Cattelena is primarily known from her posthumous inventory dated 1625.[3] Her Hispanic name suggests origins connected to Spanish or Portuguese territories.[3] The term "independent singlewoman" from her inventory indicates she was both unmarried, like about 30 per cent of Tudor women, and self-reliant.[3]
Cattelena's livelihood seemingly derived from her most valuable possession, a cow, suggesting she traded surplus dairy products.[3][4] Despite this, her means were modest, as evidenced by her shared accommodation and the humble belongings listed in her inventory.[3]