People often change their bodies for a reason, but in order to become like animals. They colour their bodies, dare to undergo various cosmetic surgeries, and everyone considers them real madmen. But Dennis Avner’s story tells a different story. He believes that a person has more than just an external appearance. His excessive body modifications are known to many around the world, and his life was filled with incredible adventures.
Modern people believe that plastic surgery is an opportunity to eliminate their flaws. However, it is necessary to decide on such operations only when there is nothing life-threatening, and the indications are really there. Some people just start to be addicted to such manipulations and can not stop. That’s what happened to Avner. What a journey he had travelled while his body was being modified!
Previously, Denis was an ordinary man. He was born in Flint, his family was quite prosperous. Soon, along with his parents, Avner moved to another state and began to become fascinated with the Native American tribe. Ancient traditions and cultures were very fascinating to him, and he also showed an aptitude for technology. After high school, Dennis served in the Navy and then got a job as a computer technician. It was also during that period that his interest in tattoos and surgery began to emerge.
He felt some kinship with a female tiger, so he decided to lie down under the night to drastically change his appearance. He said he had been close to cats all his life, which is why he started surprising people. Since then, everyone has called him Cat Man. Avner didn’t stop at minor surgeries, but went to a surgeon to have his ears sharpened. He wanted to achieve maximum unity with animals and followed the ways of the tiger. Some, however, thought Dennis was going crazy.
Soon the man decided to have his teeth removed and put in dentures that looked more like the tiger’s fangs. He had to spread his lips as much as possible to make himself look like a tiger. On occasion, Avner had his moustache removed. His entire face and body was gradually covered with tattoos, so that Dennis’ appearance became unrecognisable. He tolerated all the painful manipulations to look like an animal. Not only that, the man risked his health, but he claimed it was worth it.
Avner said he was simply following an ancient tradition called viandot. Native Americans, he said, also tried to imitate animals. True, the procedures of Stalking Cat (Dennis’ pseudonym) were very extreme and risky.
His artist Haworth became a legend in the field of bodymodification. He even invented special tools to help him work on Dennis’ appearance. Soon the collaboration expanded – besides Stalking Cat, other personalities (Lizard, Enigma, Tiger Katzen) approached him.
Avner soon developed a very close relationship with Tess Calhoun and her husband. They created a separate subculture that was associated with anthropomorphic animals. When the couple got ready to move, Tess asked Stalking Cat to come with them, and he was already 47 years old at the time. He agreed. They settled together on the island, which is still home to artists, artists and various creative people. By the way, Avner’s appearance was not accepted by everyone, so he not infrequently faced life troubles and criticism in magazines.
Despite all the threats and problems, Avner lived with Tess and her husband Weiss. They popularised the furry community and organised themed meet-ups. Stalking Cat also made it to different shows many times, and once attended a museum opening in London. People were shocked when they saw him in real life.
After the move, Avner was engaged in repairs. And 2010 became fatal for him. True, the cause of his death became known only two years later. The fact is that Stalking Cat was found dead in the garage. It was quite logical, because he was hunted by many people, and Avner always told the truth. As Shannon Larratt, who had a close relationship with Cat Man, later told the story, he decided on his own to commit suicide.
His personality greatly influenced people’s worldview and how important it is to manifest one’s spirituality. He was very well spoken of after his death, calling him a sweet and kind person. However, Stalking Cat rarely received support and understanding in his lifetime.
