Probably four but they are likely all incorporated into one exhaust pipe so they are all changed at once.

Okie dokie thankz Wrenchtech....

Here is some info from the owners manual...

1997 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manuals

Emission Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.

..........The keyword in the manual is "a catalytic converter" I've read information saying my particular car has either 3...or even sometimes 4 ....all this differnt information online is very confusing. Anyone have a concrete answer for me ???

I guess you need proof huh? That owners manual has the same generic wording put into every Ford owners manual made. As I told you earlier, there is a total of 3 converters (some have 4) all contained within one single pipe which means they are all replaced at once, no matter what you would prefer to change.

**Smilez** Interesting .....

Made the choice to buy an OBD ll code reader due to the service engine soon light switched on last fall, where is the OBD port for a 97 mercury cougar XR7 ??