Apple's response would be that AirTag isn't designed for that use case, and that you should purchase a "Find My network enabled" collar for your cat from a third party (it's only a matter of time...)

I actually kinda doubt this situation would happen because it would be a little silly if you could bypass the anti-stalking protection just by buying a 3rd party device.

Please, if possible, do not put collars on cats :(

If they're outside they can get gravely injured as they pass through the smallest holes and cracks. There are very NSFL images of resulting injuries. The collars often lead to suffocation or very bloody scenes - no matter how well they seem to fit.

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-afte...

Breakaway collars are standard at the pet shops near me. Having a bell on a collar seriously hinders a cat’s ability to hunt birds and other wildlife, which is a huge problem in some places.

And a solution in places like New Zealand, where cats are harming the native bird populations.

desolder the speaker or piezo.

It would only start beeping if the cat stays away from your iPhone's BLE range for 3 days. I've also thought of doing this, but my cats absolutely hate collars.

please, just keep your cat at home