I'm trying to establish whether my mid section has a cat in it. Towards the front of the section there is a "boxy" looking structure covered by a heatshield... but not sure whether this a cat or a silencer. Any pointers/hints would be much appreciated

 

By the sound of it, it is the second cat (one after the downpipe), unless your car has a PPP, as some removed the cat but left a silencer in there, i think?

 

Any other opinions?

Tentenths

 

This would be a cat on any model year of car I think. upto MY00 2 cats, downpipe and mid section. MY01 onwards has 3 cats I believe, positioned in roughly similar places.

 

That is your mid cat mate

Col

 

Slide a saucer of milk under it.
If it purrs, then its a cat

Sorry mate.
Its a cat.
Greg