Catherine was the daughter of Adolph I, Duke of Cleves and Marie of Burgundy.

She had close ties with Philip of Burgundy, who was mistrusted by her husband.

Catherine had her daughter Mary raised at the Burgundian court.

Catherine acted as intermediate between her husband and the Estates of the realm.

The Hours of Catherine of Cleves was commissioned for her when she married Arnold, Duke of Guelders, on 26 January 1430.