Catius Celer was a member of the third century gens Catia, and it has been speculated that he may have been either the son or grandson of Publius Catius Sabinus (consul in AD 216).
[1] Catius Celer's early career is unknown.
He was appointed Legatus Augusti pro praetore (or imperial governor) of the province of Thracia sometime in between AD 238 and 241.
During this time he was probably made consul suffectus in absentia, around AD 241.
[2] This was followed by his posting as Legatus Augusti pro praetore of Moesia Superior in AD 242.