Barn cats are amazing animals. Many are aloof, but some of them are as cuddly and loving as any indoor cats I’ve known.
So much of this “argument” depends on where you are and the circumstances. In a suburban subdivision such as mine, I think it’s reasonable to give an otherwise non-threatening animal (feline, canine, whatever) and its owner a first-trespass “warning”. But there are a lot of places where you just can’t be that generous. What works in central Maryland simply isn’t feasible in ranch country “out West.”
Barnkitty is a pound rescue raised in a cage. I rescued her at about 3 months old. Turned her loose in the barn and gave her a good feeding of canned food everyday. Didn’t take long for her inner lion to start slaying the rats. She will allow and occasionally relish my petting her. More feral than not but also allows the dogs to give her a sniff and tentative lick. She cuddles up to a horse or two when it’s cold overnight. I think she shuttles between the stalls for any given night. The permanent horses accept her but some transients are reluctant.