Stalking Cat

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Dennis Avner (born in Flint, Michigan August 27, 1958) of Tonopah, Nevada, United States, is widely known as the "Catman", though he prefers his Native American name, Stalking Cat. Stalking Cat has spent considerable resources to surgically modify his body to resemble that of a tiger.

1 Description of modifications
2 Medical ethics concerns
3 References
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Description of modifications

extensive tattooing, including facial tattooing
hairline modification
facial transdermal implants to allow the wearing of whiskers
facial subdermal implants to change the shape of the brow and forehead
filing and capping of his teeth to have a more feline appearance
wearing green contact lenses with slit irises
having his ears surgically pointed
silicone injection in the lips, cheeks, chin and other parts of his face
bifurcated upper lip

Avner himself claims not to keep track of the money he has spent on body modification^{[citation needed]}, although some sources do state a total. Avner, whose parents were of Huron and Lakota heritage, states that altering oneself to resemble one's own totem is an ancient Huron tradition. The former Navy sonar technician who currently works as a computer programmer took on the name Stalking Cat and began his modifications after a discussion with a Native chief who reportedly inspired him to 'follow the ways of the tiger'.

As a result of his unusual appearance, Stalking Cat has attained local celebrity status and frequently travels to attend interviews and photo sessions. Stalking Cat has been featured on Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Larry King Live, VH1's "Totally Obsessed", Kerrang! Radio's "Asylum", he has also been interviewed on the BBC Choice program, "Anna in Wonderland" episode 6x30, and other television and radio shows.

Many of Stalking Cat's body modifications have been performed by Arizona based artist Steve Haworth.

The first artist to begin the extensive tattoo work on Dennis's face was Larry Hanks of San Diego in 1985. He also tattooed scales on him and at this time Stalking Cat was referred to as "Cat Fish" although not by choice.

[edit] Medical ethics concerns

Glenn McGee, director of the Center for Bioethics at Albany Medical College in New York, says of Stalking Cat, "Cosmetic surgery is a practice based on informed consent that needs to balance the risks with the benefits. It is possible to have a coherent view that is nonetheless detrimental to one's well-being. This is a patient who's being harmed by medicine in the interest of his tradition."^[1]