooth Tracker is a little bit different in terms of how it works (we explain it below). This tracker can be attached easily to your pet’s collar. Then, after downloading the Cube Tracker app, you will be able to connect the tracker to it so you can view a map and see where your cat has been. However, it does not track your pet’s movements in real time.

How does this product work? Well, it starts by using Bluetooth to connect with your mobile device. Then, it relies on your device’s GPS Location Services to give you information regarding where the tracker is, and you can get that information in the app. This means that the product itself doesn’t use GPS, and it also means that the Cube Pro tracker has to be within the standard Bluetooth range, which is up to 200 feet. From this distance, your tracker will be able to communicate with your app to tell you where your cat is.

This battery-powered tracker is compatible with Android and Apple products. It is waterproof, it boasts a 200-foot range, and it features a separation alarm. It measures 1.65” x 1.65” x 0.255”, and it can be used on cats of all ages and breeds who weigh more than 3 pounds.

The estimated battery life is 1 year, and the tracker is made of plastic and coated metal. Plus, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

A Couple of Options That Do Not Use GPS

6. Girafus Pro-TRACK-tor Cat Tracker

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For something that is a little different, check out the Girafus Pro-TRACK-tor pet tracker. It can work both indoors and outside, making it easier to find your cat if you lose her. The manufacturer of this product understands that cats are different from dogs, and they may end up hiding in areas where other GPS trackers fail to work. So if your kitty escapes out the door and ends up in your neighbor’s garage, for example, this tracker is designed to help you locate her quickly and easily.

This tracker, which can be attached to your pet’s collar, uses 2.4GHz RF technology, and it will not interfere with your other wireless devices. It is appropriate for small cats or dogs, and the tag is designed to be small and light, weighing 4.2 grams. It has a range of up to 1,600 feet (500 meters), and the direction indicator can help you find the right path to your pet.

To take advantage of this product’s features, you don’t have to worry about paying a monthly fee, which can’t be said of all GPS trackers for pets. Plus, you can use the tracker to keep an eye on up to four pets, as long as you buy additional tags (you only need one base unit). And it runs on rechargeable batteries that are included.

7. TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System

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Another product that’s a little different is the TabCat Pet Tracking Cat Collar Tracker System, which claims to be the #1 pet tracker in America. It allows you to find your pet easily within just 1 inch of her location, thanks to its accurate, award-winning tracking technology.

This product boasts state-of-the-art, proprietary RF-based directional technology, making it more accurate than GPS trackers. In fact, the manufacturer claims that its product is significantly more accurate when compared to products that rely on GPS. And, when compared to keyring finders, the technology that this tracker uses has a better range as well because it can find your cat up to 400 feet away.

With this robust, splash-proof, and lightweight tracker, which you can attach to your feline friend’s collar with ease, you can locate your kitty whether she’s indoors or outside. It weighs only 0.2 ounces, and it is appropriate for adult cats and kittens.

What’s also nice is that there aren’t any subscription fees to worry about to use this product after you purchase it. Just use the handset, which is the size of a credit card, to locate your pet. The handset uses sounds and color-coded lights to help you find your kitty. The red light means your pet is far from you, the amber light means she’s closer, and the green light means she is really close to you. Also, there is a locate button that causes a beep to sound on the tag, and the manufacturer claims you can train your pet to come home upon hearing that beep—but, of course, that would take quite a bit of work and a lot of patience.

The battery has a long life, and you can replace it whenever necessary. And it’s also worth mentioning that this product comes with a convenient 100% money back guarantee, so if you don’t like it for any reason, you can get a refund.

Worried About Your Cat Wandering Off or Getting Lost?

If you want to give your kitty access to fresh air and sunshine, but you’re worried about her wandering off and getting lost, you have a few options that don’t involve letting your cat explore freely and unsupervised:

  • An outdoor catio can be large enough to give your pet room to jump, lounge, watch wildlife, and even interact with you while in your backyard. If you’re the DIY type, you can build your own catio so you can customize it for your kitty, or you can purchase one that’s easy to set up instead.
  • No matter how big or small your backyard is, you can find the ideal outdoor enclosure for cats that will let your furry friend spend time outside safely.
  • You might be able to teach your cat to walk on a leash, and that will give you the chance to take your pet outside for a bit to look at wildlife, bask in the sunshine, and go on a little adventure with you. Check out our recommendations for leashes and harnesses.

A GPS Cat Tracker Can Give You Greater Peace of Mind

Whether your kitty likes to go exploring on her own, you like to go on outdoor adventures with your pet, or your cat has a habit of rushing to the door when you open it, a GPS tracker can give you loads of peace of mind. It can be there to help you reunite with your companion more quickly and easily than you would if she were wearing a regular collar and ID tag or no collar and tag at all, so it may be a wise investment into your pet’s well-being.

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Whether you’re stumped for a name for your new dog or cat, or you’re just curious to know what people are naming their pets these days, Rover has some answers for you. The company released a list of the most popular pet names of 2023, and the 11th annual Top Pet Names Report also sheds light on the inspiration behind the names.Here are some of the interesting findings that Rover shared.

Plumber's Hilarious Cat Rescue Mishap Goes Viral

It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

Camping Available at Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary

Are you searching for a pet-friendly camping solution for the upcoming travel season? If so, you’re in luck! Located in Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Sanctuary offers a beautiful getaway for animal lovers.The location offers hiking trails, children’s activities, the Sanctuary store, the Angel Village café, and, of course, the animal sanctuary. Whether you plan on staying for a night or more, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip while making a difference for the most vulnerable.Located on 3,700 acres, it is home to up to 1,600 animals on any given day. The animals in their care include cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and others.There are 18 RV sites with 30—and 50-amp power, septic, and water hookups. Free Wi-Fi is also available to visitors. While the sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers, any over 21 feet may have difficulty navigating the roads within the sanctuary, and it is recommended that these guests have a separate vehicle to get around during their stay.If you don’t have an RV, cottages and cabins are also available on-site. The most significant differences between these two options are the guest capacity and location. Cottages can accommodate groups of up to six, while cabins are designed for only one or two people. Unlike the cabins, which share a group patio area, each cottage has its own dedicated patio or deck.Visitors can reserve a tour of the sanctuary to see the beautiful views and the incredible work the organization is doing or sign up to volunteer. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to give back, dedicating a small portion of your vacation to helping around the sanctuary and leaving you with the good feeling of knowing you made a difference.You can schedule a volunteer shift up to a year in advance with tasks including:Walking the animalsPreparing and serving foodQuality time playing with or petting the animalsCleaning (dishes, mopping, etc.)Making toys or treatsGeneral maintenance and upkeep on the groundsThe minimum age for volunteering depends on the task, with the Bunny House and Parrot Garden accepting volunteers as young as eight.If camping isn’t your travel style, no problem. Five minutes down the road, you will find the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, a boutique pet-centric hotel. The location offers 40 rooms and suites, a complimentary vegan continental breakfast, an on-site pet grooming facility, and a dog park complete with a seasonal splash pad.With an allowed maximum of four pets per room and no pet fee, the hotel takes “pet-friendly” to a whole new level!Are you traveling without your pet and need to get your “fix” of cuddles and playtime? You can also host a sleepover with a dog or cat from the sanctuary at the hotel. Simply contact the hotel in advance to arrange for a furry sleepover guest.Of course, if you fall in love with an adoptable animal during your stay, you can always apply to add that furry (or feathered) friend to your family before leaving.Make your reservation to stay at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on their website today!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can I Teach A Cat Tricks?

Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.

How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?

Sure, cats tend to spend a lot of their day seemingly lazing about, basking in the sun, meticulously cleaning themselves, and snoozing away. However, that doesn’t mean that cats are not active animals that need daily exercise – they have an instinct to hunt, explore, and engage in different activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, cats can become bored, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues. This is why playtime is not “just” a matter of playing for felines. It meets their most basic needs and it's an essential component of their overall well-being.What Are the Benefits of Playtime for Cats?Engaging your cat in interactive play stimulates their cognitive abilities, keeping their minds sharp and active. Activities like chasing toys, solving puzzles, or hunting for treats mimic their natural hunting instincts, providing mental enrichment. Enrichment is crucial to prevent destructive behaviors, aggression, and other behavioral issues that stem from boredom and lack of mental stimulation. In addition to keeping your kitty’s mind sharp, playtime will keep them fit as a fiddle and in their top form. Regular play sessions help cats balance extra energy, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related health issues. It also promotes muscle tone, flexibility, and overall physical fitness, reducing the risk of joint problems as they age.Last but not least, interactive play presents a unique bonding opportunity. Playing together with your cat will strengthen your relationship, fostering trust and affection. It's a chance to spend quality time together and will provide your cat with a sense of security and happiness.How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?The importance of your cat having regular playtime is indisputable, but how much playtime do they need? Well, as it usually goes with these things, the answer will largely depend on your pet’s specific traits, such as their age, breed, and health status. However, for most cats, that “magic” number ends up being between 20 to 30 minutes of playtime each day. This could be your starting point to determine the right amount of play for your pet, just tailor it to their needs – for instance, younger cats and kittens will need longer and more frequent play sessions to burn off excess energy and engage their curious minds. How To Make Playtime Engaging for Your CatAs intelligent and sometimes finicky animals, cats can be a bit hard to please. A new toy might bore them in a matter of hours, or they might prefer scratching your couch rather than the new cat tree you bought them – but if you rely on the following tricks, it’s much likelier that your kitty will enjoy playtime.#1 Rotate ToysKeep your cat's interest piqued by rotating their toys regularly. Introduce new toys periodically to prevent boredom and stimulate their curiosity, but don’t overdo it – bringing home new toys too often will ensure they get bored of each one too quickly. #2 Variety is KeyExperiment with different types of toys, such as wand toys, laser pointers, puzzle feeders, and interactive play circuits. Cats have unique preferences, so observe what activities your cat enjoys most and tailor playtime accordingly. Usually, a safe bet is going for a catnip-filled toy such as the well-loved  Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy. Popular for its shape that makes it perfect for cats to grab onto and forcefully scratch with all fours, this toy will keep your kitty engaged thanks to the organic catnip stuffing that fills this banana-shaped toy to the brim.

What Should I Include in a Pet First Aid Kit?

As loving pet parents, we do everything possible to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. However, life is unpredictable, and accidents happen, so we must be prepared for unexpected emergencies. This includes ensuring we have a fully stocked, pet-friendly first aid kit available. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential items you should have on hand to care for your pet in those unforeseen moments. From basic cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries, you’ll be prepared to act as your pet’s first line of defense when it matters most. Can You Use a Human First Aid Kit on Dogs and Cats? Yes, sort of. Most of the items included in a human first aid kit can be used to treat your pet in the case of an emergency. You may be wondering – if they can use the same supplies, why do I need a first aid kit specifically for pets? Some items you won’t find in a human first aid kit may be necessary depending on your pet’s injury or ailment. These could address a problem that only a dog or cat could experience, or they may involve finding alternatives for human products that are unsafe for our pets, like human medications. What Human First Aid Products Can Be Used on Dogs and Cats? Most standard items in your first aid kit can be used on dogs and cats. For example, bandages, gauze pads, ice packs, and medical tape are all suitable for pets. They are the exact same items often included in both human and pet first aid kits. Tools like scissors, latex gloves, and tweezers will also be helpful when performing first aid on a pet. This means that if you currently have a standard human first aid kit at home, you are already well on your way to being prepared to take care of your pet in an emergency. To update your human first aid kit and make it suitable for pets, you will just need to add a few important items:

How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

RSPCA Blames Film and Social Media for Overcrowding in Shelters

UK rescues dealing with influx of super-trendy, uber-fashionable pedigree felines.

Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

Would you say that your pet help you feel better during the pandemic? Countless pet parents, myself included, would say they experienced less stress and anxiety during lockdown thanks to their four-legged companions. However, a new study led by researchers from Michigan State University suggests otherwise. Researchers couldn’t find a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though owners claimed pets improved their lives. The pandemic was extremely stressful for everyone. The research team from Michigan State University theorized that the pandemic created ideal conditions to determine how much happiness and comfort pets actually provide to their families. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, evaluated 767 people on three separate occasions in May 2020. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, looking at several indicators of well-being. They also asked owners in an open-ended question to think about the role of pets. Unsurprisingly, pet owners reported their pets made them happy. Owners claimed pets help them feel more positive emotions and provide companionship and affection, but also expressed worry about their pet’s well-being and reported their pets interfered with working remotely. But when researchers compared the happiness of pet owners to levels seen in non-pet owners they made a surprising discovery. Shockingly, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and non-pet owners over time. The research team explained that it did not matter what type of pet people owned, how many pets they had, or how close owners were with their pets. The personalities of the owners weren’t a factor either. “People say pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness that doesn’t appear to be the case,” said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, in a university release. “People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it’s unlikely to be as transformative as people think,” added Chopik. The research team also explored several other potential reasons as to why there was no difference in the happiness levels of pet owners and non-pet owners. The most likely reason might be that non-pet owners have found ways to fill their lives with activities and interests that make them as happy as owning a pet would. “Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and maybe costly, given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness,”  said Chopik. Another study, involving 4,237 people, beginning at the start of the pandemic and ending in December 2021, had similar findings. Although owners grew closer to their pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic, that didn’t stave off stress.In fact, the lowest stress levels were seen in non-pet owners. When you think about it, these results kind of make sense - pet owners had an additional mouth to feed during the lockdown and had limited opportunities to take their dogs out for a walk or play session. The results of these studies are surprising, to say the least. I was positive that I was happier than my poochless friends during the lockdown, but guess that wasn’t the case. After thinking about this a bit more, I realized that maybe we shouldn’t expect so much from our four-legged companions. Yes, there are many benefits to owning a pet, and pets can make us happy, but ultimately happiness depends on ourselves. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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