First RAW...

I'm trying my hand at RAW (little intimidated). I know this isn't the most fascinating subject but overall what do you think?

I think you did a good job. Exposure is on the money. White balance is good. And you got your subject to pose for you!

good focus, good wb, and a good composure. I'd say success. RAW shouldn't be scary, it just gives you more that you can adjust after you take the photo.

Shooting raw isn't some other worldly or drastically different experience. It's still just a picture. The cat looks just fine, but it's not because you shot in raw.

Thanks for the encouragement. I guess this has more to do with my processing skills than anything else, something I'm severely lacking on but am trying to improve.

I agree with griptape - it is inconsequential that it was shot in RAW.

The point that must be made is that the background is considerably distracting and will have to be dealt with, one way or another, before the image could be treated as a possible "print, frame and hang".