The Cato Corporation (CATO) 10-K 2007 FY Annual report

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration StatementNo. 333-119300 onForm S-8 pertaining to The Cato Corporation 2004 Incentive Compensation Plan, in Registration StatementNo. 333-119299 pertaining to The Cato Corporation 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan in Registration StatementNo. 333-96283 onForm S-8 pertaining to The Cato Corporation 1999 Incentive Compensation Plan, in Registration StatementNo. 33-41314 onForm S-8 pertaining to The Cato Corporation 1987 Incentive Stock Option Plan, in Registration StatementNo. 33-41315 onForm S-8 pertaining to The Cato Corporation 1987 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and in Registration Statements Nos.33-69844 and333-96285 onForms S-8 pertaining to The Cato Corporation 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, of our report dated April 3, 2007 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in thisForm 10-K.

/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

April 3, 2007

51

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

	Allowance
	for			Reserve for			Allowance
	Doubtful			Rental			for Sales
	Accounts(a)			Commitments(b)			Returns(c)
	(In thousands)
Balance at January 31, 2004	$	6,335		$	616		$	400
Additions charged to costs and expenses		5,096			1,373			22
Additions charged to other accounts		1,069	(d)		—			—
Deductions		(6,378	)(e)		(1,502	)		—
Balance at January 29, 2005		6,122			487			422
Additions charged to costs and expenses		4,650			764			60
Additions charged to other accounts		1,117	(d)		—			—
Deductions		(8,195	)(e)		(1,038	)		—
Balance at January 28, 2006		3,694			213			482
Additions charged to costs and expenses		2,633			1,448			159
Additions charged to other accounts		1,600	(d)		—			—
Deductions		(4,373	)(e)		(1,449	)		—
Balance at February 3, 2007	$	3,554		$	212		$	641

(a)	Deducted from trade accounts receivable.
(b)	Reserve for closed store lease obligations net of estimated sublease income.
(c)	Gross margin on return sales.
(d)	Recoveries of amounts previously written off.
(e)	Uncollectible accounts written off.

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