Only the richest of the Neimoidians were allowed to live on the planet. Their treasures were protected in vaults located in difficult landscape and protected by B1 battle droids. The cities of Cato Neimoidia were built on large bridges spanning massive rock arches.
Cato Neimoidia featured vast forests rich in flora and fauna. Notable species included the Neimoidian kreehawk, a dangerous but beautiful avian found in some aviaries.
The wealthiest and most resource-rich colony worlds were known as "purse worlds" that served as administrative posts ruling their own set of colonies. These purse worlds were the only colonies allowed to carry the name of Neimoidia. Other Neimoidian purse worlds include Deko Neimoidia and Koru Neimoidia, both were nearby in the same region of the Galaxy. Cato Neimoidia was the oldest purse world and may have been one of the earliest Neimoidian colonies.
Acting Viceroy Sentepeth Findosresisted for a brief moment but was forced by Stormtroopers to sign a peace treaty with the Empire the day that the Clone Wars ended, giving all of the Federation's resources to Palpatine's disposal to help him build the Galactic Empire. This had made the Trade Federation a puppet government.
Months after the Clone Wars ended, agents of Bail Organa infiltrated the palace of Darga the Hutt in a ruined city on Cato Neimoidia. They freed Darga's prisoner, Jedi MasterDenia. Before leaving the palace, the agents overheard Darga's majordomo having a conversation with InquisitorDraco.
Four months after the Republic's transformation into the Galactic Empire, Jedi Dass Jennir came to Cato Neimoidia looking for work. Around the time when the Galactic Civil War began, the planet had been designated as an Imperial Protectorate of the Empire and thus outfitted with an Imperial garrison led by BaronMerillion Tarko. The Baron's iron rule over the planet, however, came to an end when a clone of Galen Marek flew to Cato Neimoidia to rescue GeneralRahm Kota, resulting in the destruction of much of Tarko-se, its arena, and the death of Tarko by being eaten by a Gorog as well.
For nineteen years the federation continued to be a puppet government until the Imperial Senate was dissolved in 0 BBY taking the federation with it shortly before the Battle of Yavin.