If you are photographing a pet with black fur, without light, they can look like a solid black pile.
So I shoot them by a window or use a bounce board to reflect light on their fur to show texture.
Pets with dark fur can look like solid masses on film. See the techniques petographer Akiyo Ogawa uses to bring out details, including creating a spotlight effect, brightening eyes, cleaning up distractions, removing haze and adding depth.
If you are photographing a pet with black fur, without light, they can look like a solid black pile.
So I shoot them by a window or use a bounce board to reflect light on their fur to show texture.