Help factory catalytic con? Options

[bdog_v]

Well I am trying to install a new exhaust on my 94 celica Gt model and when I pulled the downpipe off the exhaust manifold I was surprised to see honey comb material in the exhaust manifold, like you would see in a catalytic converter????? Is the cat. located right next to the exhaust manifold on this car? If not what is this???? I don't have a cat anywhere else in my exhaust system.

-If this is the cat. I want it gone. Can you just punch out the honeycomb material and run it hollow or do you need to replace the cat. *if it is the cat.* with a straight pipe?????

-I don't have the heat shield off yet so I am not aware of how this is bolted together any ideas???? Thanks....