Traditionally, cats have always behaved as the superior and more knowledgable creature in the owner-pet relationship. Maybe there is something to it. Here are eight lessons they have been trying to teach us!

1. Never stop chasing your dreams.

Cats are determined creatures. They have the gumption to plow through adversity and failure, whether that be in pursuit of a full food bowl or an evasive red dot. Capable of incessantly asking for more food -- whether with blatant cries or manipulative snuggling -- slowly but surely, they break your will and their bowl is filled. And no matter how many times that cursed red spot escapes them, each time it appears they return to the chase, hopeful of victory.

2. Expect respect.

Cats don't really have self esteem issues. Cats are majestic creatures, they know it, and they expect to be treated accordingly. Cats don't tolerate poor treatment, not from the dog rough-housing, not from you petting them incorrectly, and certainly not from that bird taunting them through the window. No, a cat leaves disrespectful situations and people. (Or, in the case of the bird, patiently plots their demise. So in that specific case steer clear from modeling cat behavior.)

3. Make some mischief.

Cats don't play by anyone else's rules. "Hole too small? I can fit. Jump too far? I can make it." In a world full of rules, expectations, and norms, sometimes it's good to shake it up.

4. Take care of yourself.

Cats are majestic creatures partially because they spend as much as half of their time grooming themselves. Before you expect respect from others, you need to respect yourself. Part of that means taking care of yourself with proper hygiene, diet, exercise, medical care, and grooming. You may never look as fabulous as this cat, but that's no reason not to try!

5. Choose companionship.

Sometimes just closeness is enough. Cats love to curl up next to you, or just near to you. They don't need engaging conversation, play time, or a belly rub. They can simply enjoy the comfort of your closeness.

6. Choose alone time.

Then again, sometimes your own company is all you need. Unlike so many of us people, cats are able to revel in the luxury of solitude. They seek you out when they feel like it, but are often "purrfectly" content (yeah, I went there) to soak up life on their own.

7. Soak in life, one sunbeam at a time.

Cats know how to sit back and enjoy life's simple pleasures. They will lie in a sunbeam for hours, dozing and soaking up the heat. They will stare out the window for ages, captivated by the birds. And when they are happy, they let the whole world know it, with that soothing rumble, the purr, a sound that draws everyone around them into their mellow mood.

8. Rest.

In a world where busyness rules, cats defy the mainstream by spending anywhere from 16-20 hours a day sleeping. And they can sleep just about anywhere: in boxes, on top of doors, in drawers, and of course on your clean laundry. Cats can rest no matter their circumstances, and in a world full of stress and problems, that's a lesson we could all stand to learn.