The first one with the narrow paw print. Great quilt.

Cat paws would be my choice. Very nice!

I prefer the purple.

My first reaction was the purple but I went back and zoomed in and decided I like the first choice better. Maybe you could bind it with the purple as a compromise. I don't think I'd want to bind in black after the troubles you've had. By the way, it is very, very cute.

They are both good but I too LOVE the black paw print fabric. Very cute.

I'm with the paw print camp! :)
It "fits" the theme, adds interest to the quilt, but does not take away from the work you have done in making all of the cats.

How about the purple as a flange with a black binding?

It really is a sweet quilt!