I like this shot a lot, but do you know what I would have tried to improve? Not the pose, but the lighting on your cat's face especially, and I would have tried to get just a wee bit closer to the cat so that it would be more of the photo. :)
I too, believe this should have scored higher, it is an excellent portrait! Great lighting, composition, textures, tones, and esp expression! The only thing I would change is to crop it tighter, solely for this venue. Our view is so limited with only 640 pixel length, that you want to get all you can in there, I think. (Perhaps a landscape crop would work better with the lines?) I know when someone submits a photo very small, and I can't see it clearly, it is discouraging. I can't decide if the lack of floor molding is distracting or adds a touch of character.
I cant believe this didnt score higher! Too many people that actually took the time to make their shots an actual portrait, got scored WAY too low! I was one of your 10's and I cant believe you didnt get more! This is a great portrait! Good job!
love this setup and pose.....the only I think I would change is put the molding along the bottom of the wall...otherwise this is a great modern/different pose I think. I love how different it is..