Cato Salonianus was born in 154 BC, and lived to obtain the praetorship, but then died in office, leaving two sons, Marcus and Lucius.
The cause is not known, but it might have been the result of the enmity that developed between Caepio and his brother-in-law, Marcus Livius Drusus, although they had previously been close friends.
This bill was opposed by Gaius Marius, a prominent general and rival of Numidicus, and with his support the proposal was vetoed by the tribune Publius Furius.
Drumann identifies this Cato as Lucius, the brother of Marcus, but the year of his tribunate is equally uncertain.
Both Drusus and Caepio were killed in the Social War, as was Cato's brother, Lucius, during his consulship in 89 BC.