Natasha Cooper writes:

As someone who has been through more iPhone screens than I’d like to remember, when I recently upgraded to an iPhone 5s I was keen to keep it in one piece - for a few months at least. Cue the new CAT Active Urban Phone Case, which claims to protect your phones from falls of up to 1.8 meters using a reinforced material that can also be found in protective equipment for motor bike riders.

That last sentence doesn’t conjure up an image of a very attractive or discreet looking cover but you’d be surprised; it is much slimmer than expected and it doesn’t make the phone feel bulky to hold.

I’d say the design is undoubtedly aimed more at the male market but, although rugged looking, it is attractive enough in black and silver. I always feel it is a shame when covers completely disguise a good-looking smartphone but if you are looking for heavy-duty protection then I think it is to be expected.

As a professional caterer I use my phone a lot in the kitchen for looking up recipes and taking photos. I was pleased that the cover wipes down easily and the volume buttons are still as functional as when the phone is case-free (which they aren’t always with other cases!).

Although I haven't had any ‘major’ phone dropping incidents in the month since I have had the case, it has endured the day-to-day routine of being in a busy kitchen and suffering the occasional tumble. My iPhone 5s (hidden in its new manly disguise) looks as good as the day I bought it, which means this case gets the thumbs up from me.

I should add that the case has attracted a number of admirers. I’ve had several people ask what it’s like and where you can buy it. There’s not much else to say about a case other than its design and its effectiveness, but I’d say this one is worth buying at the current price - I’ve seen it at £19.95 on Amazon and am sure my local phone shop would offer a similar deal. It feels good, looks good and protects the phone very well from general daily use.