Needless to say, I'm not in the same league as a photographer as you, James. ;-) But here are some of my shelter cats. I have been volunteering my time as a photographer to a local kitten rescue group. They raise beautiful, friendly cats and find great homes for them. Several of these kids have been adopted since I took their photographs.
You've seen Betsy before, but I just love this picture.
And Martha.
Garfield
Sally Mandy
Andrea
Willow (I intended the "soft" edge on Willow's right side. I was experimenting).
I know that many of the photographers who have "made it" with cats photograph show cats: glamorous persians, sleek Siamese. But I really enjoy the mystery mixes, the everyday kitties. I feel that if I have done my job, their personalities and their little souls are right there in their faces.
EG: Betsy is sweet, curious, snuggly
Martha is an Earth Mother type. She is one of the gentlest cats I've ever met. She lost her own kittens, and nursed an orphaned litter.
Sally Mandy is calm, loves laps, loves to purr
Andrea is athletic; a born hunter. She could easily be Athena or Diana- goddess of the hunt.
Garfield is a comedian; always in the thick of things and always into something. He will launch himself at screen doors and hang like a cartoon kitty.
Willow is calm, but somewhat aloof.
See what I mean?