Good luck with whatever you decide, winter. Do what works for you so you are happy and won't end up resentful.
Since you mentioned your age and not wanting to be alone: Don't depict yourself as some "cat lady" and don't turn this into a rush and an emergency. None of the things we are discussing in this thread are life requirements and that includes pets, marriage, and children. These are life options/choices. Every person who "opts out" isn't a lonely miserable soul just as every person who "opts in" isn't happy and fulfilled. Good luck doing what you believe will make you happy and don't go based on other people's assessment.