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Full Idea
In statements attributing relational properties ('Felix is my favourite cat'), it seems clear that the property truly attributed to the substance is not essential to it.
Gist of Idea
Relational properties are clearly not essential to substances
Source
Cynthia Macdonald (Varieties of Things [2005], Ch.3)
Book Ref
Macdonald,Cynthia: 'Varieties of Things' [Blackwell 2005], p.101
A Reaction
A fairly obvious point, but an important one when mapping out (cautiously) what we actually mean by 'property'. However, maybe the relational property is essential: the ceiling is ('is' of predication!) above the room.