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FitBark, a renowned pet technology company, makes pet owners aware of its exceptional status and innovative products that help monitor and improve their pets’ health and activity levels. I couldn’t review a better product than this, especially when combined with the features of our Pawrpose app.
FitBark, a leader in pet tech, has built a reputation for creating top-quality products designed to help pet owners monitor and improve their pets’ health and well-being. Although often associated with dogs, the FitBark GPS Activity Tracker works just as well for cats, offering unique insights into your feline’s daily activity, sleep patterns, and even real-time location. We tested this device with our curious, occasionally mischievous cat, and here’s our take on whether it’s worth the investment.
Setting up the FitBark GPS tracker is refreshingly simple. In the box, you’ll find the device, a charger, two protective covers, and a set of zip ties for attaching the tracker securely to your cat’s collar. The FitBark app guides you through a few quick steps:
The app also has social features, so you can add other pet owners to your circle or discover new “friends” in your area, creating a virtual pet community for insights and motivation.
At just 16 grams, the FitBark GPS is exceptionally lightweight, making it one of the most cat-friendly trackers on the market. It’s slim enough that cats of all sizes, even kittens, can wear it comfortably without fuss. The tracker attaches directly to your cat’s collar using two zip ties, secured with a small, bone-shaped cover that protects the device from scratches and adds an extra bit of style. While this design holds the device firmly in place, switching collars requires cutting and reapplying zip ties—something to consider if your cat frequently changes collars.
FitBark’s standout feature is its health monitoring, tracking metrics like sleep quality, calorie burn, and activity levels. This feature is helpful for cats, but it’s particularly robust for dogs who generally engage in more structured activities, such as walking, running, or playing fetch. FitBark uses a point-based system called BarkPoints to score activity, with categories for resting, active, and play.
The device calculates a Health Index and Sleep Score based on typical activity for your pet’s breed, weight, and age. For dogs, these metrics are incredibly helpful for tracking daily exercise, weight management, and identifying changes in behavior. In our experience, the FitBark app was better equipped to track and report health trends for dogs than for cats, whose activity patterns are often more subtle.
FitBark advertises a battery life of up to five weeks, but actual performance varies depending on factors like WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. In areas with poor reception, the device may drain faster as it constantly tries to reconnect. In our experience, the battery lasted about one week, largely due to limited connectivity in our rural location. That said, in urban areas or locations with strong WiFi and cell signals, you’re likely to experience much longer battery life.
A subscription is required for real-time GPS tracking and health monitoring, with monthly plans starting at $5.95 for a three-year plan or $9.95 per month if you choose monthly billing. For those primarily interested in health metrics without GPS tracking, the FitBark 2 Health Monitor (without GPS) is a more budget-friendly, subscription-free choice. This may be a good option for cat owners who don’t need location tracking but still want to monitor health data.
The FitBark GPS Activity Tracker offers some unique features for cat owners, including health and activity monitoring and optional GPS tracking. However, it’s ultimately designed with dogs in mind, and dogs benefit most from its features. Dog owners will find the device’s GPS tracking and health metrics well-suited for keeping tabs on their pet’s daily activity, especially if they’re looking for a way to ensure their pup’s fitness, monitor health, or prevent wandering.
Highly Recommended for Dogs:
Usable but Less Ideal for Cats:
In conclusion, while the FitBark can be used for cats, dog owners will experience the fullest benefits from this well-crafted device. If you have a dog, we highly recommend the FitBark GPS for its robust tracking, easy-to-use app, and powerful health insights.
