Creepy 'concerning' Cat in the Hat incident leads to B.C. RCMP response
A creepy incident revolving around an iconic character from a Dr. Seuss book ended with the RCMP getting involved.
West Kelowna RCMP shared a release yesterday after a report involving a teenage girl who was allegedly chased while walking in her community.
The person who was chasing her was dressed up in a costume “resembling” the Cat in the Hat.
“The youth was able to reach her residence safely. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are seeking to identify the individual involved,” RCMP said.
West Kelowna RCMP pointed out that wearing a costume isn’t in itself a criminal offence, but following or pursuing someone in a manner that causes them to have a reasonable fear for their safety “may constitute criminal harassment, depending on the circumstances and evidence gathered during the investigation.”
RCMP said that other offences, like assault, uttering threats, or intimidation, could also be considered if there is enough supporting evidence.
“Regardless of whether the individual intended the behaviour as a joke, following a young person and causing them to fear for their safety is extremely concerning,” said West Kelowna RCMP Corporal Gerrits.
“People should understand that behaviour intended as a prank can have serious consequences when it causes another person to reasonably fear for their safety.”
West Kelowna RCMP is using this as an opportunity to remind parents and youth that if they are being followed or chased, they should move to a safe and populated location, contact a trusted adult, or call 911 if they are in immediate danger.
The incident has led to many conversations on social media, including some suggesting that it took place after a wave of AI-generated Cat in the Hat hoaxes in the U.K.
Police are searching for someone dressed as the Cat in the Hat after a teenage girl reported being chased through her neighbourhood in Canada
It comes after a wave of AI-generated “killer” Cat in the Hat hoaxes in the UK and Ireland pic.twitter.com/oqGvSzvaKL
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) September 9, 2026
Anyone with information about the Cat in the Hat situation is being asked to contact investigators with the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.