What are the alternatives to buying a new catalytic converter?

I have a 2001 Dodge Durango and it has been acting up, our mechanic says it's the catalytic converter. Is there any alternative to buying a new catalytic converter? Like cleaning the old one? I don't live in California do I need a catalytic converter? Can I replace them with just a piece of metal? Thanks|||if you have to buy one for it you can get those a lot cheaper on this site than buying one from an exhaust shop or from a dealer,their not that expensive to replace now,but the only other alternative is removing it and you really don't need to do that,good luck, http://autopartswarehouse.com|||IF you don't live in California then you can likely buy an aftermarket converter instead of an OEM one and get by. Or if you live in an area where a yearly smog test is not required or not required when you sell the vehicle then don't do anything as long as there is no exhaust leak. If the check engine light is on due to the problem you will not know if there is another problem unless you read the codes occasionally to find out.|||You really don't have much of a choice. Driving around with a clogged converter is going to cause you some serious problems. You can use a "universal" converter that would be less money, unless the California regulations apply to you.