Dave the cat and Sam

I love Dave the cat. He snores and makes little dream sounds, and he often keeps me company in my study. He has a deep purr and isn't miserly with it. Dave's patient with Nora the dog (mostly), and sometimes even affectionate. His coat is soft and glossy. He shares a common delight with other cats, the desire to sleep in a box that is too small for him. Also, he likes to drink out of the bathroom faucet, licking the porcelain as the water drips onto his head and down his face. 

Unfortunately, Dave's paws are dirtier than his head, and when he gets out of the sink, he leaves prints on the bathroom counter. His meow is whiney. He also has the habit of pissing outside of the boxes (for which I feel partly responsible because we waited too long to get him fixed). So, in summary, Dave is not a fastidious cat.

If it seems like the endearing traits outweigh the traits that make you want to throw him out, you're not alone. Sam feels the same way. But because Sam loves me, and I love Dave, the cat stays. But I caution Dave, by paraphrasing Emerson (from "Prudence"): the trick to skating over thin ice is speed.