One of my cats, Patch, is a domesticated feral. She was already living on our property when we moved into our house a few years ago. I began putting food out for her after she had a litter of kittens in our back yard (actually in hopes of getting the kittens so we could find them homes). Gradually, she got used to us. I realized she was beginning to trust us when I was on the back porch firing up the grill and instead of running away she walked up to within a few feet of me and sat under the table watching me set the grill up.
Eventually she started letting us pet her, and would occasionally come into the house to eat Apple's food. My wife would usually leave the door open when Apple wanted to go outside, which is how Patch would get in. Being a feral cat, she would typically eat every last crumb in the dish! Finally, one day my wife came home and found Patch on our bed.
She's now grown used to being a house cat, and at least with the two of us she is very affectionate. She's still a little skittish around other people though.
All of your stories give me hope. :)
Maybe someday she will make the move to become an indoor kittie. Truthfully, I can well understand why she would want to be outside. Lots more to do and see.
Being a dog person, I am having a hard time understanding that she doesn’t want my protection...at this time. But I’m learning catese thru her for the last few years. Her babies didn’t make it as outside kitties. So I worry about her. Of course, they were much more tame. Good hunters, but not as cagey as she is.