Stop. Think. Verify.
You may have seen social media posts showing a life-sized “Cat in the Hat” character supposedly appearing near neighborhoods, schools, or other public places.
Here’s what you need to know: The images and videos are fake.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that this viral trend originated overseas and that the frightening images and videos being shared online are AI-generated and not evidence of a real person or threat.
Local copycat posts have already appeared in surrounding communities, and additional posts may continue to circulate.
🛑 DON’T PARTICIPATE IN THE HOAX
If you see one of these posts:
❌ Don’t create or edit your own version.
❌ Don’t share or repost it.
❌ Don’t tag friends or classmates to scare them.
❌ Don’t spread rumors or unverified information.
❌ Don’t share or repost it.
❌ Don’t tag friends or classmates to scare them.
❌ Don’t spread rumors or unverified information.
Instead:
✅ Stop. Think. Verify.
✅ Report suspicious content to the social media platform.
✅ Tell a trusted adult if the post concerns you.
✅ If you believe you have information about a legitimate safety concern, contact law enforcement or your school.
✅ Report suspicious content to the social media platform.
✅ Tell a trusted adult if the post concerns you.
✅ If you believe you have information about a legitimate safety concern, contact law enforcement or your school.
KISD takes every safety concern seriously. While this particular viral trend has been determined to be non-credible, sharing false or frightening content can create unnecessary fear and disrupt our schools and community.
BE SMART. BE RESPONSIBLE. DON’T FEED THE HOAX.
Think before you share. What you post can impact your classmates, your school, and your community.
— Kingsville ISD
Keeping our students, families, and community informed and safe.