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EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos.

333-287636, Nos. 333-256538, Nos. 333-230843, Nos. 333-225350, Nos. 333-188993,and Nos. 333-

188990) of The Cato Corporation of our report dated March 25, 2026relating to the financial statements,

financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting,which

appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

March 25, 2026