I think you should get a cat - they are pretty independanct (seems like that would work best for you) doesn't take a whole lot of responsiblity to raise a cat. You just need to give them some attention at times when they are wanting it. I think it would be good for you, kinda like having a friend around.

I agree, cats are amazingly adaptable and versatile. Always best to have two that get along, so they're not always alone, but one works.

Make sure you know somebody reliable who can feed/water/hang out with the cat while you're away. Make sure you ADOPT!!! Adopting an older cat is one of the coolest things a person can do- doesn't have to be a senior citizen, but everybody's always looking for kittens. Which is dumb, b/c kittens are kittens for less than a year, then they're cats for at least 15 more. Although cats can ACT like kittens for many years.

There's absolutely no contest: cats are incredible creatures, smart enough to be selectively social and self-cleaning. They can give as much comfort and warmth as they seek; they demand little but have more personality than most humans you'll meet. They're the ultimate companion and an endless source of quirky entertainment--and I swear they can sense when they're near an introspective loner and innately and gravitate towards that kind of person. Get a short-haired female cat (no hairballs, and she'll like you)--and yes, adopt an older kitten or younger adult. Just give a very good home.

i have a long haired cat and although hes very fluffy, he gets knots as big as my fist and i have to cut throughem with this cat knot cutter that looks like a machete. I feel really bad when i have to practically tie him down and hack through the knots with the machete thing like his hair was a jungle or something. which it is, metaphorically.

cats soo tottaly rock! i love them