our cat "was" a
WILD Maine coon
he would arch his back and Hiss at us even growling if we ventured too close OUT IN THE BARN.
Over time as we fed him whole chicken or turkey carcasses to feast on he became more and more civilized and less fearful then eventually moved in and has become the greatest cat we have ever had
hands down.
it pays to not STAND and to squat when the feeding ritual begins (less threatening posture)
always being careful to move
very slowly and repeat the same salutations with never a change so they learn to be trusting of you.
this cat sleeps on our bed now each night
and can catch mice like no tomorrow. Mice are not as harmful as is their droppings and or fleas they may carry which can Carry bubonic plague (at least out west)
so it pays to eliminate them ANY way you can ESPECIALLY when your sleeping when they (THE MICE) think the coast is clear.
it took about a
year and half to domesticate and train the cat .
You can buy a plastic enclosed electric heating pad at the big box stores and set it up to warm a bed in a protective sheltered area for the winter. If that sounds dangerous then buy an enclosed in plastic round bale of fiberglass insulation for him to sleep on.