Wayne,

She sounds semi-feral to me. You might want to get a Have-A-Heart trap from the Humane Society. Put it out with a pie shaped piece of paperplate with sardines on it in very back. Cover the trap with an old sheet or blanket. Dribble sardine juice and put a piece of sardine in front of the trap to coax her into it. Do not leave the trap unattended. Since she has allowed you to pet her, it sounds like it won't take long to trap her.n WORD OF CAUTION: USE GARDEN GLOVES!!!! No bare hands (if you know what's good for you). Once she's in the trap, she MAY spaz out, which is normal. Completely cover the trap once she's in it. This will calm her down. She might thrash about the cage trying to get out , but again, that's normal.

If you are willing, once she is trapped, get her fixed and vaccinated. If you have a spare room, once she's back from the vet, put her in the room with food, water and a litterbox, a radio, and night light.

When you go into the room (give her at least 48 hours to adjust), sit on the floor and read to her, throw her treats, talk to her. She'll probably hide for a couple of weeks, but just keep up with the visitation.

It may take a couple of weeks, or a couple of months. But if you're comitted to giving her a home, it'll be well worth the effort.

If you just want to care for her, you can set up a little shelter (with a 20 gal. Rubbermaid tub). Cut a hole out in the side, put the lid on and flip it over, lid side down. Insulate it with newspaper, hay and a blanket. At least she'll have shelter from the elements, and food and water.

Good luck and keep us posted.