Your original un-cropped photo is best. You said it yourself in the caption. You liked the full background, and I think it adds a lot of interest. It puts the cat in its habitat and the balance of textures works well. The vertical lines of having all the brick helps support the skewed horizon. Don't crop it down to just another cat photo.
I don't know how much you know about composition and balance, but judge your next photo by this one.