Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Not too many people know that I like heavy metal music. Actually, I like pretty much every genre of rock, from classic to alternative to yes, heavy metal. But rock music and cats don’t always go together, especially since most cats don’t like loud noises (I make sure I only blast my music at top volume when I’m in my car, away from Allegra and Ruby’s sensitive ears.) I definitely never thought I’d ever see a book that combines two of my loves: cats, and heavy metal music.
Metal Cats features photography by Alexandra Crockett, a musician and jewelry designer who has been present and active in the San Francisco Bay area metal community since the age of 15 and is currently a doctoral student. She got the idea for the book while doing promotional photos for bands and friends she would cat-sit for. The juxtaposition of heavily tattooed, long haired men with their beautiful cats showcases once again that there is no such thing as a stereotypical cat lover.
Cats and heavy metal are often equally maligned and misunderstood. In the Middle Ages, cats were said to be in league with the devil. In 1985, Tipper Gore and her followers told the world that heavy metal was evil. We now know that neither of these are true. In fact, cats and heavy metal musicians may have more in common than you’d think. The book’s introduction states, “we love cats because they do everything society tells us they can’t.” Maybe that’s part of the appeal of cats for some of these hardcore “tough guy” cat lovers.
Just like cats aren’t evil, metal isn’t all dark and disturbing. The photos in this book show that while the music may be harsh and loud, the men making it are just as besotted with their cats as you and I.
Photos from: Metal Cats by Alexandra Crockett, published by powerHouse Books, reprinted with permission
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
