This past summer, I moved into an apartment of campus with two of my friends. In our lease, pets are allowed, and I figure, "what the hell, I'm an adult, I have the money and I can take care of it, so I'm getting a cat". But being the considerate roommate I am, I wanted to double check with my roomies first! Ultimately I got "mommed" and was told to put on the brakes before I commit to diving into kitty-motherhood.

After much deliberation, I decided that I have the time and resources for a cat, and will be getting one this semester! Now in order to convince my roommates, my parents, and anyone who doubts my endeavors, I've compiled a list of 20 reasons why cats are bomb AF and should be recognized as the greatest beings to have as pets

1. People who own cats are smarter.

Denise Guastello, an associate professor of psychology at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin surveyed 600 college students asking whether they would identify themselves as dog lovers or cat lovers and what qualities they found most attractive in their pets. Participants also answered a slew of questions to assess their personality. Cat lovers were found to be more introverted, more open-minded, more sensitive, non-conforming, and scored higher on IQ tests.

2. Cats have a smaller carbon footprint.

In this day and age, where our environment is being destroyed right before our very eyes, finding ways in which we can reduce or reverse those effects are awesome. One way you can do this is through getting a cat instead of a dog.

In 2009, the New Scientist reported that a medium sized dog had a carbon footprint twice that of your standard SUV due to all the meat they consume in a year. A cat, however, only has a carbon footprint equal to a small Volkswagen (still a hefty amount, BUT BETTER THAN A DOG).

3. Cats don't bark.

When it's three in the morning, you cat isn't going to wake up your next door neighbor because of a tree rustling outside. Your cat is going to continue to sleep and not bother anyone. And guess what, animal control will never come to your home and inquire about a noisy, menacing cat.

4. Cats are house trained!

If you've never been around a cat, then you probably assume that you'd have to train your cat to use the litter box just like you train a dog to go to the bathroom outside, but you'd be wrong. Most cats instinctively use a litter box as to cover their scent from competitors and predators. And if you have to train your kitten, it pretty much takes just one or two times to get the cat to associate the litter box with doing their business. ALSO, some cats can even be trained to use a freaking toilet!!!

5. Cats won't chew up your shoes or through your clothes.

Dogs, and especially puppies, are notorious for chewing things they shouldn’t, but you can leave your cat alone with your new pair of shoes and he won’t be tempted to even have the tiniest lick. Unless of course, he has feline pica, but that’s another issue. And if you're worried about your cat scratching furniture, then get them a scratching post... Not that difficult.

6. Owning a cat can reduce your risk of having a heart attack.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota showed that people who owned cats were nearly 40% less likely to die of a heart attack than those who had never owned a cat.

7. Owning a cat is cheaper!

According to the ASPCA, owning a cat instead of a dog could save you a minimum of $300 to $800 a year — probably more. Dogs are bigger than cats, on average, and are likely to run up higher food bills as a result. They also tend to require more toys, supplies, and services than cats, including crates, leashes, collars, and training classes. Routine veterinary expenses tend to be higher for dogs than for cats.

8. Cats are less slobbery than dogs...

There's actually a scientific reason for this one. A study conducted by researchers at Princeton University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that cats are much more efficient than dogs when it comes to drinking water. Dogs smash their tongues into the water's surface with a force up to eight times that of gravity, splashing and causing a mass. But cats delicately dip their tongues into the water with a force up to twice that of gravity, neatly pulling up a column of liquid to swallow.

9. Cats smell better!

I know they can’t help it, but the smell of wet dog is an overwhelming assault on any nostrils. Then there’s the dreaded dog breath that smells like a combination of garbage and sweaty feet. Sure, cats sometimes have a slightly fishy whiff to their breath, depending on what they’ve been eating, but on the whole, they smell much sweeter than dogs do and they are fastidious groomers.

10. You don't have to bathe cats.

As mentioned above, cats are fastidious groomers that don't need your help. They are naturally equipped with the implements to groom themselves: a barbed tongue with which to lick, fore-paws they moisten with saliva and use as a surrogate washcloth, and teeth to dig out tougher debris. No water or soap required.

11. Cats understand personal boundaries for your guests.

Have you ever visited a friend’s home only to have their dog decide you’re his new BFF? He bounds over to you at neck-breaking speed, jumping, leaping and barking, slobbering all over your clothes and face, or even putting his nose where it’s not welcome (e.g. your groin). Cats are reserved and dignified; many times, in fact, they’ll retreat to another room.

12. Cats fit on your lap perfectly.

Cats are the perfect size package, small, soft, furry, warm and often quite content to sit and purr rhythmically on your lap. There’s nothing more relaxing after a hard day at work. And yes, I know that there are some dogs small enough to fit in your lap, but I will direct your attention to reason number 9.

13. Cats are independent and can easily entertain themselves.

Cats are happy enough without being fussed over constantly, and they can walk and entertain themselves. With a cat, you can comfortably leave the house for a few hours and return home with everything still in its rightful place. Dogs left home alone are far more likely to succumb to boredom, to trash your house and poop on the floor (I know this from experience...).

14. Cats have way more respect for the toys you get them.

In high school, my family had a Great Dane and three Chihuahuas. All four dogs alike tore through every toy we bought them. Stuffed animals would lose their insides, squeakers would be ripped out and crushed, and everything would have a disgusting layer of slobber coating it. Each new toy probably lasted a week at most. But with cats, they’ll take care of their toys, gently carrying it in their mouths from room to room and hiding it near their bedding or in some other secret spot. Cat toys can last for years.

15. Cats get rid of insects!

Cats are naturally quick, agile and exceptional hunters. Any winged insect or other creepy crawly unfortunate enough to slip in through a door or window will be marked as prey and caught in a matter of seconds. Living in Australia where the bugs are bigger, I’m always grateful that I share my house with four feline exterminators.

16. Cats are true comedians.

The Internet is littered with comical cat photos and videos -- hundreds more were uploaded just as you read that sentence. Their legendary curiosity lands them in situations that prompt giggles. Ticklish kittens, a tabby entranced with its mirror image, a cat sedately walking across an open file cabinet. It's as if cats have an inherent knack for comic timing, even if they won't snicker at their own antics.

17. Kids who live with cats miss school less often.

Children who live with a cat miss nine days less of school per year than those who do not. This is because the immune function of a cat owner is far stronger. Children raised with cats were found to be less prone to ear infections in one study.

18. They love naps and so do I!

If you’re a huge fan of sleep and could do with a napping partner, cats have your back. Domestic cats tend to sleep for 12-18 hours a day to preserve their energy for when they need to chase prey.

19. Cats are super loving and they make great cuddlers.

Contrary to popular belief, cats are super loveable and adore humans. A recent study found that cats actually prefer human interaction to food, which is a pretty big deal and crushes all of the miserable stereotypes about them being cold.

20. Cats are cute AF!!!

Exhibit A:

LOOK AT THIS LITTLE RASCAL IN A FREAKING TISSUE BOX!!!

Ultimately using the word "adorable" in front of kitten is just redundant.