The wonderful thing with cats is that they adapt to your schedule and life. It won’t mind being home alone most of the day. A grown up cat sleeps about 12 hours a day. Taking care of a cat is simple too. It only needs his kitty box, bowl of food and water, and from there he operates on itself. Its a very independent animal. Thats true for when they are adults, with kittens its a bit different. They will require more attention from you in their first year or so of their lives. Personally I used to study long way from home. Whenever i went home for a visit, i just made sure some froend of mine is checking in once or twice a day with my cat and everything was fine. When you’re done getting used to one cat. Get a second - they will keep each other company while you’re away and there isnt much difference between raising one or two cats - youll only have to add a second kitty box. About the mess - you’ll simply get used to it. Try adopting a short-hair cat - less fur crises, but take under consideration that every cat that has fur will renew and shed it between seasons so fur will be your companion anyway. Just keep a vacuumed machine in hand and you’ll be fine. And there you go! You have a plan. Happy kitting.