Yeah, it's a ~$1,200 fine for no cat. I wouldn't remove it myself, but you can always inspect it. Rotten eggs once warmed up? Also check for an exhaust leak pre-cat.

I would change out the plugs, then wires, and inspect the rest of the ignition system. It sounds like you're missing a cylinder. Go for the cheap stuff first when troubleshooting. It's too bad I don't know you, we'd have this figured out already. How the hell did your rep get so low?!