I wrote an essay on my blog that was supposed to be about a feral cat named Tom, but I think it ended up really being about trauma and healing.
She’s a pet now, I guess; a permanent resident on our property. Outdoor cats are bad for the bird population, but we have modified things a bit to make it safer for the birds, like making sure there is clearance around water sources and that bird feeders are not just baiting them as a hunting hide for cats.
I would never choose an outdoor cat, but it seems like Tom has chosen us.