US schools and police warn over disturbing 'Cat in the Hat' social media trend
Schools and law enforcement across the US are warning about a viral trend using disturbing or AI-generated images of the Cat in the Hat to threaten students and schools, after several teenagers were arrested or charged.
A social media trend involving disturbing or AI-generated depictions of the Dr Seuss character Cat in the Hat is prompting warnings from schools and police departments across the United States. The trend began on Snapchat, where the altered character — often resembling the version played by Mike Myers in the 2003 live-action film — is shown lurking near homes, schools or streets at night.
Some of the footage is AI-generated, while other posts feature real people in costumes. A number of these posts include threatening language directed at specific towns or schools, and some of the more troubling versions name individuals or list supposed targets.
According to the BBC, the trend first appeared in Ireland and the United Kingdom in August 2026 before spreading rapidly across parts of the United States and Canada.
Authorities respond
While many social media users treat the trend as a joke or prank, authorities say causing people to fear for their safety can amount to criminal harassment.
Near Wichita, Kansas, a 15-year-old was arrested after allegedly posting a video making threatening references to students using the trend. The Hutchinson police department said its investigation found that a Hutchinson High School student had created a TikTok account referencing the trend targeting the community; the teenager now faces two counts of criminal threat. Police stressed that threats are taken seriously regardless of whether they were intended as a joke.
In Worth County, Georgia, two high school students are facing charges after participating in the trend, and the school district said both will also face disciplinary measures.
In Grand Junction, Colorado, police increased their presence at a middle school and high school as a precaution after a related post circulated, which also led to the arrest of a 14-year-old student.
Law enforcement officials are urging students who see such content to report it to a trusted adult, school official or police, rather than sharing or reposting it further.
