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CAT (FC Barcelona mascot)

CAT is the official mascot of FC Barcelona, introduced during the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations in November 2024. Designed by Jordi and Carlos Grangel of the Catalan animation company Grangel Studio, CAT represents an anthropomorphic wildcat whose appearance and symbolism intentionally evoke Catalan cultural identity.

The character was conceived as part of FC Barcelona’s broader effort to modernise its institutional animation, expand its digital output, and reinforce engagement with younger audiences. By late 2025, CAT had become a prominent element in the club’s public events, community programmes, and visual identity.

Background

For decades, FC Barcelona did not maintain a stable official mascot, unlike many major European sports clubs. Internal discussions about adopting one gained momentum in the early 2020s as the club sought to broaden its family-oriented activities, unify its brand identity, and strengthen symbolic connections with Catalonia.

Grangel Studio—internationally recognised for its collaborations with DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures, and Universal Pictures—was commissioned to develop a character rooted in local culture yet suited for global audiences. The designers chose the Felis silvestris (European wildcat), a species native to the Montseny region of Catalonia, as the conceptual foundation.

Design

CAT embodies the club’s core values of creativity, inclusivity, and enthusiasm. The mascot features:

  • a yellow, fur-textured body of large dimensions;
  • four red stripes on the forehead symbolising the Senyera;
  • wide blue eyes conveying an expressive, upbeat temperament;
  • a smiling mouth with stylised fangs and blaugrana interior striping;
  • a football motif inside the mouth, echoing the visual identity of the FC Barcelona crest.

CAT typically appears wearing the official FC Barcelona kit but without footwear, reinforcing its animal nature while maintaining recognisable club branding.

Presentation and debut

CAT was officially unveiled on 29 November 2024 at the Gran Teatre del Liceu during the club’s 125th anniversary gala. The introduction included promotional videos, appearances by players, and a coordinated social media campaign. Shortly after, CAT began appearing at matches at the Spotify Camp Nou, events organised by the Barça Foundation, and a variety of community activities throughout Catalonia.

Development and activities

Following its debut, CAT became a recurring presence in club communications and digital content. The mascot is involved in:

  • matchday entertainment at men’s and women’s football games;
  • educational programmes and inclusion initiatives by the Barça Foundation;
  • cultural events such as book fairs and Catalan festivals.

In collaboration with the ONCE Foundation, FC Barcelona produced a tactile version of CAT adapted for blind and visually impaired supporters, reinforcing the club’s commitment to accessibility and social inclusion.

Cultural significance

The name “CAT” serves a dual purpose: it refers both to the English word *cat* and to the internationally recognised abbreviation for *Catalonia*. This linguistic association, combined with visual references to Catalan fauna and symbolism, positions CAT as an informal ambassador of Catalan identity within the club’s global branding.

Future developments

In a 2024 interview on 3CAT, Carlos Grangel revealed that preliminary discussions were underway to develop an animated film featuring CAT, aiming to expand the character beyond sports representation into entertainment media.

See also

References

External links