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 Jersey-based artist Eric Raven as he introduced his cat to Slipknot, Full of Hell and Vein.fm. 

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

Poe is an ancient goddess reincarnated into the queen. She eats, sleeps and demands affection constantly sniffing for me. She was born a Covid baby January 2021 to a litter of 7, her brother paired with her for the following year. Poe laid, slept and meowed side by side during the entirety of writing this record. If you listen hard enough you can hear her howl in the distance of my vocal takes, she’s even stepped on my synthesizer a time or two. When my lack of inspiration exceeded me she’s been there to swat my face for food and motivated the movement to keep writing and creating. 

Have you ever taken your pet on tour? Who looks after your pet while on the road?

While I’m on the road I’ve had a couple loved ones care for her. Most recently my mom who’s always hated cats but Poe has a special place in her heart. In the past while my band has played shows my partner has cared for her. In the coming months she’s going to be watching her for a while. 

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

I’m a big time vinyl collector old and new. One of my treasures is the first press of the Cure’s Disintegration album. Something about Lullaby coming on it always makes her sway her head side to side, it’s subtle but I see it.

How did you introduce your pet to metal?

A few months after adopting her I took Poe to the vet for her first check up. On the way there I was playing my favorite songs on shuffle and that’s when I realized I’m showing a full blown cat, a living beating creature metal! First thing I threw on was Disasterpiece by Slipknot, an instant classic. Some full of hell and vein.fm after. I couldn’t tell if she was enjoying it but I was 22 at the time and blown away that I’m caring for another being. 

What animal charity means most to you?

The charity I want to shout out is Somerset Regional animal shelter. They do great work supporting animals in need and getting them adopted to loving homes.