The function and semiotics of cats in urban space and in cultural memory (by example of Yerevan and Gabrovo)

The article analyses the function and semiotics of cats in urban space and cultural memory, using the example of Yerevan (Armenia) and Gabrovo (Bulgaria). Analyzing Armenian and Bulgarian phraseological units, the study’s authors show that cats are “active” in the linguistic memory of the two peoples. They describe the visualization of cats in urban space and their multimodal manifestations in statues, restaurant names, cafe names, design interpretations, cultural artifacts, etc. The article highlights the phenomenon of the Van cat as a symbol of Armenian identity. An analysis of the empirical material of the two cities showed that Fernando Botero’s “Cat” became the catalyst for the appearance of the Black Cat Gastropub restaurant (2021–2023), the appearance of an “Armenian” twin. Yerevan sculptures with cats refer to the “high” Armenian literature, cultural memory, and historical past. The Bulgarian example showed that the Gabrovo cat and related practices (festivals) point to a “grassroots” carnival culture. The Gabrovo cat is a transnational symbol and expresses a philosophical concept: humor as a weapon against aggression and laughter as a means of transnational survival.