A Shocking Website Emerges
In 2000, an MIT student using the alias Dr. Michael Wong Chang created BonsaiKitten.com, a satirical website claiming to teach people how to grow kittens inside jars to shape their bones—similar to bonsai trees.
Public Outrage and FBI Involvement
Many visitors believed the website was real, leading to hundreds of complaints to animal rights groups. The Michigan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States condemned it, while the FBI investigated the site under an animal cruelty law signed by Bill Clinton in 1999.
Website Shutdown and Reappearance
MIT removed the site, but it reappeared multiple times on different servers, including Rotten.com. Even after being debunked by Snopes, the site continued to spark international petitions calling for its removal.
A Satire That Went Too Far
The creator later admitted the website was inspired by cube-shaped watermelons and aimed to critique the commodification of nature. Despite being a hoax, animal welfare groups warned it could promote cruelty, and even years later, complaints continue.
In 2000, an MIT student using the alias Dr. Michael Wong Chang created BonsaiKitten, a satirical website claiming to teach people how to grow kittens inside jars to shape their bones—similar to bonsai trees. 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/sQK2HceW2d
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