How does ADD A CAT compare to Cat Security in theft protection?

ADD A CAT features proprietary security bolts and a theft-protection warranty, which together create a strong deterrent against catalytic converter theft, similar to or exceeding Cat Security’s offerings. Both brands prioritize vehicle-specific designs, but ADD A CAT emphasizes integrated security hardware and warranty protection.

What materials are used in Cat Security's catalytic converter shields?

Cat Security uses marine-grade aluminum, with current applications including 1/8-inch marine-grade aluminum, which offers durability and corrosion resistance for theft deterrence. Their construction aims to provide robust protection through quality materials.

Does ADD A CAT's one-piece design offer better security than Cat Security’s multi-piece shields?

Yes, ADD A CAT employs a one-piece design that reduces access points and potential vulnerabilities, whereas Cat Security’s shields often consist of multiple pieces, such as a main shield plus side wings. The one-piece approach emphasizes fewer components and simpler security.

Are there installation or hardware differences between ADD A CAT and Cat Security?

Both ADD A CAT and Cat Security offer bolt-on installation without the need for drilling, but ADD A CAT includes proprietary security hardware and security bits for enhanced protection. Cat Security provides installation hardware and employs vehicle-specific configurations, which may vary by application.

How important is shield thickness when choosing between ADD A CAT and Cat Security?

The thickness of the shield material, such as ADD A CAT's 3/32-inch aluminum versus Cat Security's 1/8-inch aluminum, is one factor to consider, but overall protection depends on coverage, construction, hardware, and ventilation. Thickness alone doesn’t determine effectiveness.

Which Catalytic Converter Shield Is Better?

If you're comparing ADD A CAT vs. Cat Security, both brands offer vehicle-specific catalytic converter shields designed to make catalytic converter theft more difficult.

But not all catalytic converter shields are designed the same.

The differences can include material thickness, number of shield pieces, security hardware, ventilation, installation, coverage, warranty protection, and manufacturer support.

Here's what buyers should consider when comparing ADD A CAT by ADD Automotive vs. Cat Security.

ADD A CAT vs. Cat Security: Quick Comparison

Feature	ADD A CAT	Cat Security
Vehicle-specific designs	Yes	Yes
Aluminum construction	3/32" 5052 marine-grade aluminum	Marine-grade aluminum on current applications
F-150 construction	One-piece design	Three-piece design on current F-150 shield
Security hardware	Proprietary security bolts + security bit included	Installation hardware included
Bolt-on installation	Yes	Yes on applicable products
Welding required	No	No on applicable products
Ventilation	Integrated louvers	Design varies by vehicle
Free nationwide shipping	Yes	Check current product/order terms
Factory-direct installation	FREE in Houston area with shield purchase	Authorized installer network advertised
Theft-protection warranty	1-year theft-protection warranty, subject to terms	Verify current Cat Security warranty terms
ADD Automotive reported record	5 years with no reported theft from a properly installed ADD A CAT shield	Customer theft-deterrence testimonials published

ADD Automotive's current site confirms its 3/32-inch 5052 aluminum, proprietary security fasteners, security bit, one-piece construction, ventilation louvers, no-drill installation and free Houston-area installation. Cat Security describes its products as vehicle-specific shields made from marine-grade material and publishes customer reports of attempted thefts being deterred.

Specifications vary by vehicle and can change. Always compare the exact shield offered for your year, model, engine and drivetrain.

The ADD A CAT Difference

ADD Automotive believes a catalytic converter shield should be engineered as a complete theft-deterrence system.

ADD A CAT combines:

✓ 3/32" 5052 Marine-Grade Aluminum

✓ Vehicle-Specific Engineering

✓ One-Piece Design

✓ Proprietary Security Bolts

✓ Security Bit Included

✓ Integrated Ventilation Louvers

✓ Bolt-On Installation

✓ No Drilling

✓ Free Nationwide Shipping

✓ Free Houston-Area Installation

✓ 1-Year Theft-Protection Warranty

It's not simply about putting aluminum underneath the catalytic converter.

It's about making access to that converter more difficult.

One-Piece vs. Multi-Piece Construction

This is an important difference to examine on certain applications.

ADD A CAT emphasizes a:

ONE-PIECE DESIGN

The philosophy is simple:

Fewer pieces. Fewer connections. Fewer potential access points.

Cat Security's construction varies by vehicle.

For example, its current 2009–2025 Ford F-150 V6 EcoBoost/V8 4WD shield is described as a three-component system consisting of a main shield and two side-wing pieces. Cat Security says those pieces are designed to provide coverage along the converter and its vulnerable sides.

That doesn't automatically make one approach better for every vehicle.

But it's something buyers should compare.

ASK HOW THE ENTIRE SHIELD IS CONSTRUCTED — NOT JUST WHAT IT'S MADE FROM.

5052 Marine-Grade Aluminum

ADD A CAT shields are manufactured from:

3/32" 5052 MARINE-GRADE ALUMINUM

5052 aluminum provides a strong combination of corrosion resistance, durability and relatively low weight.

Cat Security also uses marine-grade aluminum. Its current F-150 shield, for example, is advertised as 1/8-inch marine-grade aluminum.

That actually makes this comparison more useful.

Cat Security's F-150 aluminum is thicker than ADD A CAT's 3/32-inch material.

But thickness alone doesn't determine the effectiveness of a catalytic converter theft deterrent.

Buyers should also compare:

Coverage + Construction + Mounting + Security Hardware + Access Points + Ventilation + Weight + Warranty

The entire system matters.

Proprietary ADD A CAT Security Hardware

A shield is only one part of catalytic converter protection.

You also have to secure the shield to the vehicle.

ADD Automotive uses:

PROPRIETARY ADD A CAT SECURITY BOLTS

The corresponding security bit is included in every applicable ADD A CAT hardware kit.

Why does that matter?

Because a thief shouldn't be able to simply treat the shield like a standard underbody panel.

The mounting system itself should create another obstacle.

Bolt-On Protection Without Drilling

ADD A CAT shields are engineered around factory vehicle mounting locations.

That means:

NO DRILLING.

NO WELDING.

BOLT-ON INSTALLATION.

Cat Security also advertises vehicle-specific installation without welding, and its current F-150 product states that it installs without vehicle modifications.

This is an area where both manufacturers offer an advantage over improvised or universal catalytic converter protection.

Ventilation Matters

Catalytic converters operate at very high temperatures.

That's why ADD Automotive incorporates:

INTEGRATED LOUVERS FOR OPTIMUM VENTILATION

into ADD A CAT designs.

A catalytic converter shield shouldn't be evaluated solely on how much metal is underneath the vehicle.

ADD Automotive considers protection, airflow, weight, mounting and serviceability as part of the overall design.

What Cat Security Does Well

A credible comparison should recognize the competitor's strengths.

Cat Security has been active in the catalytic converter protection market and currently offers vehicle-specific shields for numerous applications.

The company advertises marine-grade construction, includes installation hardware, offers an authorized-installer network, and has published customer testimonials describing attempted catalytic converter thefts that were deterred by its shields.

Its F-150 design is particularly interesting because Cat Security uses a main shield plus two side wings to increase coverage around the converter.

Those are legitimate features.

The question isn't whether Cat Security makes a catalytic converter shield.

The question is:

WHICH COMPLETE PROTECTION SYSTEM DO YOU WANT UNDER YOUR VEHICLE?

The ADD A CAT Theft-Protection Warranty

This is where ADD Automotive's proposition becomes particularly important.

Eligible ADD A CAT catalytic converter shields are backed by:

A 1-YEAR THEFT-PROTECTION WARRANTY

If an eligible catalytic converter is stolen while an ADD A CAT shield is properly installed, ADD Automotive provides coverage according to the applicable warranty terms and conditions.

When comparing catalytic converter shields, don't just ask:

"What happens if the shield itself has a defect?"

Ask:

"WHAT DOES THE COMPANY DO IF MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER ACTUALLY GETS STOLEN?"

That's an important distinction.

Five Years of Proven ADD A CAT Protection

ADD Automotive states that during approximately five years of ADD A CAT protection, it has received:

ZERO REPORTS OF A CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEING STOLEN FROM A VEHICLE WITH AN ADD A CAT SHIELD PROPERLY INSTALLED.

No anti-theft product can make a catalytic converter literally impossible to steal.

Given sufficient time, equipment and determination, physical security can potentially be defeated.

The objective is to make your catalytic converter a slower, harder and less attractive target.

FREE Houston-Area Installation

Here's another major ADD A CAT advantage for Houston-area customers.

Purchase an eligible ADD A CAT shield and ADD Automotive offers:

FREE FACTORY-DIRECT INSTALLATION.

The people behind the product can install it.

We design it.

We manufacture it.

We install it.

Appointment required. Houston-area installations only. ADD Automotive's current Toyota collection confirms factory-direct installation at no extra cost with an ADD A CAT shield purchase.

ADD A CAT vs. Cat Security for Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 deserves special attention because both companies offer protection for America's popular full-size truck.

Cat Security's current F-150 product is designed for specified 2009–2025 F-150 V6 EcoBoost and V8 4WD applications. It uses 1/8-inch marine-grade aluminum and a three-piece configuration consisting of a main shield and two side wings.

ADD A CAT takes a different approach with its vehicle-specific, one-piece protection philosophy.

For an F-150 owner, don't simply compare price.

Compare:

Coverage

Number of pieces

Mounting

Security hardware

Ventilation

Installation

Warranty

and compatibility with your exact engine and drivetrain.

What About Lifted Trucks?

If your F-150, Tundra, Tacoma, Silverado, Sierra or other truck is lifted or modified, verify fitment before ordering any catalytic converter shield.

Lift kits, aftermarket crossmembers, skid plates, braces, exhaust modifications and other accessories can change the space underneath the truck.

When contacting ADD Automotive about a lifted truck, provide your:

Year / Make / Model / Engine / 2WD or 4WD / Lift Height / Lift Manufacturer

and tell us about any existing aftermarket skid plates or underbody accessories.

LIFTED TRUCK? ASK ADD BEFORE YOU ORDER.

ADD A CAT vs. Cat Security: Which Should You Choose?

Cat Security offers legitimate vehicle-specific catalytic converter protection, including marine-grade aluminum construction and multi-piece coverage on applications such as its current F-150 shield.

ADD A CAT takes a different approach.

If ADD A CAT is available for your vehicle, you receive:

✓ 3/32" 5052 Marine-Grade Aluminum

✓ One-Piece Design

✓ Proprietary Security Bolts

✓ Security Bit Included

✓ Integrated Ventilation Louvers

✓ No-Drill Bolt-On Installation

✓ Vehicle-Specific Engineering

✓ Free Nationwide Shipping

✓ FREE Houston-Area Installation

✓ 1-Year Theft-Protection Warranty

✓ Five-Year ADD Automotive No-Reported-Theft Record

THAT'S THE ADD A CAT DIFFERENCE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADD A CAT an alternative to Cat Security?

Yes. For vehicles supported by both manufacturers, ADD A CAT is an alternative catalytic converter theft-deterrence shield to Cat Security.

Is Cat Security made from aluminum?

Cat Security uses marine-grade aluminum on current applications. Its current F-150 shield is advertised as 1/8-inch marine-grade aluminum.

Which is thicker, ADD A CAT or Cat Security?

It depends on the Cat Security application. Cat Security's current F-150 product is advertised at 1/8 inch, compared with ADD A CAT's 3/32-inch 5052 aluminum. Thickness should be considered alongside coverage, construction, mounting, security hardware and warranty.

Is ADD A CAT one piece?

ADD Automotive currently advertises one-piece construction as part of the ADD A CAT design.

Is Cat Security one piece?

Construction varies. Cat Security's current F-150 shield uses three primary shield pieces: a main shield and two side wings.

Does ADD A CAT require drilling?

No. ADD Automotive currently advertises ADD A CAT as completely bolt-on with no drilling required.

Does ADD A CAT include security hardware?

Yes. ADD Automotive states that its proprietary security bolts and corresponding security bit are included in every applicable hardware kit.

Protect It Before They Steal It.

A thief wants the easiest vehicle in the parking lot.

DON'T MAKE YOURS THAT VEHICLE.

ADD A CAT

Purpose-Built Catalytic Converter Protection

Proprietary Security Hardware

1-Year Theft-Protection Warranty

Free Nationwide Shipping

FREE Houston-Area Installation

ADD A CAT vs. Cat Security Catalytic Converter Shields