Honestly I don't think the noise is that bad! I actually find it blends adequately with some subjects and can even add to some textures, like ice and froth. I wonder if you could do something that integrates the noise deliberately? Anyways, love these cats and the high res is excellent.

Yeah I totally agree. I think the noise helps with this piece since it's kind of has that painterly brush stroke texture to begin with. I definitely need to experiment and see if can control it a bit better, that would be ideal.