Last Updated on 15 October 2026 by Vanessa
The Sitges Film Festival in Spain is one of the world’s most prestigious horror and fantasy film festivals. For years, King Kong served as the festival’s towering and ferocious mascot, paying homage to the history of monster cinema. But in 2024, a new and unexpected star has stolen the spotlight—Nosfe (short for Nosferatu), a charming ginger cat who is now vying for the festival’s official mascot title.
The arrival of Nosferatu, the Sitges cat
Nosferatu, inspired by the 1922 classic horror film, first appeared during the 57th edition of the Sitges Film Festival.
Since then, he’s become a regular and beloved figure at the festival’s main venue: Hotel Meliá Sitges.
This chic hotel in Sitges hosts not only the festival’s biggest cinema—a grand auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,380—but also other screening rooms like Tramuntana and Brigadoon, as well as a variety of conference rooms and gathering spaces.
It’s also where many stars, directors, and industry professionals stay and socialize.
It didn’t take long for Nosferatu (or Nosfe for the friends) to establish himself as a festival staple, earning the affection of the attendees, volunteers, and organizers.
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A red-carpet superstar
One of Nosferatu’s favorite activities is lounging on the red carpet.
Many celebrities have found themselves sharing the spotlight with this friendly feline.
Often, Nosferatu can be seen strolling down the red carpet, stealing the show and posing for photos alongside the stars. His unplanned yet perfectly timed appearances have made him a festival legend.
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Nosferatu’s other favorite hangouts
When he’s not soaking up the festival atmosphere on the red carpet, Nosferatu can often be found lounging in front of the Fnac shop just opposite the festival venue. This spot has become his go-to location for receiving cuddles and affection from festival attendees and passers-by.
The staff at Fnac initially gave him the name Jonesy because he resembles the cat from Ridley Scott’s iconic Alien (1979) and its sequel Aliens (1986). But the Sitges Film Festival staff decided on his official name: Nosferatu (although some people also affectionately call him Nosfegatu).
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Nosferatu: a cat with personality
Nosferatu isn’t just any ordinary cat—he’s got personality in spades.
Some festival-goers have seen this Sitges cat chase away dogs from his territory and even “control traffic” in front of the Hotel Meliá.
One attendee even mentioned witnessing the ginger feline holding court over the bustling festival scene, bravely standing his ground and asserting his presence amid all the chaos.
This fearlessness, combined with his charm, has made Nosferatu the official title of “security guard” of the Sitges Film Festival.
Nosferatu has become such an integral part of the festival culture that he even received an official ID badge, further cementing his status as the event’s security guard.
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Nosferatu’s permanent home near Hotel Meliá
Nosferatu is more than just a festival visitor: he’s a permanent resident.
He lives in an apartment at the Carrer de Joan Salvat Papasseit 9, right in front of the entrance to Hotel Meliá.
His humans ensure he can access to food, water, and shelter year-round.
His clipped ear indicates that he has been neutered, so we won’t be seeing any little Nosferatus running around the festival.
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Conclusion
It’s common to see guests and festival attendees stop by to give Nosferatu the Sitges cat some attention.
Despite the fast-paced nature of the Sitges Film Festival, Nosferatu brings a calming presence, offering a moment of respite amid the excitement and frenzy of one of the world’s biggest genre film festivals.
On the Sitges Film Festival’s official Instagram page they remind festival-goers to show Nosferatu a little affection and perhaps his favorite food—tuna.
But be careful! As much as Nosferatu loves a treat, he’s on a diet.
So, next time you attend the Sitges Film Festival, keep an eye out for Nosferatu the Sitges cat.
Whether he’s lounging by the Fnac shop or making a grand appearance on the red carpet, Nosferatu will surely bring a smile to your face—and probably also steal the show.
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Photos by Vanessa Morgan, Sitges Film Festival (photos 8 and 9), and Gilles Vranckx (photos 7, 11, and 12)
Update: R.I.P. Nosferatu
Nosferatu has sadly passed away in 2026. A neighbor who used to feed him said he showed up dead one day, poisoned. The Sitges Film Festival will never be the same without him. 💔
More Sitges cats
If you’re a cat lover, there are several popular spots in Sitges where you will encounter other friendly felines. Some of the best places to see cats in Sitges include:
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- The pier near the St. Bartomeu Church, an iconic landmark in Sitges.
- The historic Cinema Retiro, another key venue for the festival.
- La Guineu, a charming tapas bar where many cats lounge.
- The Santiago Rusinol statue area, where cats are frequently seen.
- Sant Sebastián Cemetery, a serene and beautiful spot that’s also home to a cat.
4 responses
I don’t like horror films or any horror films, so this festival is not for me. And the name fits this cat perfectly.
Nosteratu is a girl. Or a lady. Her clipped right ear indicates it. Neutered males are marked in his left ear.
Nosfe was poisoned?! I can’t believe someone would intentionally poison him – maybe he killed a bird or rodent that had been poisoned. It must have been a wonderful site to see him on the red carpet – guests of the festival must have Loved that. RIP sweet Nosfe.
What a wonderful life Nosteratu had and I am heartbroken that he was poisoned, I hope they find the person that did that to him, Run free over the Rainbow Bridge Nosteratu