Thank you. All the comments have been most helpful!
I never thought about using 'centre point focus' in this type of photo, but will from now on . The shadows were a concern also, especially with the dog, although the 'rear shadow' on the cat is also very prominent and now I can see it as 'very distracting' to the overall composition.

Thanks, Kat, that makes sense. I guess I was struggling with the use a lower f-stop on account of the details, especially the fur. The white is tough for picking up nuances .

I shot these inside photos. I utilized a 'white balance exposdisc' . Both were taken at F11 1/25 ISO 400. How do I 'up my game ' with these types of inside photos? Thank you! :)

small dog

(Download)

white cat

(Download)

LLucas is right. Your photographic skill captured this little creature at the exact moment her tongue extended to drink nectar. That is fabulous! Don't give up, you'll get there. Gaining excellent photography skill is always a work in progress, like life!

Thank you to the kind and knowledgeable individual who recommended Bryan Peterson's 'Understanding Exposure'. The author has a keen sense for his audience and I am learning some 'fine' points with every page I read! :)

Thank you, Jim. I hadn't thought of that angle. Some of the most memorable photos ( not necessarily mine) are those that tell a story.

Thank you all for your helpful comments! If I can revisit this photo shoot, I'll definitely pay less attention to the reflection and more to the miscellaneous background objects like the extra string of bulbs and the 'in the way' pole lamp and chair. A little staging and planning ahead could have greatly improved the shot. Happy Holidays!

I took this photo of my Christmas tree from the outside of my house. How do I eliminate the reflection from an opposite window? PP?

(Download)