08/28/2026
“CAT IN THE HAT” SOCIAL MEDIA TREND
The Bethany Police Department is aware of concerns circulating in our community regarding the current “Cat in the Hat” social media trend. We want to provide some factual information and, more importantly, make it very clear where a social media “trend” stops being a joke and becomes potentially criminal conduct.
The trend originated on social media this summer and has evolved into videos, edited images and AI-generated content portraying the Cat in the Hat as a frightening or threatening character. Posts have depicted the character appearing outside homes, in neighborhoods and in other locations. Law enforcement agencies in other areas have already had to address false or AI-generated “sightings.” In other words, there is no actual “Cat in the Hat” prowling communities as portrayed in many of these posts. However, that does not mean everything being done in connection with this trend is harmless.
Creating a fictional or scary social media post is one thing. Creating an account specifically to target a real person, threatening to hurt someone, threatening to enter someone's home, repeatedly contacting a child, monitoring or photographing someone's home, or otherwise causing someone to reasonably fear for their safety is an entirely different matter. Illinois law provides criminal penalties for this type of conduct.
For example, under 720 ILCS 5/12-7.5 (Cyberstalking), electronic communications directed at a specific person that cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress can constitute cyberstalking. Certain forms of electronic threats and harassment can constitute a Class 4 felony, with more serious penalties for subsequent convictions.
Illinois law also prohibits harassment through electronic communications under 720 ILCS 5/26.5-3. Depending upon the circumstances and an individual's prior history, violations can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Other criminal statutes may also apply depending upon exactly what was communicated, who was targeted, whether threats were made, whether someone was being followed or monitored, and what other conduct occurred.
To anyone participating in this trend: DO NOT CROSS THAT LINE.
Do not use Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or any other platform to threaten people.
Do not create fake accounts to impersonate someone or anonymously target children.
Do not send photographs of someone's home, bedroom windows or other private areas to frighten them.
Do not tell someone that you are watching them, know where they live or know where they sleep.
Do not threaten to enter someone's home or harm someone.
And do not assume that being behind a fake account or screen name makes you anonymous. Law enforcement can investigate electronic communications and work with social-media providers to identify accounts and obtain relevant information when legally authorized.
This is especially important for parents. Please talk to your children about this trend. Make sure they understand the difference between participating in a fictional internet meme and directly targeting another person with threats or harassment. What may seem funny to one child can be genuinely frightening to another and can have serious consequences.
If your child receives a threatening message or is targeted by one of these accounts:
• Do not delete the messages.
• Take screenshots showing the username/profile and the entire conversation when possible.
• Save photographs, videos and other content that was sent.
• Do not engage in an argument with the account or attempt to retaliate.
• Do not publicly identify or confront someone you suspect is responsible.
• Contact the Bethany Police Department and provide the preserved evidence.
The Bethany Police Department takes threats involving children and threats involving someone's home or personal safety seriously.
Parents: talk to your kids. Kids: understand that “it's just a joke” is not necessarily a defense when your conduct crosses into criminal behavior.
Let's keep this from becoming something much more serious than a social-media trend.
