The worst part about living away from home is missing your pets :(. I miss my kitties so much sometimes that I've been tempted to adopt one at my uni flat. Pretty sure my parents would kill me if I ever move back though lol.
I love cats, too. They are much different than dogs, though. When you come home after a long day at school or work, your dog greets you with a smile and a "yay! let's play!" Your cat is mad at you for leaving it alone all day and says "it's about time you got home. Wait until you see what I did to your curtains and sofa. You'll think twice before leaving me here alone again." (evil cat grin)