Talbot, Caroline Sheriffs Investigate ‘Cat in the Hat’ TikTok Threats

TALBOT & CAROLINE COUNTIES, Md. – The Talbot and Caroline County Sheriff’s Offices are investigating social media posts targeting local school districts through a trend commonly referred to as “The Cat in the Hat.”

On Sunday evening, the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office made a public safety announcement, saying they had been made aware of a TikTok that referenced a social media trend involving “The Cat in the Hat”, and a threat of violence directed toward Easton Middle School. TCSO said there was no credible threat to the middle school or the larger school system, but that they would continue to investigate the post.

“The Cat in the Hat” trend refers to a viral, nationwide social media trend featuring edited or AI-generated images of Dr. Suess’s Cat in the Hat lurking outside windows or in dark areas, typically posted on social media platforms TikTok and Snapchat. In recent weeks, the trend has escalated, resulting in anonymous users threating violence via the beloved character by mentioning specific schools or students as targets.

On Monday afternoon, the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) confirmed they were also investigating multiple videos associated with the trend that reference or depict schools located within Caroline County, but that no credible threat has been identified at this time.

“The Sheriff’s Office reminds students, parents, and members of the community that threatening or concerning content posted on social media should be reported immediately to law enforcement or school officials,” CCSO said in a post to social media. “[CCSO] will continue to investigate any information or social media activity that could potentially impact the safety of students, staff, or school facilities.”

Anyone with information regarding these videos is asked to contact local authorities.