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"My Roommate is a Cat" is one of those anime that seemingly offers "nothing" to some, yet could potentially be everything to others. The question of whether you will enjoy watching it (and, naturally, giving it a higher score) largely depends on your experiences in life and whether you can identify with (or "suffer through") the main character - or maybe you just really like cats. I say this because the anime is technically rather "bland" in all segments - mediocre animation and sound, dull dialogue and storyline (depictions of typical day-to-day events, as befits a slice-of-life, and nothing exciting), repetitive patterns (like the human, ... then the cat POV), cliché comedy bits involving a pet etc. The characters are all "supporting" and flat, except for the MC, and there really is no external "threat" of any kind until the very end. There isn't even a love interest hinted at for the MC. So what is the anime about? Moreover, why would anyone like it? One word - hope (or... cat).

The value of the anime lies in the emotions it can evoke in the audience. It concerns itself with overcoming trauma, and it makes us stand witness to the personal growth of the MC as he slowly develops into a healthier AND happier person. After adopting a stray cat - and being serendipitous about it - the MC starts coming out of his "shell," becoming more interested in and comfortable interacting with other people and participating in social activities, gently opening himself up to the world. The feelings of severe depression, social anxiety, loneliness, regret, loss etc. that grip the MC are slowly being melted away, and replaced by ever-stronger ones of HOPE, TRUST and LOVE. Haru (the cat) is the catalyst for this progress on the MCs part, but the MCs own "inner-work" and the willingness to undergo this journey of self-recovery not only teach, but also inspire and comfort the audience. The anime conveys that there is always... hope. Things do get better, if you only allow them to. It teaches us the value of friendships, and bonds of companionship, and that we ought to cherish these relationships for they make life "worth living."

Even if you cannot identify with the MC - as he indeed could be seen as a little "exaggerated" in his inhibitions - you can still find the anime rather relaxing and therapeutic to watch, and it could help you go through some difficult times in your life. It is rather pure in its approach (which could be somewhat "boring" at times, for some). Furthermore, there is always the cuteness overload that is HARU! The studio really did a fine job at portraying the cat. If you don't need the "free therapy", and/or don't like cats, and/or are looking for something fast-paced, exciting, or actual comedy - I don't think you will enjoy this one all that much.

The score I have given is on the account of catharsis, and the transformative potential the anime holds for those who need some light in their lives. Furthermore, a very dear friend of mine I once had (we are, sadly, no longer in contact) recommended this anime to me, and I could not finish it without sobbing.

Have a wonderful rest of the day/night, stranger!