So sorry, Scooby. Years ago I had a stray tom, called him Buddy. A grey and white, beat up, non neutered fella....I think he had 'Rounds' that he made. I'd not see him for a few days, then he'd show up on the porch. Always ate. He wasn't exactly skinny either, just seemed to have been in a lot of scrapes. Divots out of both ears, etc.

I never convinced him to come in the house, but if I'd go sit on the porch, he'd get in my lap and let me pet him. Then, he just stopped showing up. Yes, I still miss Buddy. No 'house cat' is quite like a stray that adopts you.