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US Schools and Police Warn About Viral ‘Cat in the Hat’ Trend After Teen Arrests

Schools and police in the US are warning about a viral “Cat in the Hat” social media trend after teenagers in Kansas and Georgia were arrested or charged over posts that threatened students and schools.

AI News Feed · 2026-09-14 05:17

The trend began on Snapchat as images or short videos showing a disturbing version of the Cat in the Hat, often resembling the character played by Mike Myers in the 2003 live-action film, lurking outside homes, schools or on streets at night. Some footage appears to be AI-generated, while other posts show real people wearing costumes. Some videos include threatening messages toward specific towns or schools, and more disturbing versions named individuals or included lists of supposed targets.

The BBC reported that the posts first circulated in Ireland and the United Kingdom in August 2026 before quickly becoming viral in parts of the United States and Canada. Although many social media users view the trend as a hoax or prank, authorities are warning that causing people to fear for their safety could amount to criminal harassment.

Near Wichita, Kansas, a 15-year-old was arrested after allegedly posting a video on social media that made ominous threats toward students using the trend. The Hutchinson police department said in a statement that during the investigation officers determined a 15-year-old Hutchinson high school student created a TikTok account for that community referencing the Cat in the Hat trend. The juvenile was charged with two counts of criminal threat. The statement said threats of any nature are taken seriously by the Hutchinson Police Department and Hutchinson High School, adding that regardless of whether a post is intended as a joke, it is unlawful to cause others, particularly students, to fear for their safety.

In Worth County, Georgia, two students at Worth County High School are facing charges after the school district said they participated in the viral social media hoax. School officials say both students are being charged and will also face disciplinary action.

Some school communities have increased police presence as a precaution. The Grand Junction police department in Colorado said it increased its presence at West Middle School and Grand Junction High School “out of an abundance of caution” after the circulation of a Cat in the Hat post. The post led to the arrest of a 14-year-old student.

As the trend continues to circulate, law enforcement authorities are urging students to report any safety concerns to a trusted adult, school administrator or law enforcement official rather than reposting or sharing the content.