Catalytic converter theft can happen in minutes. Both ADD A CAT and CatStrap are designed to make that theft more difficult—but they protect your vehicle in fundamentally different ways.
CatStrap attaches directly to the exhaust system using a layered steel strap, adhesive, clamps and stainless-steel ties.
ADD A CAT uses a rigid, vehicle-specific aluminum shield that creates a physical barrier between a thief and the catalytic converter.
If an ADD A CAT shield is available for your vehicle, here is what you should compare before deciding.
ADD A CAT vs. CatStrap Comparison
| Feature | ADD A CAT | CatStrap |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Style | Rigid underbody shield | Flexible steel strap attached to exhaust |
| Fit | Engineered for specific vehicles | Universal-style fit for many vehicles |
| Material | 3/32-inch 5052 marine-grade aluminum | Layered, hardened strip steel inside a high-temperature strap |
| Coverage | Creates a barrier beneath the catalytic converter and vulnerable area | Runs along the converter and exhaust pipe |
| Attachment | Bolts to vehicle mounting locations | Adhesive, exhaust clamps and stainless-steel ties |
| Security Hardware | Proprietary ADD A CAT security bolts | Standard exhaust clamps and ties |
| Security Bit Included | Yes | Not applicable |
| Drilling Required | No | Generally no drilling |
| Welding Required | No | Generally no welding |
| Ventilation | Integrated louvers designed for airflow | Open exhaust-area installation |
| Theft-Protection Warranty | One year, subject to warranty terms | One year, subject to CatStrap’s warranty conditions |
| Nationwide Shipping | Free | Free within the United States |
| Houston-Area Installation | Free with eligible shield purchase | Installation partner options may be available |
| Best Suited For | Drivers wanting a rigid, vehicle-specific barrier | Drivers needing a universal-style solution |
Product specifications, compatibility and policies can change. Always verify the exact product and current warranty terms before purchasing.
The Main Difference: Shield Protection vs. Strap Protection
How CatStrap Works
CatStrap is installed directly along the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe.
According to CatStrap, its system uses:
- Multiple layers of hardened steel
- A heat-activated adhesive bond
- Standard exhaust clamps
- Stainless-steel ties
- A bright orange exterior intended to provide a visible warning
Its purpose is to make the exhaust pipe and converter area substantially more difficult to cut.
Because CatStrap is designed as a universal-style product, it can be an option for vehicles that do not have a model-specific shield available.
How ADD A CAT Works
ADD A CAT takes a different approach.
Instead of attaching a strap to the exhaust pipe, ADD A CAT places a rigid metal barrier underneath the catalytic converter.
Each supported application is engineered around the specific vehicle’s:
- Frame
- Factory mounting locations
- Exhaust configuration
- Catalytic converter location
- Drivetrain
- Existing underbody components
The goal is to prevent a thief from quickly reaching the catalytic converter with a cutting tool.
Vehicle-Specific Engineering Matters
A universal product is designed to accommodate many different vehicles. That can be helpful when no model-specific protection is available.
ADD A CAT shields are engineered for particular years, makes, models and drivetrains. This allows the shield to follow the vehicle’s underbody layout and use secure mounting locations without drilling or welding.
Vehicle-specific engineering can provide:
- More complete coverage
- A cleaner installation
- Better compatibility with the vehicle
- Fewer exposed areas around the converter
- Secure attachment to the vehicle rather than directly to the exhaust
Always confirm the exact year, model, drivetrain and factory equipment before ordering.
A Rigid Barrier Between the Thief and the Converter
A strap reinforces the exhaust and forces a thief to cut through additional material.
A rigid shield creates a different obstacle: the thief must first defeat or work around the barrier before reaching the exhaust system.
ADD A CAT combines:
- 3/32-inch 5052 marine-grade aluminum
- One-piece construction
- Vehicle-specific coverage
- Proprietary security bolts
- Integrated ventilation louvers
- Bolt-on installation
This creates an underbody barrier designed to restrict access to the catalytic converter and surrounding vulnerable areas.
One-Piece ADD A CAT Construction
ADD A CAT shields use a one-piece design.
Why does that matter?
Every unnecessary seam, removable panel or connection can potentially create another area that can be attacked.
Our design philosophy is simple:
FEWER PIECES.
FEWER WEAK POINTS.
MORE PROTECTION.
The exact design and coverage vary by vehicle application.
Proprietary Security Bolts
A protective shield is only as secure as the hardware holding it to the vehicle.
ADD A CAT shields use proprietary ADD A CAT security-bolt fasteners. The corresponding security bit is included with every hardware kit.
These fasteners create another obstacle for anyone attempting to remove the shield.
CatStrap uses exhaust clamps, adhesive and stainless-steel ties to secure its strap directly to the exhaust system.
3/32-Inch 5052 Marine-Grade Aluminum
ADD A CAT shields are manufactured from 3/32-inch 5052 marine-grade aluminum.
This material provides a valuable combination of:
- Strength
- Corrosion resistance
- Lower weight
- Heat dissipation
- Weather resistance
- Long-term durability
A catalytic converter shield must do more than cover the converter. It must also manage heat, resist road exposure and remain securely attached to the vehicle.
Integrated Ventilation Louvers
Catalytic converters operate at extremely high temperatures.
ADD A CAT shields incorporate integrated louvers designed to promote airflow around the protected area. This allows the shield to create a substantial physical barrier while accounting for the heat produced by the exhaust system.
Bolt-On Installation—No Drilling
ADD A CAT shields are designed to use vehicle-specific mounting locations.
That means:
NO DRILLING.
NO WELDING.
NO PERMANENT VEHICLE MODIFICATION.
The shield bolts onto the vehicle using the supplied hardware and proprietary security fasteners.
Comparing the Theft-Protection Warranties
Both companies currently publish theft-related warranty protection, but the requirements and remedies are controlled by each company’s warranty terms.
ADD A CAT Warranty
Eligible ADD A CAT shields include a one-year theft-protection warranty.
If a catalytic converter is stolen while an eligible ADD A CAT shield is properly installed, ADD Automotive will refund the shield’s purchase price according to the applicable terms, eligibility requirements and conditions.
CatStrap Warranty
CatStrap currently publishes a one-year theft-related warranty that may provide product replacement, repair or a refund up to the value of the CatStrap or CatEye product.
CatStrap requires photographs demonstrating proper installation before and after the theft. Its published warranty also contains specific conditions concerning clamp placement and where the strap was cut.
Neither warranty should be interpreted as reimbursement for the catalytic converter, vehicle damage, labor, towing or other theft-related expenses unless expressly stated in the applicable warranty terms.
Five Years With No Reported ADD A CAT Theft
ADD Automotive has manufactured ADD A CAT catalytic converter shields for approximately five years.
During that period, ADD Automotive has received no reports of a catalytic converter being stolen from a vehicle with an ADD A CAT shield properly installed.
No catalytic converter protection device can make theft impossible. Given enough time, tools and determination, virtually any anti-theft system may potentially be defeated.
The purpose of ADD A CAT is to make reaching and removing the catalytic converter significantly more difficult, time-consuming and frustrating.
Free Houston-Area Installation
Houston-area customers receive an important ADD A CAT advantage:
FREE FACTORY-DIRECT INSTALLATION
WITH AN ELIGIBLE SHIELD PURCHASE
Your shield can be installed by the company that designed and manufactured it.
WE DESIGN IT.
WE MANUFACTURE IT.
WE INSTALL IT.
Appointment required. Houston-area installation only.
Customers outside the Houston area receive free nationwide shipping and can use the provided installation instructions.
Which One Should You Choose?
CatStrap May Be a Good Choice If:
- A vehicle-specific shield is not available for your vehicle
- You prefer a universal-style solution
- You want a product that attaches directly to the exhaust
- You want the visibility of its bright orange exterior
- You are protecting an unusual vehicle, RV, bus or commercial application
ADD A CAT May Be the Better Choice If:
- An ADD A CAT shield is available for your vehicle
- You want a rigid physical barrier beneath the converter
- You prefer vehicle-specific engineering
- You want one-piece construction
- You want proprietary security bolts
- You want integrated ventilation louvers
- You want a complete bolt-on installation with no drilling
- You live near Houston and want free factory-direct installation
CatStrap reinforces the exhaust system.
ADD A CAT restricts access to it.
For drivers who want a rigid, vehicle-specific catalytic converter barrier, ADD A CAT delivers a different level and style of protection.
THAT’S THE ADD A CAT DIFFERENCE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ADD A CAT an alternative to CatStrap?
Yes. ADD A CAT is a vehicle-specific catalytic converter shield and an alternative to CatStrap for supported vehicles.
Is CatStrap a metal shield?
CatStrap contains layers of hardened strip steel, but it is not a rigid underbody plate like ADD A CAT. It is a strap-style product installed along the exhaust and catalytic converter.
Does CatStrap fit every vehicle?
CatStrap advertises universal compatibility for a wide variety of cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs and commercial vehicles. Installation requirements may vary, so customers should review its compatibility and installation instructions.
Does ADD A CAT fit every vehicle?
No. ADD A CAT is manufactured for selected vehicle applications because every shield is engineered around a particular vehicle configuration.
Does ADD A CAT require drilling?
No. ADD A CAT shields are designed as complete bolt-on systems using vehicle-specific mounting locations.
Does CatStrap require drilling?
CatStrap generally uses adhesive, exhaust clamps and stainless-steel ties rather than drilled mounting points. Installation requirements should be verified for the individual vehicle.
Does ADD A CAT include security hardware?
Yes. ADD A CAT shields include proprietary security-bolt fasteners and the corresponding security bit.
Does CatStrap offer an alarm?
CatStrap sells the CatEye alarm as an additional product or as part of selected bundles. The standard physical CatStrap and the CatEye alarm are separate components unless purchased together.
Can any catalytic converter device guarantee that theft will never happen?
No. Catalytic converter shields, straps, clamps and alarms are theft-deterrence products. No anti-theft system can guarantee that a determined thief will never defeat it.
Protect It Before They Steal It
Catalytic converter thieves depend on speed and easy access.
Make reaching your converter another problem they do not want to solve.
ADD A CAT
VEHICLE-SPECIFIC PROTECTION
ONE-PIECE CONSTRUCTION
PROPRIETARY SECURITY BOLTS
FREE NATIONWIDE SHIPPING
FREE HOUSTON-AREA INSTALLATION
ONE-YEAR THEFT-PROTECTION WARRANTY
ADDAutomotive.com
281-608-2894
Catalytic converter protection products are theft-deterrence devices. No anti-theft product can guarantee that theft will never occur. Product fitment, specifications, installation requirements and warranty coverage are subject to the applicable manufacturer’s current terms and conditions.
ADD A CAT is a trademark of ADD Automotive. CatStrap and CatEye are trademarks of their respective owner. ADD Automotive is not affiliated with or endorsed by CatStrap. Competitor information is provided for general comparison purposes and should be independently verified before purchase.
