Underwater Cat Tough Phone Case for iPhone 717 Pro Max Glossy Dual Layer Shockproof Ocean Animal Protective Cover Gift f
Skip until coating transparency improves. Waterproof cases often use PFAS-based water-repellent coating.
This dual-layer phone case lists waterproof protection but provides no material or coating transparency. Waterproofing in consumer cases frequently relies on PFAS-based treatments, yet the brand discloses nothing about chemical composition or safety testing.
The safe swap
Incipio
Incipio Velocity for MagSafe for iPhone 17 Pro
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
TPU or silicone dual-layer with unspecified waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Vague safety claims only
Uses vague language ("eco-friendly", "clean") without a specific PFAS statement.
PFAS
Waterproof water-repellent coating coatings may contain undisclosed fluorinated or non-fluorinated polymers; CAT provides no documentation. Off-gassing of uncrosslinked oligomers is possible during first weeks post-manufacture but typically minor in sealed phone cases.
Source: ATSDR ↗TPU/silicone base layer degradation
Prolonged UV exposure or heat can cause TPU to yellow, soften, and potentially release oligomers; this is a durability rather than acute hazard issue. No documented leaching of unreacted monomers (MDI, polyol) into skin at room temperature for cured TPU.
Microplastic shedding
Mechanical wear of the case surface can release small TPU/silicone particles, especially if coating delaminates. Direct health impact is low for a non-ingested product, but accumulation in the environment is a concern with long-term disposal.
What’s reassuring
Colorant and pigment safety (glossy finish)
No evidence of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in phone case colorants, but CAT does not disclose pigment suppliers or testing. Risk is minimal due to indirect skin contact.
Allergenicity of fragrance or additives
Phone cases do not typically contain fragrance, and TPU/silicone are not known allergens. No sensitization reports linked to this product or brand.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This case uses TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or silicone as the base layers, both of which are chemically stable at room temperature and unlikely to leach into skin or food contact. The waterproof coating applied to achieve "tough" underwater protection is the concern: these coatings typically rely on perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) for water repellency, which CAT has not disclosed. The glossy finish may involve additional polymeric top-coats that could off-gas volatile organics during manufacturing, though this risk is minimal after curing.
The brand's record and disclosure
CAT maintains silence on coating chemistry and does not appear to publish material safety disclosures or pursue third-party certifications (e.g., BLUESIGN, OEKO-TEX) for this product line. No recalls or health complaints specific to CAT phone cases are on record, but the lack of transparency on waterproof water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) formulations is consistent with industry-wide opacity on PFAS use in consumer electronics accessories. No evidence of independent testing of this product exists in public databases.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases occupy a low-risk category because they do not contact food or prolonged skin exposure, and TPU/silicone bases are safer than older PVC alternatives. However, waterproof cases as a category are known to use PFAS-based DWRs at higher rates than non-waterproof cases; PFAS-free waterproof phone cases exist but remain niche. This product's dual-layer construction is standard and does not indicate superior material safety compared to competitors.
If you buy it
Store and use at room temperature; avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can degrade TPU over time and potentially weaken the waterproof seal. Do not apply heat (dishwashers, hot water soaks) as this can accelerate coating degradation and increase leaching risk. Replace the case if cracks, separation of layers, or sticky residue appear, as these signal coating breakdown. Wash hands after extended wear if you have sensitive skin, as residual coating particles may irritate; this is precautionary given unknown water-repellent coating chemistry.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- CAT has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Phone Cases
Blackview
C03 Leather Protective Case with Shoulder Strap For Active 7/Active 10 Pro
leather (primary material), shoulder strap
Lead
Limited concern
Synthetic dyes and colorants in leather and strap fabric
Limited concern
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from tanning and finishing
Moderate concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Lower concern. Leather cases rarely treated with PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Griffin
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⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Griffin
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Heavy metals
Limited concern
VOC off-gassing (polycarbonate/TPU)
Limited concern
Phone case materials lower concern.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof phone cases grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.