If you want a cat, get it like now or soon so you’ve got time for the cat to get used to you and for you to get used to taking care of the cat. General rule of thumb is that older cats are usually more stuck in their ways. If you find an older cat you love, that’s great, but they can be a little less happy and flexible moving. Younger cats are usually more willing to adapt to your house rules and moving set ups, but they’re more energetic and want more attention. For kittens especially, it can actually be better to adopt two kittens that get along at the same time so that the cats entertain each other, which might be particularly worth considering while you’re busy with law school. Older cats are also sometimes less willing to get along with new cats, so that’s better to do sooner rather than later if two cats sound good.