Safe to come out

Kitty is one of the feral cats that roam our neighbourhood. They are affectionately known as the 'chats du quartier' and are fed by several households.  Kitty has become our responsibility but is the lowest in the pecking order among the alley cats. She nervously eats her food just inside the door but bolts if another cat comes near. She will not venture further into the house but likes to stay close to us if we are in the courtyard. I think she would love to become a house cat but is too timid.