You are in an okay situation to get 2 cats (preferably those who’re on good terms with each other already). Getting 1 would make him/her feel lonely…
I was also going to suggest getting 2 cats. Hmm, maybe an older cat and a younger one?
I join the chorus of saying get 2 adult cats, but make absolutely sure they already know each other and get along before you do. My parents adopted 2 kittens from different litters (same cage at the shelter) who are now adults, and I’m staying with them at the moment and therefore so is my 7-year-old cat. My parents’ cats have known each other most of their lives and get along fine. We have to keep my cat shut in a bedroom because when she sees the other cats the fighting is almost instantaneous and we’re afraid they’re going to hurt each other.
I’d be wary of even a kitten and an older cat that are unfamiliar with each other. We tried it once in a previous era and it didn’t work out very well at all. Make sure the cats know and like each other.
It would be an incredibly rare situation that a credible shelter will offer animals for adoption that are not already spayed/neutered.
OP, I think you’de be fine for a loner-personality single cat or bonded pair of cats. Its normal for cats to sleep 15 hours a day.
Ours did because they were still a bit young for surgery, but we had to sign a contract that we’d do it by a certain date. And it was covered by the adoption fee.
Maybe you could get a mother and her kitten.
One other idea is to get a older cat. Some of them are happy all by themselves.
My cat grew up as a kitten with an older, mellow/independent cat. For the last 7 years or so, she has lived as a single cat just fine. But when she was a kitten she got lots of human attention. She has no problem being on her own for long hours of the day though.
I don’t think you need to get 2 cats, but if you do get just 1, make sure it’s a cat who likes being alone for long periods of time.
I’ve worked at two cat shelters and have owned cats for over 35 years. I agree with most that adopting two bonded adults is the best possible situation. A really good shelter will work with you to find the right match. I once adopted a 1 year old who loved any other cat/dog/human so that was extra easy as long as he had another friend while I was away 12 hours a day. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
I’d just like to reiterate that a really good shelter will work with you to find the best match. If they’re good at their mission, it’s in their best interest to take the time to come up with a good match. Don’t necessarily expect to meet a cat(s) one day and come home with one or two (although it could happen). It can take a little time but it’s worth it.
There is a trap here - most folks like “friendly, coe up and get petted, and purr a lot kittens”.
The very worst kind of cat to put alone for extended periods - if you want a single kitten, get one which will allow you to pick it up and cradle it like a baby - but sticks up its tail with an attitude as soon as put down - it likes people attention, but does not require it.
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And make sure to pick it up, turn it over, play with its paws as much as you cna while you do have time for it - the vets CAN out-maneuver a cat if needed, but they really appreciate being able to safely treat it.
Have the food and water, litter box, scratching post all set up close to each other, put the carrier down so it sees all the stuff, then take it out - it will run in all probability - let it go - it knows where the critical stuff is.
If it lets you hold it, show it to scoop the litter, and then place its front paws at the top of the post so as to stretch it. Use your fingernails to scratch the post, so it knows what that is for.
An adult will not need this, a very young kitten may.
Point being: introduced to a new home, most cats will run and hide until it feels safe - DO NOT pursue it or try to trap it.
Whatever you do, try to arrange a couple days where you can be home with the new cats or kittens to make sure they’re adjusting well (and not peeing on the carpet). If you can take a couple days of vacation, that would be wise. I understand you might be running your own business or otherwise unable to do so and it’s still fine to get a cat, but if you can be there to help them adjust, it’s nice to do so.
Fourthed. There are cats that really, really love each other. I didn’t think that would be possible, as the cats I used to have mostly just tolerated each other.
But then I got two cats who literally are in each others arms in a purring love heap several hours a day. One. Clingy Cat, just loves the other; the other has more then enough love Clingy Cat and for us, his two persons.
Shelters with such a pair of cats would love your offer to take them.
Also, don’t get a kitten. Kittens are cute, but that lasts only six months and then you still have twelve years to go. You don’t know what character a kitten will have. Some cute kittens soon prove themselves to be utterly neurotic.