Ive had feral alley cats that come up to me over the years and Ive learned quite a bit and honed my skills during the shut downs. I noticed they have a certain etiquette. You can approach them, but keep your hands behind your back. Only take a couple steps at a time, and let them return in kind. They may rub into especially if you leave them food, but that is not permission to take your hands out and pet them. Most can't stand seeing your hand. Even when you do start petting them its when they rub into you walking away and they don't see the hand, even though they know it is. It's weird and everyone of them is different. Hint: most (not all) love fresh grilled chicken.