“What did Shane Dawson do to his cat?” — it’s a question that’s popped up again and again online over the years, especially after old audio resurfaced where he made unsettling comments about his pet. If you’ve ever searched for this phrase, you’re probably looking for answers about a controversy that shook his career and left many fans deeply disappointed. In this post, we’ll unpack what really happened, how it all unfolded, and why it still matters today.

Shane Dawson, once one of YouTube’s biggest stars, built his brand on humor, storytelling, and candid vlogs. But as his popularity grew, so did scrutiny around his past actions. From old jokes to disturbing comments about his pets, the internet has a way of bringing buried issues to light. One of the most talked-about moments involved a cat named Cheeto — and it’s a story that continues to make waves, even years later.

Whether you're an animal lover, a longtime viewer, or just curious about the drama that shaped YouTube culture, this article dives deep into the events surrounding Shane Dawson’s cat-related controversies. We’ll walk through the timeline, break down the fallout, and help you understand why this story still resonates today.

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Table of Contents

• Who Is Shane Dawson?
• The Cat Controversy Explained
• The Leaked Podcast Episode That Sparked Outrage
• Shane Dawson's Public Apology
• How This Affected His Career
• Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Shane Dawson?

Shane Dawson, born Shane Lee Yaw on July 19, 1988, is an American YouTuber, actor, filmmaker, and musician. He rose to fame in the early 2000s as one of the platform’s original stars. Over the years, his content evolved from prank videos and parodies to more personal storytelling and documentary-style videos.

At his peak, Shane had over 20 million subscribers and was known for his unique voice, long-form content, and collaborations with other big names like Jeffree Star. But as time went on, old videos and statements came back to haunt him, especially as audiences became more sensitive to issues like racism, animal cruelty, and inappropriate humor.

Shane Dawson: Quick Bio

The Cat Controversy Explained

So what did Shane Dawson do to his cat, exactly? Well, there are a few different angles to this story. One of the most talked-about moments came when a video surfaced showing Shane doing things to his cat, Tito, that many found disturbing. The video was widely criticized for what appeared to be animal cruelty, and it sparked a wave of backlash from fans and animal lovers alike.

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In the video, Shane is seen holding his cat and doing things that many viewers considered inappropriate. While some defended it as “just a joke,” others were quick to point out that the line between humor and cruelty was blurred. The video was later taken down, but copies and discussions about it still circulate online.

Another incident that added fuel to the fire involved a podcast episode where Shane made a joke about having a sexual experience with one of his cats, Cheeto. That audio resurfaced years later and led to even more outrage. People began asking again: “What did Shane Dawson do to his cat?”

The Leaked Podcast Episode That Sparked Outrage

In 2020, a clip from an old podcast episode featuring Shane Dawson was shared online. In the audio, Shane made a joke about having his first sexual experience with his cat in 2015. That moment, while perhaps intended as humor, crossed a serious line for many people.

Here’s what happened in a bit more detail:

• The podcast was part of Shane’s older content and wasn’t widely known at the time.
• Years later, someone unearthed the audio and shared it publicly.
• The clip included Shane laughing and joking about the situation, which many found deeply offensive.
• As the audio spread, fans and critics alike began calling for accountability.

Shane later addressed the situation in a video titled “Taking Accountability,” where he apologized for a number of past actions, including the podcast comment. He acknowledged that the joke was inappropriate and expressed regret for any harm it might have caused.

Shane Dawson's Public Apology

After the backlash, Shane released a video titled “Taking Accountability” in 2020. In it, he apologized for a range of past behavior, including his comments about race, sexuality, and yes, his cat jokes. He admitted that many of his earlier actions were harmful and that he had grown as a person since then.

Here's a breakdown of what he addressed in the video:

• Racial stereotypes and slurs in his older content
• Pedophilia jokes and inappropriate humor
• Animal-related comments, including those about his cat
• His overall lack of awareness in earlier years

He also mentioned that the controversy surrounding the cat joke had affected his personal life, even going so far as to say it ruined his proposal to his partner, Ryland Adams. Many fans were split — some appreciated the honesty, while others felt it was too little, too late.

How This Affected His Career

By 2020, Shane Dawson was already stepping back from YouTube. He posted what would become his final video that year and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since. But the fallout from the cat controversy and other past actions definitely played a role in his decision to step away.

Here’s how things played out:

• His subscriber count dropped significantly after the 2020 apology video.
• Brand deals and collaborations slowed down or stopped altogether.
• Many fans who once supported him distanced themselves.
• New viewers were less forgiving of his older content.

While Shane hasn’t completely disappeared — he still makes music and occasionally posts on social media — his presence on YouTube has all but vanished. The cat controversy was just one of many issues that contributed to his decline as a major content creator.

It’s also worth noting that the way the internet handles past behavior has changed over time. People are more aware of how jokes or actions from years ago can have real consequences, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like animal abuse or sexuality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Shane Dawson do to his cat?

Shane made a joke in a podcast episode about having a sexual experience with his cat, Cheeto. While he later apologized for the comment, many found it disturbing and inappropriate.

Did Shane Dawson abuse his cat?

There was a video in which Shane was seen doing questionable things to his cat, Tito. While some considered it a prank or joke, others viewed it as animal cruelty. The video was eventually taken down.

Why did Shane Dawson apologize for his cat comments?

In 2020, Shane released a video titled “Taking Accountability,” where he apologized for a number of past actions, including his comments about his cat. He acknowledged that his humor was inappropriate and expressed regret.

Final Thoughts

So, what did Shane Dawson do to his cat? The answer isn’t just about one moment — it’s a mix of old jokes, disturbing videos, and a growing awareness of how humor can cross into harmful territory. The controversy surrounding his cat-related comments was just one piece of a larger puzzle that ultimately led to his departure from YouTube.

If you want to learn more about this story or other similar cases, be sure to check out our article on controversial YouTubers and their downfall. You can also read more about how online culture has changed over time here.

For more insights into how past actions affect digital careers today, feel free to explore our other posts on internet culture and accountability. We’re always updating our content to help you stay informed and engaged.