Man Transformed Into a Tiger With No Anaesthetic

This folk took “spirit animal” way too seriously.

From Navy sailor to tiger impersonator, Dennis Avner’s journey to becoming a stalking cat is wilder than a jungle cat on Red Bull!

Dennis Avner, the stalking cat man embodied the spirit of transformation and lived a life unlike any other. Born in Michigan and raised with a blend of Native American heritage, Avner, later known by his chosen name Stalking Cat, carved a path that blurred the lines between human and tiger.

Why the Cat Impersonation?

Fueled by his personal interpretation of Native American customs, Stalking Cat embarked on a remarkable journey of extreme body modification.

Starting in his early twenties, he endured numerous procedures to achieve his vision. Skilled artists became his collaborators, transforming his face and body with each surgery. Some of the remarkable modifications included:

• Extensive facial tattoos replicating tiger stripes, a constant reminder of his goal.
• Implants to alter the shape of his brow, forehead, and nose, subtly reshaping his facial structure.
• Flattening of the nose, a subtle alteration to mimic a feline profile.
• Injections in his lips, cheeks, and chin, add definition and a slightly more “feline” appearance.
• The most striking alteration – bifurcation (splitting) of his upper lip, creating a permanent resemblance to a snarling tiger.
• Surgical shaping and elongation of his ears, further blur the lines between human and animal.
• Implantation of synthetic whiskers on specially pierced areas of his upper lip, adding a touch of realism to his feline persona.

But, to Complete the Look, There Are More Elements…

This dedication wasn’t limited to surgery. Stalking Cat wore green contact lenses with slit irises, further emphasizing his resemblance to a tiger. He even incorporated a robotic tail into his attire, a constant reminder of his chosen path.

Looking ahead, he envisioned future implants for prosthetic tiger-like ears, pushing the boundaries of his transformation even further.

This Lifestyle Comes With Controversy

Stalking Cat’s dedication wasn’t without its critics. Questions arose regarding informed consent and the ethical implications of such extreme body modification. The pain endured with each procedure was a point of contention, raising concerns about potential underlying mental health issues.

Some speculated that Stalking Cat might have suffered from body dysmorphic disorder, a condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance.

Despite the controversy, Stalking Cat held a unique space in the body modification community. He actively participated in conventions and even appeared in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! shows, captivating audiences with his story.

The Tragic End of Stalking Cat

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Stalking Cat was found dead in his Nevada home in 2012 at the age of 54. The cause of death was determined to be suicide, leaving a wave of shock and sadness among those who knew him.

His friend, Shannon Larratt, described him as “a wonderful and complex person, he was at times as troubled as he was remarkable.”

Stalking Cat’s story remains a fascinating and complex one. It pushes the boundaries of body modification and raises questions about identity, tradition, and mental health. His life serves as a reminder of the powerful pull of personal belief and the lengths some go to express it.

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