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Buy

domains

Learn more about the .cat domain name and buy it right now.

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Find Your Domain

The .cat domain extension is the official domain for the region of Catalonia. In order to register a .cat domain, you need to be either a speaker of Catalan or to use the domain to promote the Catalan language and culture.

What are

domains?

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Registrations for .cat opened in 2006. The successful launch of the .cat extension also led to the development of the .eus and .gal extensions, which target the Basque and Galician community. The .cat extension is managed and operated by Associació puntCAT.

The main reason behind the introduction of the .cat domain extension was to create a space for the Catalan language and community online. Using this domain is a great way to emphasize your Catalan identity online. It can also help improve your local search engine results in the region.

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ALTERNATIVE DOMAIN TLDS

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Membership Plans

Members Only

Access To:

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ about .cat domains

Anyone who speaks the Catalan language and/or wants to promote the Catalan language and culture online is allowed to register a .cat domain. During the registration process, you must state your intended use of the domain.

A .cat domain can be registered for an initial period of 1-10 years. After this period has passed, you need to renew your domain to continue using it.

Simply use the domain search bar at the top of this page and enter the name of your choice. A new window will open, and you will immediately see if the name you want is still free. If the name of your choice is not available, our system will automatically show you some options that are still free instead.

Yes, this is possible for this extension. You can enable this option when you purchase a domain through the <a href="https://cp.openprovider.eu/signup?__hstc=3456879.96538b9edcd91ab263550c0517f41c96.1675745756546.1677217667591.1677229378138.39&amp;__hssc=3456879.1.1677229378138&amp;__hsfp=1483251232">Openprovider control panel</a>.

You can easily renew your domain through the <a href="https://cp.openprovider.eu/signup?__hstc=3456879.96538b9edcd91ab263550c0517f41c96.1675745756546.1677217667591.1677229378138.39&amp;__hssc=3456879.1.1677229378138&amp;__hsfp=1483251232">Openprovider control panel</a>. You will receive multiple reminders by email when your domain is due to be renewed. Another option is to turn on the auto-renew feature in the control panel, which ensures that your domain is automatically renewed as long as you have sufficient balance on your account.

.cat domain names should be between 3-62 characters in length. They may contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens. Internationalized domain names are supported for the Catalan language.

Your .cat domain will be renewed automatically if you have the<a href="https://support.openprovider.eu/hc/en-us/articles/216649178-Automatic-renewal-of-domains"> auto-renew feature</a> turned on and if you have enough balance in your account. If your domain is expired, you have 44 days to restore it for free. After these days have passed, you will have 28 days to restore your domain at an additional fee before it is deleted.

The .cat domain was officially approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2005 and became available in 2006. Its creation was driven by a strong desire to provide the Catalan-speaking community with a dedicated online space that reflects their unique cultural and linguistic identity. The initiative was spearheaded by the Associació puntCAT, a group of Catalan language and culture advocates who recognized the need for a distinct digital presence. The primary purpose of the .cat domain is to promote the use of the Catalan language on the internet and to support websites that contribute to the Catalan cultural heritage. By offering a specific TLD, the .cat domain helps to increase the visibility of Catalan content, making it easier for users to find and engage with resources that celebrate and preserve their rich cultural traditions.

Since its inception, the .cat domain has steadily grown in popularity among the Catalan-speaking community and beyond. As of recent years, there are thousands of registered .cat domains, encompassing a wide range of websites from personal blogs and cultural organizations to businesses and educational institutions. The domain has become a symbol of Catalan pride and identity, making it a preferred choice for those looking to highlight their connection to Catalan culture. Its usage is not limited to Catalonia itself; it extends to Catalan-speaking regions and diasporas around the world. This widespread adoption underscores the domain's effectiveness in fostering a sense of community and belonging. Websites using the .cat domain benefit from a targeted audience that is interested in Catalan language and culture, enhancing both engagement and visibility. This specialized focus helps to distinguish .cat websites in the crowded digital landscape.

- Cultural significance: The .cat domain holds substantial cultural significance for the Catalan-speaking community. It serves as a digital beacon of Catalan identity, allowing individuals, businesses, and organizations to showcase their commitment to Catalan language and culture. By using a .cat domain, websites can instantly convey their cultural alignment to visitors, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This TLD not only promotes the use of the Catalan language online but also supports the preservation and dissemination of Catalan cultural heritage. For many, registering a .cat domain is a statement of pride and a way to contribute to the cultural landscape. It helps to increase the visibility of Catalan content on the internet, making it easier for users to find resources that celebrate and uphold Catalan traditions. In an increasingly globalized world, the .cat domain provides a dedicated space for maintaining and promoting the unique identity of the Catalan-speaking community. - SEO advantages: Using a .cat domain can offer significant SEO advantages, particularly for websites targeting the Catalan-speaking audience. Search engines recognize the specificity of the .cat domain, which can help improve your site's ranking for searches related to Catalan language and culture. By incorporating relevant keywords and high-quality content in Catalan, websites with a .cat domain can achieve better visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). This increased visibility can drive more targeted traffic to your site, enhancing user engagement and potentially leading to higher conversion rates. Additionally, the .cat domain signals to search engines that your website is highly relevant to users interested in Catalan content, which can help in building domain authority over time. These SEO benefits make the .cat domain a valuable asset for anyone looking to optimize their online presence within the Catalan-speaking community. By leveraging these advantages, your website can achieve greater reach and impact. - Community engagement: The .cat domain significantly enhances community engagement by providing a focused platform for Catalan-speaking individuals and organizations. By using a .cat domain, you signal to visitors that your website is dedicated to Catalan culture, language, and interests. This fosters a sense of trust and belonging among users who share these values, encouraging them to engage more deeply with your content. Whether you are promoting local events, sharing cultural news, or offering products and services tailored to the Catalan community, the .cat domain helps you connect with your audience on a more meaningful level. This specialized TLD also enables you to participate in online forums, social media groups, and other digital spaces dedicated to Catalan topics, further strengthening your community ties. Enhanced engagement leads to a more active and loyal user base, which can boost your website's visibility and influence within the Catalan-speaking world.

- Renewal and maintenance: Maintaining a .cat domain involves regular <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/glossary/what-is-domain-renewal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domain renewal</a> and upkeep to ensure your website remains active and relevant. Typically, .cat domains are registered on an annual basis, and you will need to renew your registration before it expires to avoid losing your domain. Openprovider offers automated renewal services, which can help you stay on top of deadlines without manual intervention. It's advisable to keep your contact information up-to-date with Openprovider to receive timely renewal reminders and notifications. In terms of maintenance, ensure that your website content remains consistent with the eligibility criteria of the .cat domain, focusing on Catalan language and culture. Regularly updating your site with fresh, high-quality content can also improve your SEO performance and user engagement. By actively managing your .cat domain, you can maintain a strong, credible online presence that continues to serve and engage the Catalan-speaking community effectively. - Security measures: Securing your .cat domain is crucial to protect your website and its users from potential threats. Start by choosing a registrar that offers robust security features such as domain privacy protection, which hides your personal information from the public WHOIS database. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an additional layer of security, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access your domain management account. Regularly update your passwords and use complex combinations to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. It's also advisable to implement <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/products/security/ssl-certificates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SSL certificates</a> to encrypt data exchanged between your website and its visitors, enhancing trust and security. Monitor your domain for any unusual activity and set up alerts for any changes to your DNS settings. By following these security measures, you can safeguard your .cat domain from cyber threats, ensuring a safe and reliable online experience for your visitors. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity and reputation of your website within the Catalan-speaking community. - Best practices: Adopting best practices for managing your .cat domain ensures that your website remains effective, secure, and engaging. Start by consistently updating your content to keep it relevant and appealing to your audience. Focus on high-quality, Catalan-centric material to align with the domain's cultural and linguistic focus. Regularly check for broken links and outdated information to maintain a seamless user experience. Utilise analytics tools to monitor your website's performance, understand user behavior, and make data-driven improvements. Implement SEO strategies to enhance your site's visibility in search engine results, targeting keywords relevant to Catalan language and culture. Additionally, ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as a significant portion of users access content via smartphones and tablets. Engage with your audience through social media and other online platforms to foster a sense of community. By following these best practices, you can maximize the potential of your .cat domain and maintain a strong, impactful online presence.

Many successful websites have leveraged the .cat domain to build a strong online presence and engage deeply with the Catalan-speaking community. One notable example is VilaWeb, an independent Catalan news website that has become a go-to source for current events and cultural content in Catalonia. By using the .cat domain, VilaWeb reinforces its commitment to providing news and information in the Catalan language, establishing trust and authority among its readership. Another example is Softcatalà, a project dedicated to promoting the use of Catalan in technology. Their website offers resources such as software localisations, linguistic tools, and tech tutorials, all aimed at making technology accessible in Catalan. The .cat domain underscores their mission and attracts a dedicated audience seeking tech solutions in their native language. These examples highlight how the .cat domain can be a powerful tool for building a culturally resonant and effective online presence. The .cat domain has also been instrumental in the success of numerous community projects aimed at promoting Catalan culture and language. One such project is Amical Wikimedia, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the creation and dissemination of free knowledge in Catalan. By using a .cat domain, Amical Wikimedia effectively reaches its target audience, providing resources and support for contributors to the Catalan Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. Another noteworthy example is Òmnium Cultural, a cultural association that promotes Catalan language, culture, and social cohesion. Their .cat domain helps them connect with a community interested in preserving and celebrating Catalan heritage. Through various cultural events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, Òmnium Cultural engages thousands of members and supporters. These community projects demonstrate the .cat domain's potential to unite and empower Catalan-speaking individuals and organizations, fostering a vibrant and cohesive cultural ecosystem. By leveraging the .cat domain, these initiatives can maximize their outreach and impact. The case studies of successful .cat domain websites offer several valuable lessons for anyone looking to leverage this unique TLD. Firstly, aligning your website content with the cultural and linguistic focus of the .cat domain is crucial. Websites like VilaWeb and Softcatalà thrive by providing high-quality, relevant content that resonates with the Catalan-speaking community. Secondly, community engagement is key. Projects like Amical Wikimedia and Òmnium Cultural demonstrate that fostering a sense of belonging and actively involving your audience can significantly enhance your project's reach and impact. Regularly updating content and engaging with users through various platforms can build a loyal and active user base. Lastly, the importance of maintaining a clear and focused mission cannot be overstated. The success of these websites and projects is largely due to their commitment to promoting Catalan language and culture. By staying true to this mission, they have managed to build trust, authority, and a strong online presence within the Catalan-speaking community.