Misfire or something can put too much unburned fuel & air into the cat, making it overheat. It's not so much that the cat fails from it's own lifespan; but the cat is overworked (overheated) by another problem with the engine's operation. A new cat will not last long unless you fix the real problem.

 

whats up kris we spoke a while ago. about the cat converter giving off a smell more so rotten egg smell. could it be the sensor for the cat

 

I doubt it would be any kind of sensor. If the "Check Engine" light is NOT on, I would take it to an exhaust shop and ask them how much they charge to check out the cat. Being in NY, I assume they salt the roads in the winter? That would shorten the lifespan of exhaust components in my opinion.