EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-188990, 333-188993, 333-176511, 333-119300, 333-119299, and 333-96285) of The Cato Corporation of our report dated March 23, 2017 relating 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 23, 2017