Is this a feral kitty? If feral, would do TNR.

Will s/he let you pet him/her? If so, try to find someone to adopt & spay/neuter ASAP.

We live in a wooded area. I'm not totally sure the cat would want to be just someone's house pet. Do you think it would be fair to do that to it?

In the photo, it looks like you are standing fairly close (over?) the cat and s/he is comfortable with that (lying down). If so, this isn't typical behavior for a feral cat and s/he was probably someone's pet before she ended up homeless. I would take the cat to the veterinarian and get him/her scanned for a microchip (on the off chance that the kitty actually belongs to someone who wants him/her back). If there is no owner, kitty definitely needs to be spayed/neutered (if not done already) and vaccinated. Look for a rescue organization to take kitty or look for a home that's going to be patient. This doesn't look like a feral kitty to me, judging by the photo, and so, yes, I think it would be best to find her a home. My family and I have adopted these kinds of kitties before and they all have initially behaved as you describe...coming in the house and then meowing to go right back out. They are a little scared, not feral. With some time and patience, they settle in and become part of the family. I definitely think it would be the right thing to do to get her adopted or placed with a rescue. She really doesn't look feral to me, judging by the way she looks in the photo. No feral cat will lay on a door threshold, and look so comfortable, while a person stands over him/her to take a photo. This cat needs a home.

Thank you for your careful response. Thus cat was just young when we first saw it. It was extremely skittish and wouldn't come anywhere near us for months. It's been around for 8 months now and is finally letting the kids pet it etc. I really do not think it had ever lived in a house. I have done a lot of research and feral cats will indeed become quite comfortable with people once they are aware that's where the food is coming from. They are also more groomed looking than a lost house cat. It has a cozy little home in our shed where it catches mice. We feed it regularly and it seems to enjoy the kids. I can't have it in the house but don't mind letting it live this way. Is it much different than a barn cat? Or is this really not a nice way for a cat to live? I really would like what's best for the cat.

Keep in mind that what we as humans prefer to live like is not always the same as animals. We cannot judge animal preferences by our preferences. I personally like to see animals in their natural habitat but would by all means call a shelter if that is what really is best

Has the kitty been spayed/neutered? If not, be prepared for kittens, that will then have more kittens. Am speaking from many years of doing feline rescue/shelter work.

This is not a wild tiger or bear you are talking about. Cats are an animal that humans have domesticated.

It's a male. I realize humans have domesticated them. I also realize there are many, many feral ones and many many barn cats. If this one has never been domesticated do you really think it needs to be? It roams all over the woods and then comes back to the house when it's hungry. Seems happy and free but maybe I'm seeing this all wrong?

How far do the cats usually roam from their homes, mdln? This one seems to just go in the areas around our house. Would it be going farther than I realize?

https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/time/4714823/cats-very-social-study/%3fsource=dam

People want to adopt kittens not grown cats, just because you bring to a shelter does not mean it will get a good home. Sounds like he has a safe home, food, protection from weather and attention. Do get him vacationed, if you don't have a vet look up low cost clinic.

Thank you. That was why I was hesitant to just call a shelter in to take it away. There's no guarantee that it will be adopted. Furthermore, there's no guarantee it would be happy being an indoor cat. I wouldn't feel I was doing the right thing for it if it ended up indefinitely in a cage in a shelter

I live in a rural area with a lot of cat predators. Our shelters have a few programs. One to adopt where you sign that it will be an indoor cat and it has all the other regular stuff (but indoor because of all the predators). Two a "barn cat" feral cat program where you can adopt a feral cat that they know would not make a good indoor pet, but you're giving it food and some shelter gives it a better chance while getting a good mouser in return. With a feral cat it really is unlikely it'd be a good house pet. For as long as it does live, you are giving it a better life. Kudos. I'd say keep doing what you are - if you can just make sure the shed or some area gives it protection from freezing in winter (there are warm pet houses if you're so inclined). http://calaverashumane.org/barn-garden-cats/. They also have a feral feline where they trap, neuter and return cats. http://calaverashumane.org/feral-feline-project/ .

I wondered if they have a program like that here. I will do some research, Thank you!

I would call a few local rescues and see if any of them do a trap, neuter, release program. Even though he's a boy, he shouldn't be out making babies! Getting him vaccinated and neutered and then bringing him back to his semi-wild life seems like the best plan.

Yes, that is my plan. We had a fox with mange in the fall and a wildlife rescue place captured, treated, and then released it. We catch a glimpse of it every now and then and it always gives you a good feeling! We want to make sure we're doing the best for this cat too!

Thanks very much for all of your help!

Place a old blanket in a draft free box and place inside shed. Cats do like to curl up on cold nights. Not sure where you live, if winter temperatures are arctic there are electric heat mats cat can sleep on.