My Sister in Law by marriage is a huge animal person. Her back yard is an animal refuge, as she leaves out food for everything in sight. It really is amazing. Food for every kind of bird. Salt licks for the deer, etc...
She always had dogs and cats in the house. One day a stray cat was on her upper deck. Every time she’d get close, the cat would adios. She started leaving a bowl of milk on the deck. Then started inching the bowl closer to the door. Then would leave the door open and put the bowl just inside the door. Door was always open and cat would drink then leave. The bowl kept moving further inside and became accompanied by a bowl of cat food. One day, the cat didn’t leave. Cat mixed well with the other two cats.
Those cats were scaredy cats when it came to me and my wife. After about 5, they would finally come out of hiding. After a few more years they would actually allow us to pet them.
My SIL has already made final arrangements and it includes the cats who, when the time comes, will be euthanized. She is an incredible lady.