How to tell an original C-A-T (CAT) tourniquet from a fake

Since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, demand for tourniquets to stop massive external bleeding has risen significantly, and at the same time sales of cheap Chinese imitations of CAT tourniquets have surged. Keep in mind that not everything that looks like a CAT tourniquet is an original hemorrhage control device approved by the CoTCCC.

The problem

Tourniquets that can be bought on AliExpress for 4 euros vary greatly in quality and undergo no quality control whatsoever. As a result, it often happens that the tourniquet breaks during use — which can have fatal consequences. Even if you manage to find a sturdier imitation, many of them are far less effective. With original tourniquets, when applied correctly, 2–3 turns of the windlass are enough to stop the bleeding. With Chinese imitations you often have to make up to 8 turns, and even then a pulse may still be felt in the limb.

Counterfeit tourniquets regularly break (windlass, buckle) or fail to achieve full occlusion, which is life-threatening. There are documented failures in real incidents. Saving a few hundred hryvnias is not worth the risk.

Quick pre-purchase check (checklist): CAT tourniquet fake vs original

1. Price

Suspiciously "cheap" offers are the first sign of a fake. No quality item can cost less than its production cost.

2. Origin

Original C-A-T tourniquets are manufactured only in the USA and officially distributed by various companies all over the world (see the list of example distributors below).

3. NSN and instructions (IFU)

Original NSNs: 6515-01-521-7976 (Black), 6515-01-612-7129 (Orange). Check that they are present and match on the product card and on the TQ itself; the package includes the official instructions (IFU) from NAR/CAT Resources.

4. Markings

On the back of the stabilization plate — manufacturer details C-A-T Resources, LLC, patents, sometimes the website; on the tail of the strap — NSN and lot/date. Missing or "crooked" typography is a red flag.

5. Buckle

The CAT Gen 7 has a single buckle with the correct geometry; on counterfeits it is often more squared/more brittle.

6. Windlass rod (windlass)

Sturdy, with pronounced ribbing, with embossed "C-A-T" on the ends (Gen 7). On fakes it is thin/flexible, with no embossing or with poor casting.

7. Strap and hook-and-loop

The original has strong hook-and-loop; length ≈ 35″ (89 cm). Fakes are often shorter and quickly lose their "grip".

8. TIME strap and ultrasonic welding areas

The original has neat traces of ultrasonic welding at the attachment points. Counterfeits are often stitched with thread. The TIME strap colour on the Gen 7 is grey; on fakes white is sometimes found.

Official distributors

There is only ever one manufacturer of CAT tourniquets — C•A•T Resources (Composite Resources, USA). The label may also mention regional distributors and/or authorized representatives (EU Authorized Representative) who work with the manufacturer and distribute C•A•T products in their region:

The full list of official CAT tourniquet distributors can be viewed on the manufacturer's official website: https://www.combattourniquet.com/

Frequently asked questions

Can genuine C-A-T units be sold from abroad, not from the USA?

Genuine units are manufactured only in the USA; if a batch "comes" from somewhere other than official US dealers and at a dumping price, it is very likely a counterfeit.

What is an NSN and which NSN should a Gen 7 have?

Tactical Black: 6515-01-521-7976; Rescue Orange: 6515-01-612-7129. Also check the lot/date on the tail of the strap.

How does the Gen 7 differ in appearance?

Single-routing buckle, reinforced windlass with embossed "C-A-T", Red Tip, improved clip and writeable TIME strap.

Is it true that the TIME strap on fakes is often white?

Yes, this is one of the common indicators; on the genuine Gen 7 the TIME strap/insert is grey.

I noticed stitching at the attachment points — is that normal?

The genuine item features ultrasonically welded (sonic welding) joints, not stitching. Threads are a typical sign of a counterfeit.

Is it normal for different packages to carry different names (Fenton, WERO, AP, etc.)?

Yes. These are official regional distributors. What matters is different: the manufacturer must be listed as C•A•T Resources (USA), there must be an EC REP for the EU and the standard Gen7 features.

Where can I check that a seller is genuinely official?

The manufacturer's website has pages listing authorised partners and contacts by country/region: https://www.combattourniquet.com/.

Where to buy a genuine C-A-T Gen7 tourniquet in Ukraine?

Buy from a trusted seller that works through official supply channels. With us you will find genuine CAT Gen7 tourniquets at a fair price.