Tracking Data Reveals Surprising Daily Distances Covered by Domestic Cats

The integration of smart monitoring systems is unlocking unprecedented insights into the daily rhythms and movement patterns of pet cats across Europe. Kippy, an Italian firm established in Milan back in 2013, stands out as a pioneer in offering real-time, unlimited-distance tracking solutions for companion animals. Between 2016 and the present, Kippy s.r.l. amassed data from nearly 15,000 trackers fitted to cats. This extensive dataset revealed that these animals collectively covered a staggering total distance of 3.7 billion kilometers. This figure strongly suggests that, contrary to common assumptions, cats are far from being strictly sedentary house pets.

An analysis of the activity logs from these monitored animals shows that the average cat takes approximately 3,900 steps each day. Translating this into distance, this equates to roughly two kilometers covered daily. On average, these felines dedicate about 34 minutes per day to walking or running activities. Furthermore, the data indicates a typical sleep duration averaging 8 hours per 24-hour period. Interestingly, there has been a notable shift in behavior: the physical activity levels recorded for these tracked cats surged by 61 percent in the period leading up to 2025. This significant increase might reflect evolving standards in pet care or heightened engagement from their human companions.

Mobility levels among individual cats exhibit considerable variation. The collected statistics clearly delineate these differences. The least active quarter of the tracked population recorded fewer than 500 steps daily. Conversely, the most energetic quarter surpassed 6,500 steps every day. Researchers note that these pronounced discrepancies in movement are influenced by several key variables, including the animal's age and its inherent personality traits.

Beyond tracking movement, the utilization of safety features by pet owners is another crucial data point. On a monthly basis, one in every four owners activated the geofencing function. This feature is designed to send an immediate alert if a pet ventures outside a pre-defined safe boundary. Modern devices, such as the Kippy EVO model, now also incorporate vital health monitoring capabilities. Since 2023, Kippy has operated as part of the Datamars group, a recognized leader in animal identification and reunification services.

The detailed records concerning feline movement and activity levels provide invaluable intelligence for veterinary universities with whom Kippy maintains collaborative relationships. This partnership aims to drive the development of enhanced pet products. By employing technological monitoring, it becomes possible to gain a clear picture of pets' actual lifestyles, which ultimately supports the creation of safer and healthier environments for them.