Melbourne

Glad it wasn't too much! I tend to infodump accidentally but sometimes there's important info that might not usually come up or something I wish I had known.

In rescues there are definitely adult cats that prefer or need to be the only pet so that can very much be ok! And by adult age (unless there have been major issues) they're past the kitten socialisation phase and will usually have learned how to behave well. The good rescues get to know a cat's personality and work out what kind of home/lifestyle would suit them best, so if you prefer one cat they could help you find a cat that doesn't really need to be in a pair.

Seniors are definitely a bit of a financial commitment so it's ok and good that you recognise that! Adult cats are probably the easiest option - at least that's what I've found from experience.

Ps. The supermarket dry foods aren't great so a pet shop might be able to advise you on a good nutritionally complete dry food - but the Woolies homebrand canned food and paper litter (Smitten) are fairly decent for the price. I don't know how great the salt and ash content is but the Smitten tins have added taurine (which cats bodies need but can't make) and meet AAFCO standards.

Unless I run into an issue with it and have to post otherwise, or unexpected issues develop for your cat, I'd say that tinned food goes alright on a budget.

You definitely don't need to be paying prescription food prices unless there's a genuine medical need. (ie. Kidney disease requiring it.)