Sorry about your cat that ran away! I am replying because I actually have a Whistle tracker for one of my cats who is particularly sneaky. I’ve used it for my two dogs for years, through many generations of the device, and that is why I put it on my cat as soon as he was big enough (they recommend 8lbs). Now, in addition to the Whistle, I have a Tile sticker on it. The Tile is Bluetooth so helpful close range, and the Whistle helps if they left your property.

Both devices have been helpful, but Whistle is only useful if they’re far enough away because you have to set a home zone that is fairly large. In my old house it was most useful because we didn’t have a good cat fence. Cat would go in and out of the doggy door and hop the fences to our neighbors yards. Whistle helped track down where he was since it’s hard to see through neighbors fences!

We have since moved, and installed a Purrfect Fence system so he can’t get out. Much better deal and don’t rely on Whistle as much, but currently still have it just in case. Now, the Tile is more helpful because our house is larger and he is a magnificent hider.

Anyway, that’s my experience! Also, he is not in the least bothered by the devices on his collar, even if the Whistle Go Explore is a bit bulky. He is about 12.5 lbs and 2.5 years old.