The P80 is great camera , The other great Choice which appears to be outstanding is the Canon G10, the G10 can also accept an access flash unit, this will help with the Pet eye problem, the G10 canon has a larger sensor size with will handle lower light with less noise, both great Choices. But I would G10 with 14 plus mega pixels and better crop ability! Either way P80 is a very good machine.... But would be my 2nd choice for Cat photos.