Yes definitely, feral cats in my experience won't let you pet them. I was in a city with dozens in every alley. I tried to seduce one over multiple times, even with food. They wouldn't let you pet them, and I wouldn't want to try with those shifty eyed devils without a clear assent from the cat.

That cat may have been wild for a bit, but definitely lived with people before.

[–] TipRing@lemmy.world 8 points 1 day ago (1 children)

90% of ferals don't want you to touch them but might rub against your leg as long as don't make sudden movements.

That last 10% though is weird. I had a female in the colony i managed who was afraid of humans until we trapped her and got her fixed and vaccinated. Then she became lovey-dovey with humans and would climb in our lap. Still didn't want to be picked up or taken inside though.

Three of my current cats were ferals. One fully self domesticated (which is good because lil dude has a VSD). the other two pretty much only trust me but I can pick them up and occasionally pet them if they are in the mood

[–] I_Fart_Glitter@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

I spent months sitting outside in the cold for hours after dark, vibing with my feral. Eventually she would sit in my lap, and didn’t want me to go inside. Like, she’d plant herself and growl if I tried to get up. A few more months of that and she finally came indoors. My frozen butt was happy.