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.

[–] lagoon8622@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 months ago

I would go to the rescue and get two younger cats that obviously get along well. Cats are social animals; a human can stand in, but I still think it's better for them to have another cat that they can ambush and run around with. I think it keeps them more active. Do you agree?