Questions about catalytic cover

That's well and truly covered. The main one is inaccessible behind the engine.

 

I've yet to hear of one being stolen from a Gen 4 PRIUS. With 2 small ones, one hidden and inaccessible, it's a very different scenario from the Gen 2 and 3.

 

I have heard one report on here (I believe from the folks at Atomic Auto in Portland Oregon) of at least one Gen 4 cat being stolen. I purchased the Cat Security Kit for my 2016 on sale for $135 and installed it myself, which was quite easy if you're comfortable working underneath your car.

As far as shops in the Seattle area, check out muffler shops. I would not pay more than $325 for the shield plus install, like I said you could do it yourself for ~$135

I figure even though the cat is farther up in the car for our generation, cat thieves are unpredictable and may try to steal it (or the first muffler by mistake). If you live in an area plagued by cat theft I would recommend it, just to be safe.

For protection - just take normal precautions, park in a well lit driveway if you can with security cameras and motion lights. If you have to park on the street, move your car frequently and..maybe park next to some Gen 2 Priuses!!

 

Probably more expensive, but nearly all dealers, including Toyota of Seattle, offer catshield installation.