weird cat problem 02 dx

hey all.. i have a 02 dx 62k miles..malf. indicator light came on repeatedly (its not the gas cap) and a diagnostic test showed code 34 (catalytic conv.) The honda dealer says it needs a new cat but i want to know why. I recently saw some gas (i think) around one of my plugs,on top of the cover...is the car misfiring? i think that would burn out a cat..but i dont know. If it is misfiring...how can i tell? thanx for any help

if it's misfiring you probably would have gotten a misfire code along with the cat code. Running rich will also burn out a cat so I would check up on that too.

Check your coil packs, doubtful.