Your cat may have nine lives, but you only have one where you can find the right match. Why not consider a cat lover?

Of course, more important factors such as religious background, location, similar interests, family views, politics, and a number of others 8,000 dating sites worldwide try to pinpoint for couples. While all important, let me add one more ingredient to the list.

1. We're rare

According to study researcher Denise Guastello who conducted a survey with 600 college students, 60% identified as dog lovers, while only 11% claimed undying love for cats (the other percent had mixed alliances). Like diamonds, you cannot pluck a cat lover off the street. You have to dig and find us.

2. We understand the need for alone time

Psychology Today puts cat lovers on the introversion side of the Myer-Briggs Personality Spectrum. This means we understand the need for times of silence and reflection. Hence, fewer texts and frantic phone calls during those tranquil moments. Check out another statistic from 4,500 survey takers.

3. We're more open-minded

According to Thought Catalog, we score higher on open-mindedness than dog people (we tend to place ourselves on the liberal side of the political spectrum as well). This means the first dates will have less pressure. If you smear hot wings on your shirt or fall down the movie theater steps, we will probably not mind as much (because, to be honest, we would probably do the same thing).

4. We withstand haters

Modern Dog Magazine says when surveyed 15% of adults admit and adamant hate for cats (dogs only received 2%). This means, if anyone disapproves of our relationship, we can take the heat.

5. We're nonconformists

Tired of the same ol' dates to movies and restaurants? So are we. Odds are, cat lovers tend not to follow social conventions or rules as much as dog lovers. We will give you a weird, wacky, and wonderful date of your life.

6. We're intelligent

Cat lovers score high on intelligence tests. We make for excellent conversations that dive deeper than just small talk.

7. We're patient

If you have a cat like mine, you have to earn his affection (and really really earn it with mine). We're used to waiting -- believe me. Our strategic minds can handle a few weeks of indecision or uncertainty.

8. We have an excellent sense of humor

According to a survey for over 200,000 pet owners, cat lovers are 21% more likely than dog lovers to enjoy "ironic humor." There you go, future suitors! You can test out all of your puns and jokes on me. I will not judge.

9. We're more sensitive

Had a terrible day? Likely, cat lovers will pick up on this quicker. We will empathize with you and make you feel better instantly. Like cats, we probably can cuddle well (when we feel like it). All excellent qualities in a potential girlfriend or boyfriend.

10. We understand anxiety

Cat lovers tend to score higher on the neurotic scale. While this may seem like a vice, if you ever enter a stressful time, we understand. We have taken the steps toward healing and can help you as well.

While other factors play an important role in the dating relationship, consider buying a meal for a cat lover. Who knows? Perhaps they are your purr-fect match.