Got spark and /or fuel pressure when this happens, basic diagnostics.

It is possible...
If the car has been running rich for a long time, or had an ignition
misfire, the catalytic coverter could get plugged.
They usually do make a rattling noise before they die.
If the car has no power- i.e. you keep stepping harder on the gas and
it won't go- there's a very good cance that the catalytic converter is
plugged and there is so much enxhaust back pressure that the car
cannot stay running.

If you replace the catalytic converter, you'll also need to figure out
what was wron that caused it to get plugged up.

Sometimes a misfire will cause unburned fuel to go down the exhaust
and plug it- a bad plug wire or bad coil will do this.

Or, a bad sensor, such as a bad oxygen or coolant sensor, will cause
the engine to run rich and also cause the catalytic converter to plug
up.

Run the car nd put your hand over the end of the exhaust pipe.  Does
it feel like a normal amount of exhaust is coming out?  If it's only a
slight stream of air, the cat is probably getting plugged.