Photo by Cat Press.

I’ve lived with three cats for a while now.

You might say I’m a crazy cat lady in training, and I’m fine with that. If I wasn’t limited by budget, time and space, I’d probably have a few bunnies, a huge aquarium, a parrot and a hedgehog rolling around too.

From my vantage point of working and living with cats, I’ve noticed there’s a lot we can learn from these intelligent, affectionate-yet-choosy creatures. Here are five things your cat wishes you knew about success:

Always be curious.

They say curiosity kills the cat, and I’m sure that’s been true a few times, but more often than not, it helps them succeed. Cats find all manner of things because they’re curious: a tasty snack that’s not meant for them, a new toy (that also wasn’t meant for them), a cozy place to sleep that has more sunlight, the best lookout spot in the house. While I don’t recommend taking things that aren’t yours, there’s something to be said for being curious. So take a lesson from your cat and try something new.

Ignore criticism that doesn’t work for you.

Have you ever tried to tell a cat it can’t do something? Exactly. Follow the same principle when someone says you’ll never find a better job.

Choose your allies wisely.

Cats get a bad rap because they don’t love everyone like dogs do. But that doesn’t mean they’re cold—it means they’re selective. And you should be selective when it comes to who you spend your time with. Life is short. Spend it with the people you love the best.

Embrace work-life balance with both paws hands.

Ask any cat, and they will tell you life’s not just about work. After a busy few minutes of hunting, guarding the house or playing, your cat will happily break for a snack or some cuddles. Which is as it should be. When was the last time you saw a stressed-out cat?

Get enough sleep.

Some cats sleep for 20 hours a day! You just need seven. Doesn’t sound so impossible now, does it?

What’s the best advice about success you’ve ever received? What does your pet wish you knew?