German police investigate “horror cat” internet trend

Police in the German states of Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate are investigating an internet trend involving a “horror cat” that has caused alarm among students. The phenomenon utilizes manipulated or AI-generated images and videos of a creepy figure in a hat, inspired by the “Cat in the Hat” children's book character.

Social media posts associated with the trend often include ominous messages such as “Sleep with one eye open today.” In some instances, the content has escalated to naming specific schools, locations, or individual children and adolescents, causing significant distress.

While Hessen police report isolated incidents related to the trend, they emphasize that there have been no confirmed cases of real individuals in costumes stalking or attacking youths. Authorities are reviewing cases for potential criminal liability, noting that what may be intended as a prank becomes illegal when it involves specific threats, insults, stalking, or attempted bodily harm.