This person has been emotionally adopted by a cat that shows up every night without invitation but has become important to them. A feral cat arrives each evening and accepts food and water and warmth according to his own rules but will not come inside no matter what. He runs away the moment a door opens and makes his boundaries very clear. But he stays for hours outside the living room window just to watch the indoor cat.
Seeing this can make you feel uneasy because it seems like he wants something but keeps his distance. He is not suffering but he is not completely detached either. This middle ground makes it hard to know what the right approach should be.
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This kind of behavior is completely normal for feral cats. Many of them prefer living outdoors & only want limited contact that feels safe to them. Being near another cat without touching or interacting closely can satisfy them. Keeping up the routine of offering food & water & a sheltered spot while respecting his boundaries is the right way to help. Porch cats do not need to be changed or rescued. They simply live near you in their own quiet way.
It honestly seems like the right moment to try a very gentle & unofficial meeting between the cats. Keep all doors closed and do not force anything. Just let them see each other through a window under supervision & allow whatever passes for social interaction in the cat world.
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At this point it seems like one more cat would complete everything. He has already become part of the routine and the schedule and the emotional landscape. It might as well be admitted that the household has expanded.
It helps to keep trying in a gentle way without forcing anything. Some cats need months or even years before they change their minds. One day your cat might decide that being indoors is worth taking the chance.
