Re your feedback: definitely some pp visible there behind the cat's left ear - looks like burning. Your out-take is another nice character capture, but isn't as good as your entry, in my opinion.
This was my other shot to pick from. The photo I used is in my kitchen, using natural light from the window. Closing the blinds down caused lines that were not interesting. She is right next to the kitchen cabinet, so couldn't light from that side. Background is just the kitchen...no backdrop or anything.
5 - Nice character capture. Nice lighting - but a little subtler with this obviously 'fragile' creature, be more complementary in my opinion. Not so tightly cropped, else a variation so the feet were either completely in or completely out, plus possibly a different color background - again something to help complement the coat and character, etc all likely help this in my opinion. Some pp work visible behind the cat's left ear, so suggest you check your monitor.