There is only so much ice cream, hours of Netflix, and retail therapy that can make the exhaustion of college bearable. It can get overwhelming having to keep up your social calendar of thirsty Thursdays, mixers, fam dinners, and concerts on top of the academic stress that comes with midterms week being every week, and maintaining a part time job. When eating ice cream, binge watching Netflix, and online shopping doesn’t quite cut it, I have the best piece of advice for surviving college and young adulthood: adopt a cat.

Adopting Cali is one of the best decisions I have made during college. She is the only one who knows the way to cure feeling worthless is an hour of snuggles and the way to celebrate landing a co-op is dancing around the room. She has taught me life lessons from what responsibility truly looks like to the importance of not taking anyone’s shit.

If I can’t persuade you, here are 10 reasons why having your own cat to love is the best decision you can make.

“It’s easier to know what boys are worth your time or not. If you bring them home and they play with her and she loves them, then you’re good to go.” Veronica.

“They sleep all day like I wish I could.” Karen.

“I love my cat because he is a member of the family and is there for me during times of snuggle and struggle.” Dan

“My little nugget is absolutely psychotic, but I can’t help but always focus on how cute she is as she’s climbing up the curtains. Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than when she comes to greet me at the door when I get home and meows like she’s talking to me. I consider her so much like my child, it’s almost concerning.” Gabby.

“His hungry meow and he’s a Pisces, so he gets me.” Austin.

“My cat is always down to nap with me and he’s a great listener. Another bonus is that the ladies love him.” Sean.

“She follows me into the bathroom for moral support.” Kelly.

“He has equal disdain for the general public and is a great stress relief during exams.” Derrick.

“I love my cat because there is no better, fluffy, little face to return home to than hers! Hearing her bell jingle as she races to the front door, no matter how good or bad my day was, makes me smile every time.” Kerri.

“Logan is a badass who does not listen to what anyone says and slaps me on a daily basis- she owns, I do not own her. Also, her selfie game is so strong she’s #flawless. She's so fluffy, I'm gonna die.” Amanda.