Tractive Cat 6 Mini Review: Smart Collar with AI Health Tracking for Cats

The Tractive Cat 6 Mini, a smart collar designed specifically for cats, was released in spring and tested on an indoor cat named Basil for a month. Unlike previous models that attached to existing collars, this device is the collar itself and must be removed for charging on a proprietary magnetic charger, taking about three hours to fully charge. It offers health metrics including heart and respiratory rates, activity and sleep tracking, and AI-powered weekly reports comparing the cat to similar ones. The collar weighs 1.1 ounces, fits necks 7.5 to 9 inches, and is suitable for cats 6.6 to 17.6 pounds. Subscription plans range from $10 per month for one year to $5 per month for five years, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee and two-year warranty. During testing, the battery lasted four days for an indoor cat, and GPS accuracy varied. The reviewer found health stats accurate but noted difficulties with the clasp and charging. The device uses a three-axis accelerometer and cellular sync, with options to opt out of data sharing. Heart rate readings for Basil were lower than normal, prompting a vet visit. Respiratory rate averaged 20 breaths per minute, within normal range. Location alerts were sometimes delayed or false, especially when battery was low. Overall, the collar provides valuable health insights but has battery and accessibility drawbacks.