He came in from the cold

This cat literally showed up at our backyard on February 1998. It is my son's birthday also. Why do you think I remember that little trivia?
I am surprised that it took me a few days to post a picture of the cat. The name is carpet and it was given to him by my son over 11 years ago. According to my son they agreed back them on the name, so who am I to dispute that?
All my attempts to bring a small dog into the house has met with a big NO from the wife. As for the cat he just dares me to do it.