IMO any cat that has shelter, food, and a loving home is living a good life. Your time away for work won't bother them, a cat will spend 8+ hours sleeping even while you're around no problem. The longest I'd go on a multiday trip is 2 days without someone checking in and cleaning up liter boxes, with auto feeder I think you're good there too.

All that said - I'd still reconsider getting a pair. I wish we got ours together at the same time, we waited 2 years and it was a marked difference in my first cat's personality having a buddy (erm, sparring partner) and I do feel it's better for them in general. They'll do fine solo though. Don't let it deter you from a fuzzy friend.

If you end up going for it I'd get two cats, ideally socialized ones from a shelter or previous owner. That way they're not lonely while you're gone and you can skip the (cute but much more involved) kitten stage.

You might like to start our fostering. It’s a great way to see if you can fit a cat into your life. As others have said, I think you will enjoy having a kitty. Maybe consider a senior. They are usually low energy

There are cats out there who would prefer to be an only cat, so tell the people at the humane society that you're looking for that, and they might even have some adoptable cats to suggest right away. When I was looking to adopt a cat who'd be good with my other cat, I ran across a bunch who were great with people and not other cats. I don't think you'll have trouble.

Two would be better so they can keep each other entertained, but you said you wanted an adult cat and I'm sure there's some poor elderly kitties who would be fine being an only pet. Sometimes the older rescues weren't socialized and don't get along with other animals, so that would be totally fine for you. If that's the case, you almost certainly would have to separate the cat and dog.

I have a "problem" cat that was a spoiled only child, though she begrudgingly accepted a new sister after a while. I'm convinced she would be absolutely content as an only cat.

Many humane societies welcome fostering and it allows you not just a chance to answer all these questions but also a chance to see how well you fit with a specific cat.

Don't allow yourself to get peer-pressured into multiple pets at the start. Every cat is different and some sleep so much and are so low energy that they won't notice your absence while others will miss you right away. Fostering will help you sort this out as well.

I think everyone's life could be made better with a cat in it. The fact that you're aware and concerned with a future pet's wellbeing in your care makes me think you're going to be a great caretaker.

Just make sure the kitty has toys and scratch post to self-entertain while you're away, and that sounds like a great situation for a cat. Cats like when people give them space, in my experience. If you had a big social life I would say no, but it sounds like you're in a position to give plenty of attention when not at work. Gofor it! I think you'll be quite happy.

And as for the allergies, sounds like you're in the clear. About half the people I know with an allergy can't even be in the same room without having a reaction. Many others would also have a reaction from being brushed on by kitty.

Sounds like you’d make a great home for a cat. Don’t feel pressured to get two, many cats are good solo and will spend more time with you because of it. One litterbox is fine if you keep it clean, and an auto feeder and auto scooping litter box (I like the Neakasa one) will help keep your cat happy if you need to be away for a night.

If they are used to you being home at night I wouldn’t stay away for more than a night without someone coming over to check on them. But there are good services like Rover where it’s cheap to have someone come.

A cat would be perfect for you. Maybe not a kitten, though. They require more attention. Visit shelters, and see if one of the older cats takes a shine to you.

Yeah, I think it would be a great fit. Cats sleep for 16+ hours a day and can be alone for 2 days as long as they have food, water, and clean litter boxes.

Note that you'll need 2 litter boxes, as there should be n + 1 litter boxes where n is the number of cats. Two cats would be better (most cats like having a buddy) but a single, older cat is totally fine! Just be sure to hang out with them.

I don't know about your humane society, but mine just lets you make appointments to see the cats, you don't have to commit to adoption and they're not pushy about it. You can just cuddle and play with some kitties if you want.

Why are you insisting on a single pet?

Cats are less socially dependent than dogs, but they are still social creatures who prefer to not be alone for 8+ hours a day.

Either work from home so you can provide their social needs, or get two cats so that their social needs can be met even when you're not there (also makes taking vacation and travelling easier).

Seriously why would you insist on only a single pet? That seems insanely arbitrary.