Yes, definitely go with wet food. I've always heard in the past that wet food isn't good for cats compared to dry, but my cat has always been on wet food and she has had no problems, perfectly healthy and normal weight. Plus she likes wet food so much more than dry.
I'm kinda jealous of you! I'm so lazy that I can't get myself to clean up often at all, so my house is an utter mess. I think my problem is more common than yours though
I think it depends on the weather for me... if it's freezing cold and there are lines starting at 2 AM then no thanks... I have friends who work in retail and they can hook me up with the situation and this year is kind of a paradox. The economy's bad so a lot of folks don't have the spending...