Paws, Pets & Metal is Metal Insider’s newest column on bands with pets, discovering who watches them on the road, and more. Get to know more about these metal furbabies. We caught up with New York hardcore outfit Detachment, who just released their new single “Choke(d)” from their debut album, Lack, out October 13th. Guitarist Rob Folan reveals his tuxedo cats have little interest in music or television. 

Tell us more about your pet(s) and their names?

Their names are Sheldon and Shelby. They are tuxedo cats that me and my girlfriend Sarah adopted 5 years ago when they were around 6 months old. They are both very sweet and friendly but Shelby is easily scared. She is the bigger one with the mostly black face, Sheldon has a white patch on his chin. They spend a lot of time cuddling or chasing each other around. He loves scratching at the cat tree and standing on the top so he can be at eye level with people and she likes to follow us and meow as loud as she can. 

Have you ever taken your pet on tour?

I haven’t taken them on tour nor will I in the future. They are fully indoor cats that hate travel. They hate their carriers and cry the whole time they are locked in them. Tour would be too much unnecessary stress for them.

Who looks after your pet while on the road?

My girlfriend watches the cats while I’m away since they are hers as well, but when we are both away friends and family help out. 

What’s your pet’s favorite song or album?

I don’t think my cats have a preference in music. They very rarely acknowledge anything from speakers or even a TV. The only thing I’ll say is Shelby hates it when I play acoustic guitar and sing loudly. She moves away from it I think because the sound of the strings slapping scares her, or maybe she’s telling me to keep my day job.  

How did you introduce your pet to metal?

I don’t know that I ever intentionally introduced them to metal. I have always listened to music around them and they never seemed to be bothered by it. Even when I do screaming/unclean vocals they barely wake up and look at me then go back to relaxing. 

What animal charity means most to you?

We got our cats from North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, NY, and they were great to us, but there are a million shelters that also deserve support. If you are looking to get a pet, look up what shelters are in your area. If you don’t want a pet but want to help, many shelters accept donations, even gently used items so call and ask what they need. If you have time you could also volunteer at an animal shelter or even volunteer an hour a week to feed cats up for adoption at the pet store chains.