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 Vortex bassist Simon Desjardin as he talks about James the cat. 

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

I have a cat and his name is James. People think I called him this way because of Metallica’s singer James Hetfield or because I’m a James Bond fan; but in fact, that’s just a name my girlfriend and I liked. It sounds British…

Have you ever taken your pet on tour?

No, he fears the outside. One day, we tried to bring him out… biggest mistake. He was so scared he tried to go through the door while it was closed… After we brought him inside, he was shaking. We can forget the door open anytime; he will not go anywhere. 

Who looks after your pet while on the road?

My girlfriend and my son. 

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

Nothing, he’s a cat. He only likes himself ha-ha.

How did you introduce your pet to metal?

I plugged a guitar into a high-gain amp and cranked it to eleven! You should have seen his reaction, ha-ha!

What animal charity means most to you?

MIRA Foundation is a wonderful charity. They provide guide dogs to people with special needs, I have so much admiration for this. It has nothing to do with cats but still a great cause.