Hi!

I'm looking to adopt a cat in the near future, but I have some concerns and general thoughts about it which I'd like some perspective on. I have a friend whose cat has literally clung onto me since meeting him and I would like to adopt my own feline companion.

In terms of the cat, I was wondering if I should adopt a kitten or an older cat. The fee for either is not my issue, but rather their behaviour... I think? As far as I know, kittens tend to be quite energetic, and can get into anything they wish, but I'm not sure if that's true all around. Personally, I don't mind an energetic kitty, but my parents might mind a bit more since they would be watching the feline youngster while I'm at work. I also am curious about what makes a cat shed more than others because the cat my friend has sheds like crazy for a short haired cat; I'm always fanning away cat hair from my face when he jumps away from me.

With that being said of my parents watching the feline friend while I'm at work, I'm worried about separation anxiety because I will be at home for a week or so for a staycation, but then I'll be back to work. Maybe it isn't even separation anxiety for the feline fellow, but possibly attaching themselves to my parents since my parents will be with them all day. I think the separation anxiety will be for me... haha.

Another concern I have is that I'm possibly looking to move out from living with my parents to living with my friends. Would that change of environment be too much for a cat? I'm not sure when I would move out, maybe not for another few months or a year, but would that kind of change be incredibly stressful for a cat after being adopted? I also have the thought that maybe because the feline friend hasn't completely settled in, that there could be some leniency in their expectation for change. However, I feel like it would be stressful especially once they realize my parents aren't in the same space anymore on a daily basis.

It did make me wonder if having one cat would be fine because everyone I know who has a cat has at least two. Is that necessary? I mean, I would like two, but not until I move out and have a bit more space to accommodate for two. One should be okay for now because my parents will be around, right?

Personally, I would really love a feline companion, as I've always wanted one as a child. The opportunity never presented itself, but I think it may be coming soon and I would like to take it if it's reasonable for the cat. I would appreciate the companionship that an aquarium can't necessarily provide me, but I also want to be mindful of how this companionship begins so it will be the best for both of us.

Can someone possibly guide me through this through DMs as well? I really want to ensure I'm making the right decisions.

Thanks!