In this guide, I will look at a series of collar cameras that work especially well for cats so you can keep tabs on your pet when they’re off on adventures.
I’m a long-time pet owner who has a personal background working with all kinds of technology. I’ve also used several collar cameras in my life. That enabled me to conduct the research and testing needed to adequately review the models outlined below.
I believe the GoPro Hero to be the best camera for your cat’s collar due to how much resolution and how many specs it delivers in a durable but compact package.
The camera is a high-quality item that’s lightweight, versatile, and comes with stellar resolution. As an action camera, it’s made to film while moving around and is completely waterproof. Both of those aspects ensure it won’t get damaged no matter how far your cat roams.
Though the GoPro Hero is a great cat collar camera, it’s not alone. There are several other exceptional options. I take a deep look at all of them in the following article.
Contents
Top Cat Collar Cameras
Here, I break down my picks for the top cat camera collars by doing an in-depth review of each one’s unique characteristics and their best uses.
1. GoPro Hero
- Best for: Overall
- Key Features: 2-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Compatible GoPro app. Waterproof and durable. Lightweight. Compact.
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 2.44 x 1.26 inches
- Weight: 4.16 ounces
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
While not a collar, the GoPro Hero is a fantastic investment for cat owners who are serious about seeing or tracking what their pet does during their outdoor excursions. The lightweight camera is compact enough to work with a collar, but it can also be used with a harness mount.
This model is premium in every sense of the word. The 2-inch touchscreen allows you to easily swipe through your cat’s videos, while the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth both enhance the general usability. You also get exceptional resolution and stability no matter where your cat goes.
As this is a GoPro model, it does cost quite a bit more than all of the other models on my list. However, the exceptional recording quality, strong specs, and app integration are all worth the price. If you don’t mind paying for the absolute best quality, this is the way to go.
2. Facamworld Spy Cam
- Best for: Lightweight
- Key Features: Exceptional night vision. Wireless. Clear resolution with live streaming video through the app. Playback and full video control.
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Resolution: 1080p
- Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.8 x 1.9 inches
This small but powerful camera makes my list because it easily clips onto your cat’s collar without any hassle and still gives you exceptional 1080p recording. It easily stays out of the way, and the low profile design means your cat won’t notice it any more than their collar.
One of the biggest draws of this device over similar options is that it works well at night. If your pet likes to go out after dark, you’ll still be able to see where they go and what adventures they’ve gotten up to. The integrated app is also quite useful and gives you more options.
The only downside to this device is the battery lasts for three to four hours. It also takes a long time to charge. However, if you’re someone who only needs a few hours of footage rather than all day this is a great low-profile option that will hold up for a while.
3. Uncle Milton Pet’s Eye View Camera
- Best for: Simplicity
- Key Features: Lightweight, clip-on design. Auto-interval settings. Easy to use. Clip-n
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.6 x 2 inches
- Resolution: 640 x 480
Another great clip-on option, Uncle Milton Pet’s Eye View Camera is a lightweight device that captures photos of your cat’s various trips outside. This is nothing fancy, but it does its job quite well. That makes it a great choice for owners who want something simple they can buy and use.
You get 40 photos total, all of which can be printed in 4 x 6 inch prints. There are also great auto interval settings (1, 5, and 15 minutes) for some added versatility and control. All you have to do is put this on your cat’s collar and let them roam around.
Just know that, as this is a simpler camera, you aren’t getting a ton of extra features or more advanced tools. This isn’t for recording, and you shouldn’t expect amazing quality. Even so, if you just want some insight into your cat’s life, it’s hard to get better value than what this offers.
4. Puhui Pet Collar
- Best for: Budget
- Key Features: Extremely lightweight and compact. Solid battery life. Affordable price point. Bluetooth capability. LCD screen. Micro SD slot for additional storage.
- Weight: 0.35 ounces
- Dimensions: 2.17 x 2.01 x 1.18 inches
- Power Source: Battery
This collar from Puhui is another simple option perfect for users on a budget or those who don’t want to spend too much on their cat collar camera. Despite the lower price point, it still delivers quality video, a strong battery life, and comes with full Bluetooth compatibility.
Beyond that, this affordable device captures in AVI format and has a strong LCD screen on the back. You can also use it to take interval pictures if you want to switch up the usual recording. The fact that it comes with a collar and shows you recording times is just an added bonus.
The only downside to this option is that it’s not the easiest to set up. While the usability is fine, it can take a while to figure out. If you’re willing to put in the work or don’t mind spending a little more time getting used to the entire process, you’ll get a good budget-friendly option.
5. Jiobit Location Monitor
- Best for: Tracker
- Key Features: Extremely small and lightweight. Advanced security. Long-lasting battery. Comfortable rubber construction.
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 1.96 x 1.45 x 0.47 inches
- Battery Life: 20 days
This tracker from Jiobit is another excellent option that, while not a camera, does wonder when it comes to keeping updates on your pet. It gives you GPS whereabouts on your cat’s wandering without every getting in the way thanks to the incredibly small design.
This tracker comes with excellent security and encryption. It also lasts over 20 days, which means you’ll be able to get plenty of data or information without needing a new charge. The device is also quite tough and comes with waterproofing if your cat goes outside during winter.
The only downside to this device is that, as it is a premium option, it does require a subscription plan to work. If you’re willing to join that, however, you’re going to get strong results. It’s also worth mentioning, the rubber on the outside can show some wear pretty quickly.
How to Choose a Cat Collar Camera
The following traits are vital to keeping in mind when picking out a collar camera for your cat.
Stability and Image Quality
Cats move around quite a bit. As such, you need a camera with a strong resolution that works in all types of light. You also want something that’s able to reduce blur and keeps its quality no matter where your feline friend wants to jump, crawl, dash, or run.
Make sure your collar camera mounts on well and that it stays reasonably stable. If you don’t, you’re going to get a lot of blurry footage or shots that you can’t quite make out. High-resolution options help with that issue as well. Always favor high-quality cameras when possible.
Weight and Size
Of course, you never want your camera to weigh down your cat or prevent them from being able to properly move. No matter how good the specs are, a camera needs to be lightweight and compact. When getting a collar option, the golden rule is that lighter is always better.
That won’t just make it easier on your cat, it also means the camera has less of a chance of being accidentally knocked off. Compact options stay close to your feline and blend in with their collar rather than being a bulky or annoying attachment they won’t like.
Toughness
You never know where your cat will go. In fact, that’s why you want to get them a collar camera in the first place. The animals like to move around quite a bit, which is why you need to get a device that’s able to properly withstand their adventures through the great outdoors.
Durable collar cameras are a must-have regardless of where you live. Even if you’re in a pleasant or calm area, you never know when your cat might jump, bump, or fall. If you let your cat out during wet conditions, keep that in mind as well.
My Verdict
In my opinion, no cat collar camera can match the GoPro Hero. This model delivers everything the company is known for in a tight package. It may not be a true collar option, but it’s easy to get onto your cat thanks to the lightweight design and various available harnesses.
You’re definitely paying more for this option, but it has every single trait cat owners will value when tracking their pet. If you don’t mind the tag, it’s hard to get something more reliable or with a better resolution.