By far this is the best real leopard-spot entry. I wonder if youd have had the depth of field to have the holes in clear focus if it would be an improvement. Just a little less tightly framed to show a bit of ears and mouth might also help.
Oh, this has so much potential! The grate in front of the leopard is perfect for the challenge. If you boosted the blacks, and/or added some contrast to this, the grate would be darker. As is, it's making the image look flat and washed out some. Very cool direction you took with this. Good luck in the challenge.