looking for suggestions on what I should do with this used cat. Put it on and run it, or try and "fix" this... if it is even possible. These pics are of the inlet side of the cat. It appears to be a piece of the suspension material

 

Lighted Mechanical Pick-Up Tool with LED Light, 36" Length, Includes 3 LR41 Batteries



I'd probably try to fish it out

 

Yeah...if it just has some piece of crap laying up against the substrate, you might be able to get it out...

 

What substrate is visible looks like it's in good shape. Is there any evidence on the outside of the cat that it's been dropped or hit by something?

 

No evidence of having been dropped. Thanks for the responses.

 

Many cats use a band of a dense mesh-like material that surrounds and cushions the brick in addition to holding it in place in the shell. It could be that band has come loose in this converter. That being said, cats can be repaired if you feel like cutting it open and subsequently welding it back together. I've done it--not too difficult at all, really; but it will take more than a few minutes.