GPS Trackers: Are They Necessary for Indoor Maine Coons?#

There is a terrifying myth that Maine Coons are “too big to lose.” Owners think, “He’s 20 pounds; he’s not going to run away.”

The reality is that Maine Coons are fast, strong, and highly desirable to thieves. If your indoor-only cat slips out the door, their size doesn’t protect them—it makes them a target.

I keep GPS trackers on both my cats, even though they never leave the house. Why? Because accidents happen. A contractor leaves a door ajar. A window screen pops out.

However, putting a tracker on a cat is tricky. Most are designed for dogs. They are heavy, bulky, and can cause matting in that thick neck ruff. Here is the breakdown of the best tracking tech for our fluffy giants.

Option 1: The AirTag (Bluetooth)#

Pros:

Cheap (No monthly fee).
Small and lightweight.
Battery lasts a year.

Cons:

Not true GPS: It relies on other iPhones being nearby to ping the location. If your cat runs into deep woods, it won’t work.
Range: Limited to Bluetooth range (~30-50 feet) for precision finding.

Verdict: Excellent for “semi-rural” or suburban areas where there are lots of people with iPhones.

Mounting: Do not let the AirTag dangle. It will dip into their water bowl or annoy them. Buy a “Slide-On” silicone holder that keeps the tag flush against the collar.

Option 2: True GPS (Tractive / Jiobit)#

Pros:

Real-time tracking: You can see your cat moving on a map, anywhere in the world.
Virtual Fences: Get an alert the second they leave your yard.

Cons:

Subscription: You have to pay a monthly cellular fee ($5-$12/mo).
Battery: Needs charging every 3-7 days.
Size: These are bulkier.

Verdict: Mandatory for owners who take their cats on leash walks or have catios that could potentially be breached. The peace of mind is worth the subscription.

Option 3: Radio Frequency (RF) (Tabcat)#

Pros:

Pinpoint Accuracy: It guides you to within 1 inch of the cat (even through walls). GPS generally has a 10-30 foot variance.
Tiny: The smallest tag option, great for sensitive cats.

Cons:

Short Range: Only works up to ~400 feet. If they bolt miles away, it’s useless.

Verdict: Best for finding a cat hiding inside your house (closets, basements) or just in the neighbor’s bushes.

The Collar Dilemma: Fur and Safety#

The biggest challenge with Maine Coons is their neck ruff. A heavy collar can mat the fur, causing pain.

Breakaway is Non-Negotiable: A 20lb cat can hang themselves on a fence if the collar doesn’t snap open under pressure. Never use a dog collar.
Silk Lining: Look for collars lined with satin or silk to reduce friction on the mane.
Check Weekly: Remove the collar once a week to comb the neck fur. If you don’t, the collar will essentially “felt” into the hair.

Conclusion#

If you invest $2,000 in a purebred Maine Coon and thousands more in vet care, spending $30 on an AirTag is the cheapest insurance policy you will ever buy. It might feel paranoid, until the day the front door blows open in a storm. On that day, that little beep is the sound of your family staying together.

Resources & Further Reading#

Preventive Vet. (2023). Microchips vs. GPS Trackers.
New York Times Wirecutter. (2024). The Best Pet Trackers.