🚀 go-pugleaf

I've had a cat that's lived in the sewer pipes near my
home for several years now.  I no longer have my dog
(see below) and now the cat has been getting nearer
to my house lately.  The other night I could hear it crying
out.  The cat is very skittish and at the first sight of a
human it goes running.

Years ago when I was living with my parents, we had a 
cat suddenly show up and 'adopt' us.  We fed it and 
very, very slowly it came to trust us enough to allow
us to handle him.  This cat, named JD, was determined
to be quite old and apparently had lost the ability to
acquire food on his own.  Eventually he even would
come inside and respond to petting and some grooming.
We thought that JD had probably been on his own
for nearly all his life and it was really a joy to see him
respond so positively to affection and have a secure
home and family in the final years of his life.  JD lived 
for many years before passing away.

Losing my best friend and companion this fall has been
absolutely devastating.  Every now and then I'll discover
one of her 'hiding' places where she'd stashed one of her
toys and it really busts me up badly.  Sadie May was a
wonderful, loving German Shepherd and her memory
will be with me forever.

Anyway, given the above, I'd kind of like to try to
get it across to this cat that he/she has a home with me.
Does anybody have any advice on how to 'adopt' 
a feral animal?  I'd really appreciate any feedback.....

k.