Does the thought of babies seem too high of a cost for missing out on life? When babies aren't for you, I have one piece of advice for you: invest in a cat. Here are 11 reasons to help prove why cats are better than babies:

1. Cats come running to the door when you get home from a long day.

Your furry companion will always be around to greet you when you've had an stressful day at work or school.

2. Cats don't scream when they're upset.

They may meow or fuss, but cats will never scream for what seems like no reason at all.

3. Cats are less expensive.

All you really need to keep a cat happy is food, litter and some furry fake mice to throw around. The list for baby necessities is never-ending.

4. Cats are less maintenance.

You can leave a cat alone for eight hours, but you can't leave a baby alone for even eight minutes. Cats are low-maintenance friends that check up on you when they want company. They don't demand your attention every time they need something.

5. Cats' purring can calm you down.

Cats make happy noises. And when you make someone happy, you feel better.

6. Cats are more intelligent than babies.

Cats can feed themselves, play, and survive outside the house all on their own. Babies would not and could not last a day without a person.

7. Cats can occupy themselves.

You can simply tie a toy to the scratching post and a cat will spend hours entertaining themselves while you're away.

8. You can't pet a baby without it being weird.

Babies' skin may be soft, but not nearly as soft as a cat's fur.

9. Cat naps align with adult naps.

Babies will wake you up at 4 a.m. because they're done with sleeping. Cats are never done sleeping. It could be three in the afternoon and cats would still cuddle with you after sleeping for half the day.

10. Getting "booped" by a cat doesn't hurt and will always make you smile.

It's an honor to get booped by a cat. You have been chosen. Booping is a playful, gentle notion of trust.

11. There is a sense of pride when a cat likes you.

Unlike babies, who seem neutral to everyone besides their parents, cats won't automatically like you. Having a cat friend becomes a bragging right that you could probably put on your resume.

So next time you start getting baby fever, think about all those cats out there that need homes. Adopt a cat, forget the child, and enjoy your free time.