I keep seeing questions about how the new CAT 6 Mini compares to the older CAT Mini, so here’s a clean breakdown. Also, a big thank you to the person asking this question! I'm sure many cat owners appreciate it.

TL;DR:

Key differences between CAT 6 Mini and CAT Mini:

• CAT 6 Mini = newer design with an ergonomic curved tracker built into an integrated collar, longer battery (up to 7 days with a Power Saving Zone), and vital signs support (resting heart rate + resting respiratory rate).
• CAT Mini = older “classic” cat tracker form factor, shorter battery (up to 5 days with a Power Saving Zone) and no heart/respiratory rate (activity + sleep are the main health metrics)
• Charging differs: CAT 6 Mini uses magnetic charging, CAT Mini uses a clip charger
• They’re the same tracker-only weight (25 g), but the total worn weight differs a lot depending on collar setup.

Tractive CAT 6 Mini (NEW)

• Recommended minimum weight: 3 kg (6.6 lb) and above
• Design: ergonomic curved design, snug fit, tracker is part of an integrated collar
• Colors (as sold on Tractive’s cat tracker page): black, brown, lavender
• Dimensions: 95 × 20 × 13 mm (3.7 × 0.8 × 0.5 in)
• Weight: 25 g (0.88 oz)
• Weight with integrated collar: 32 g (1.13 oz)
• Collar length options:
  • Regular: 19–23 cm (7.5–9 in)
  • Long: 22–27 cm (8.5–10.5 in)
• Battery life: up to 7 days with Power Saving Zones (up to ~4 days without PSZ)
• Charging: magnetic charger, full charge ~2 hours
• Health features (cats): Activity + Sleep plus Resting Heart Rate + Resting Respiratory Rate

Tractive CAT Mini

• Recommended minimum weight: 3 kg (6.6 lb) and above
• Design: smaller “classic” tracker body that attaches to a collar (Tractive lists weight w/ the included Rogz collar separately)
• Color (commonly listed): midnight blue
• Dimensions: 55 × 28 × 17 mm (2.2 × 1.1 × 0.7 in)
• Weight: 25 g (0.88 oz)
• Weight with included Rogz collar: 42 g (1.48 oz)
• Battery life: up to 5 days with Power Saving Zones (about ~2 days without PSZ)
• Charging: clip charger that attaches to the tracker (Tractive says ~1 hour for a full charge)
• Health features (cats): Activity + Sleep (no resting heart/respiratory rate on CAT Mini)

What's your take? Would you buy the newer model and why?

Here's why 'charging time' could be turned into 'tick check' time.

TL;DR: Ticks look for spots where they won't be brushed off or easily seen. The area directly underneath the tracker mount is a prime spot for them (speaking from experience here).

So here's how to spot them in time:

1. Remove the device daily or every time you return from a wooded area.
2. Feel for bumps specifically under the collar or harness straps. (When checking my cat, I usually find the ticks under the collar or behind his ears).
3. Check the tracker clip itself to make sure no tiny ticks are clinging to the plastic.
4. f you spot a tick nest or a high-risk area, you can also report it under Danger Reports in the Tractive app directly. This alerts other pet owners in your area so they can keep an eye on their pets too.

Checking for ticks is an annoying task, I know, but it only takes a second and can save your pet from Lyme or serious complications. Just in case anybody is interested in more tips, you can also head over to the article on the Tractive blog.

Have you guys started seeing ticks in your area yet or any tips for the community?