A rescue ball python probably is not the best option if it is your first ball python. Rescues may have issues and if you are not familiar with what 'normal' is, you might have a tough time.
1) You can use anything for a hide, just make sure they block light and are small enough that the snake can squeeze comfortable inside and only have one opening in/out. The hide is not about aesthetics for you, it is about safety for the snake.
2) I used fish dechlorinator for 5 years on my snake water in the city (before I bought my farm), no issues.
3) In my opinion terrariums look nice, but, they are not easy to move and/or clean relative to a secure plastic bin/tub. Personally I would worry about the snake pressing on the edge of the glass door(s) and damaging the tip of their nose-Mating season makes my males do crazy things...
4) I have two cats, my snakes can definitely tell the difference between the scent of cats and rodents. They could care less about the scent of cats. My rodents DO care about the scent of snakes though, and I have taken many a rat bite after handling my snakes.
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