Could you get two kittens/littermates? They would (most likely) play with each other so you get your sleep.

I think if you are going to get kittens you need to prepare yourself for scratched carpets/furnishings, litter accidents and night time capers. I have to say this is the worst case scenario as my kittens did none of the above. If you are at all worried about mess/damage I would suggest an older cat.

Before we got them we ensure we had a good sized scratch post and the first day/night they were only in the kitchen. For the first two weeks we kept them in the kitchen at night with their litter tray and food/water and toys. After this time we let them roam in the kitchen, hallway and bathroom, but closed off all other rooms. Now they have access to the whole flat except both bedrooms.

My kittens (almost Juniors) don't disturb us at all, and they sleep in various places during the night, usually the bathmat or their cat tree, and outside our bedroom door in the early morning. They are very polite and never meow at the door for food (probably as they have already figured it wouldn't get them anywhere) and only get excited when we open our bedroom door as they know they will get their breakfast (they have dry food out though).

Take things gradually and you should be OK.

__________________

Get an older cat, ours were 18 months so still playful etc but much less work than kittens and probably less worry too. Plus you will get more idea of their characters so you can choose one (two ) that suit your household.