All Cat Shield for Prius Compared and Ranked in One Place (2022)

The Prius owners have become pretty mad lately. The reason for that is a significant increase in Prius catalytic converter theft, resulting in $2,500 to $5,000 cost the owners face once they realize their catalytic converter is gone.

Why do people steal this stuff, you must be wondering?

Desperate times call for desperate measures – the COVID-driven circumstances have led to higher unemployment rates, as well as an increase in the value of precious metals. Therefore, the crime rates have significantly risen, and many Prius owners have become victims of those crimes. Catalytic converters contain precious metals like rhodium, palladium, and platinum, which act as a catalyst, whose effect transforms pollutants from the car’s engine into harmless carbon dioxide and water.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from being robbed is to install a Prius cat shield. Cat shield is a large aluminum plate that provides powerful protection from catalytic converter theft. There are many cat shields on the market, and we decided to help you pick the best one for your protection.

In this article, we’ll review the 8 different cat shields, highlight their characteristics and Toyota Prius generations they’re compatible with.

Catalytic Converter Shield: Ultimate Comparison Guide 2022

We have tested over 20 cat shields and chosen the 8 solutions that provide the best catalytic converter protection. You will learn more about the features of each, their installation process, materials, and what customers say about the overall safety it provides.

We reviewed the top 5 models from the most reputable manufacturers on the US market, including MILLERCAT, Scitoo, Lostar, Mr. Repair Parts, MZS, Glyqxa, Waltyotur, and Cap City Muffler.

Top 8 Catalytic Converter Protection Solutions to Safeguard Your Prius in 2022

If you’re not sure how to start your cat shield search, let us help you make the right decision. We have chosen the 8 best catalytic converter guard solutions to protect the most vital part of your Toyota Prius – the catalytic converter.

Most cat shields on the list fit the 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius generation, which is the most commonly targeted Prius generation. However, we have also included shields matching years 2015 – 2021, whose catalytic converter theft rates have increased lately. While all of them are made of aluminum, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, their weight, dimensions, and installation methods vary.

1. Miller CAT Shield Anti-Theft Security Protect for 2010 – 2015 Toyota Prius

Read verified reviews >>>>

Can I install Miller CAT Shield myself?

The manufacturer highly recommends professional installation. However, if you are savvy and have the right tools for the job, you can install it yourself.

Tools required for installation

Additional tools you’ll need for this Prius cat shield installation process are a rivet nut tool with M6 mandrel, ¼” bit driver, 10mm socket, and 25/64 drill bit.

The Miller CAT Shield Anti-Theft Security Protect is a leading Gen 3 protection device among Prius owners. This cat shield was measured against the frame of the vehicle to ensure the most accurate fit. Therefore, it can cover the most vulnerable areas of the converter, providing the lowest levels of vibration and noise in the market.

This Miller CAT shield features CNC punched louver vents that deliver excellent cooling, visibility for smog technicians to read the converter number, and efficient protection from debris. Once properly installed, this Prius catalytic converter shield’s features, like spacers and noise dampeners, make sure there is minimal vibration and noise.

PROS// Excellent design; No rattling while driving; Easy to install with the right tools; Engineered heat extraction and enhanced noise dampening.

CONS// Customers don’t like the aluminum material, which seems soft and unreliable.

What customers say about Miller CAT shield >> No rattles after driving for the past week. Glad I bought this one instead of the competitor’s. The rattling issue would have driven me crazy! Highly recommend!

2. SCITOO Cat Protection for 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius

Read verified reviews >>>>

Can I install SCITOO Cat Protection myself?

It is recommended to have this cat shield installed professionally since the installation process requires drilling, riveting, and bolting.

Tools required for installation

While factory holes are used in the front, the rest of the safety fasteners needs to be pre-drilled. The product already comes with mounting screws, but you need to use some additional tools for the installation – a rivet nut tool with M6 spindle, ¼” drill bit driver, 10 mm socket, drill bit, and 25/64 drill bit.

SCITOO is another notable name in the Prius cat shield manufacturing. Its practical design ensures a reliable, protective barrier for your car’s catalytic converter, safeguarding it from thieves.

SCITOO Cat Protection shield fits Toyota Prius models ranging from 2004 to 2009. It is made of high-quality aluminum steel that ensures abrasion resistance, durability, high hardness, and prolonged service life.

This cat shield’s most prominent characteristic is specially designed vents that enable proper ventilation of the exhaust area. Besides, they deliver good cooling and visibility for smoke technicians to read the catalytic converter part number.

PROS// Suitable for Toyota Prius 2004 – 2009; Specially designed vents; Strong protection against theft; 5-star rated.

CONS// The installation process may be tricky if you do it yourself.

What customers say about SCITOO Cat Protection >> Customers rated SCITOO Cat Protection with 5 stars.

3. LOSTAR Catalytic Converter Cat Shield for 2016 – 2020 Toyota Prius

Read verified reviews >>>>

Can I install LOSTAR Catalytic Converter Cat Shield myself?

You can choose whether you want to install LOSTAR Catalytic Converter Cat Shield yourself or have it set by a local mechanic. The manufacturer guarantees easy installation. You can contact them to get the installation instructions.

Tools required for installation

Contact the manufacturer for more information about the device installation process and tools needed.

If you are looking for reliable catalytic converter protection for your 2016 – 2020 Toyota Prius with a 1.8L engine, check out the LOSTAR Catalytic Converter Cat Shield. It provides premium quality and ensures direct fit, making you feel safe no matter where you park your Prius.

This cat shield provides premium quality and exceptional performance. The manufacturer claims it’s easy to install. It is made of strong aluminum material, which makes it lightweight yet highly reliable.

LOSTAR Catalytic Converter Cat Shield is produced by Lone Star Auto Parts INC., a professional automotive aftermarket supplier recognized for its state-of-the-art products. Therefore, you can install this device worry-free.

However, some customers complain about the lack of a viewing area for the smog check technicians, who are not able to read the serial number of the catalytic converter.

PROS// Enhanced performance; Easy to install; Highly reliable; 1-year unlimited-mileage quality guarantee.

CONS// No viewing area for smog check techs to read the catalytic converter’s serial number.

What customers say about SCITOO Cat Protection >> Does not have a viewing area for the smog check tech to see the model/serial number of the catalytic converter.

4. Cat Security – Catalytic Converter Protection Shield for 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius

Read verified reviews >>>>

Can I install Cat Security – Catalytic Converter Protection Shield myself?

If you are mechanically inclined and have the right tools, you can install the Cat Security yourself. On the other hand, if you are not sure how to set it correctly, it’s better to visit a local shop and let them install the device for you. Remember that improper installation may put your Prius in danger.

Tools required for installation

Many customers claim that this product comes with undersized and inappropriate pop rivets, and they recommend purchasing different ones for the correct installation.

Cap City Muffler is one of the most popular cat shield manufacturers. It has developed high-quality catalytic converter protection for the 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius, using the factory mounting points and exceptional security hardware. That way, it prevents catalytic converter removal and requires special tooling for the action.

Cat Security Cat Shield is made of strong aluminum, which is lighter than other materials but incredibly efficient in theft prevention. The vents are strategically placed to deliver appropriate ventilation of the exhaust area. Additionally, you’ll find the CCM logo conveniently placed for seamless visual inspections while performing a smog check.

It features a patent-pending design that provides next-level protection from theft attempts. Once properly installed, it won’t cause rattling and may improve fuel mileage.

PROS// Easy to install; Window stickers included; Patent-pending design; Completely silent.

CONS// The rivets included in the product are undersized and sub-standard.

What customers say about Cat Security Cat Shield >> The local garage installed it, and my car is outdoors in the drive and is intact. I got the thicker screws and neoprene washers for noise. Wasn’t much extra, and if it keeps the car quieter and thieves at bay, totally worth it!

5. Mr. Repair Parts Catalytic Converter Protection for 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius

Read verified reviews >>>>

Can I install Mr. Repair Catalytic Converter Protection myself?

If you have the necessary tools and have some mechanic knowledge, you can easily install the unit yourself. If you doubt your skills, professional installation in a muffler shop is highly recommended.

Tools required for installation

Necessary hardware is included in the package. However, additional tools may be required.

Mr. Repair Catalytic Converter Protection is a USA-made cat shield that fits the 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius. It is made from 100% superb-quality aluminum for lighter weight and enhanced durability.

Thanks to heat extraction holes, proper ventilation is guaranteed. Customers claim that it is pretty easy to install, and the protection it offers is beyond their expectations.

Once you install Mr. Repair’s cat shield protection, you will be able to sleep with peace of mind, knowing that one of the most precious parts of your Prius is 100% safe.

PROS// Perfect fit; It includes additional hardware needed for installation; Excellent ventilation; Self-installation possible.

CONS// Customers would like to see more screws included.

What customers say about Mr. Repair Catalytic Converter Protection >> Part fit well, was easy to install and hopefully convinces any thief that there are easier cars to target.

6. MZS Catalytic Converter Protection Shield for 2016 – 2021 Toyota Prius

Can I install MZS Catalytic Converter Protection Shield myself?

According to the manufacturer, the unit is pretty easy to install since it doesn’t require welding or drilling.

Tools required for installation

All the hardware is included in the package.

The Prius owners tend to choose the MZS Catalytic Converter Protection Shield for its unique material, which is 6061-T6 aluminum. Its secret lies in providing exceptional strength while being incredibly lightweight at the same time. Besides, it is incredibly heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant.

It is pretty easy to install since all you need to do is place rivet screws in. Once properly installed, the unit offers top-notch protection from theft, keeping your catalytic converter safe from any malicious intent.

Pouched louver vents ensure proper ventilation while DIY broadens the heat extraction holes, providing more efficient cooling. Overall, you’ll be quite satisfied with the MZS cat security, which is a sturdy plate. Once installed, you can sleep with peace of mind.

PROS// Unique 6061-T6 aluminum material; Sturdy yet lightweight protection; DIY project; Easy to install.

CONS// Nothing we could think of.

What customers say about MZS Catalytic Converter Protection Shield >> MZS Catalytic Converter Protection Shield has no customer reviews yet.

7. Glyqxa Cat Shield Security for 2010 – 2015 Toyota Prius

Read verified reviews >>>>

Can I install Glyqxa Cat Shield Security myself?

Although it is possible to install the shield yourself, the process itself may be overwhelming for those who are not mechanically inclined. The installation requires drilling, riveting, and removal and installation of factory chips. After installing the front matching holes using the hardware that’s included in the package, the existing precut holes can be used as guidelines for drilling the additional holes. Therefore, it is recommended to go for professional installation.

Tools required for installation

All the hardware is included in the package.

The Glyqxa Cat Shield Security provides exceptional protection to the 2010 – 2015 Toyota Prius models. It is compatible with Prius Liftback and Plug-in Trims, while it doesn’t fit the Prius C and the Prius v wagon.

This unit features strong aluminum for enhanced protection. It delivers a strong barrier that protects your catalytic converter from thieves, saving you nerves and money. It offers the best-in-class fastening points for extra security, as well as the perfect amount of ventilation for keeping your exhaust system cool. At the same time, smog technicians will be able to read your catalytic converter serial number.

Overall, it delivers sufficient amounts of protection, ensuring you have peace of mind during day and night. The installation process may be exhausting if you are not mechanically savvy. In that case, it’s better to leave the job to professionals.

PROS// One-of-a-kind fastening points for enhanced protection; Excellent ventilation for better cooling; Strong aluminum; Compelling design.

CONS// It does not fit the Prius C and the Prius v wagon.

What customers say about Glyqxa Cat Shield Security >> Works on 2011 Prius. I used M5 Riv Nut to install it with security screws, so I can take my time doing it and easy to adjust to make sure there’s no rattle.

8. Waltyotur Catalytic Converter Protection for 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius

Read verified reviews >>>>

Can I install Waltyotur Catalytic Converter Protection myself?

According to the manufacturer, professional installation is not required. Besides, no welding is necessary.

Tools required for installation

All the hardware is included in the package.

Another cat shield unit worth checking out is the Waltyotur Catalytic Converter Protection. It fits the 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius generation, providing great protection to owners fearing their catalytic converter could be stolen.

It is made of sturdy aluminum that enhances the cat shield protection. Additionally, the extraction holes allow proper ventilation of the exhaust area, and technicians will be able to perform a smog check and read the catalytic converter serial number.

The unit is easy to install, and you won’t need to count on professionals to get the job done.

PROS// Durable aluminum plate; Precision laser cut; Strategically placed heat extraction holes; No welding required.

CONS// Nothing we could think of.

What customers say about Waltyotur Catalytic Converter Protection >> The users rated this product 5 stars.

FAQs

Does the Catalytic Converter Protector Make My Car Hotter?

This depends mostly on driving conditions. According to some studies, there is a minimum temperature increase while driving in the city or freeway. In fact, the catalytic shield protector makes the car more aerodynamic, reducing turbulence, and making the louvers more effective when drawing out heat. It is believed that the shield doesn’t foster the increased temperature, but it protects the material from touching the warmest part of the exhaust, preventing the premature component wear down.

Why are Louver Vents Important?

Units that come with louver vents deliver the best experience to the Prius owners. Aside from looking good, the louver vents help cool your vehicle and protect debris build-up.

Can Thieves Cut My Cat Shield?

The truth is that no anti-theft device is 100% effective. That said, anyone with the right tools, time, and skill can remove or cut even the sturdiest catalytic converter protection. However, when your cat shield device is installed and fastened properly, any theft attempt will make a lot of noise, making you notice any unusual activity. Besides, some products come with warning stickers you can place on your car and let thieves know that your catalytic converter is protected with a dedicated device.