Bruce wrote:

> On Tue, 23 Feb 2021 08:28:13 -0500, Gary > wrote:
>
> > On 2/22/2021 4:28 PM, Sheldon Martin wrote:
> > > Can barely see
> >> our barn only 300' away. Got plenty food and water out for the
> >> ferals... heated bowls and heated bedding.
> >
> > Real feral cats don't get "heated bowls and heated bedding." You've
> > turned them into outside pet cats. Stay alive for their sakes. They
> > rely on your daily care now.
> >
> Yes, Sheldon doesn't know what a feral cat is.

Actually, I think you are right. He uses the term for cats that aren't
socialized but have had and depend on humans for some basics.

Some call such 'semi-ferals'. Thats not actually a bad term for it.
With experience, they can become indoor cats and pets.

Daisy-chan was very close to the real thing feral. Her only indication
of not fully feral was she liked dogs and may have lived with one at
some point and had an unatural fear-hate of human toddlers (abuse at
early age?).

Sheldon has barn cats, not true ferals. I have no problem with that. I
do not know if he can handle a full on feral. It's not likely but so
many misuse the term...