Cat-costumed figure frightens Oulu residents as youths search with weapons

A person dressed as the Cat in the Hat has frightened people in Oulu, while some young people have searched for the figure carrying objects that could be used as weapons, Yle reports.

Oulu police have received several calls in recent days from different parts of the city about the character, a black-and-white cat wearing a tall red-and-white hat. Police have not located anyone dressed as the figure, despite searches.

Police Chief Inspector Irmeli Korhonen said there was no information that the figures had threatened anyone. The reports indicate that they have mainly frightened children. Some young people have gone looking for the cat figure in groups, and there are indications that some carried blunt objects, Korhonen said.

Police warned that knives and other items suitable for injuring someone must not be carried in public. Feeling afraid is not a justification for carrying them.

The Cat in the Hat has also prompted lively discussion and videos on social media. Korhonen said a similar phenomenon involving people dressed as clowns caused fear a few years ago. Police have appealed to the person in the cat costume to stop, saying the actions are causing unnecessary concern and could lead to dangerous situations. Anyone who sees the figure is asked to call the emergency number.

The character is known from the 2003 film Cat in the Hat, released in Finland under the title Katti. It is based on a 1957 children’s book by American author Dr. Seuss.