What to do with this affectionate stray cat?

[u/Ok-Inside920]

I started putting a bowl of food outside my house (Appartment). I don't see which cats come to eat but this one cat is always outside and just wants to cuddle.

Naturally, I've become attached to her and feel like she might enjoy a home. However, my cat is really hostile towards her and doesn't allow her inside the house. She's also pretty happy outside and has alot of cat friends.

I thought of letting her into the house to cuddle and maybe play and letting her leave when she wants to. But my cat isn't getting to used to her and her scent and the only way to make them get used to each other is by keeping her inside the house. I would prefer for her to be able to leave, so maybe keeping her inside for 2 weeks until they get used to each other and then let her roam free. But my sister thinks she might become terretorial towards the house and not want to leave anymore. We don't want to keep her inside permanently because she seems happy outside. There are of course other considerations, like not sure if we want to commit etc.. that would make that a better option.

What should we do?

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[u/Zephkel]

You can only know if you try

Every cat is different

But most will recognize the comfort and safety of a house, wich is logical. Put yourself in her paws.

Also cuddling cat are best cats, and are the one that love a cozy home

[u/scarneo]

Get her inside the house

I rescued a friendly stray and she is perfectly happy inside

[u/DidNotSeeThi]

That is not a stray cat anymore. Take a page from the TNR playbook. If you can afford it, get it to the vet and checked for critical things, vaccinated, maybe get altered, get ear snipped and then you have an outside mostly cat. The more the cat's scent is on you the more your cat will get exposed to it and maybe allow it inside. Only time will tell and you have to make some decisions.

[u/Ok-Inside920 → u/DidNotSeeThi]

It's actually already neutered its ear is chipped probably TNR

[u/DidNotSeeThi → u/Ok-Inside920]

Then I would just take it to a vet, get checkup and shots, have outside cat to love.

[u/GiratinaBabbies]

Cat distribution system for sure! Introduce the stray slowly to your cat

[u/goawaywhy]

Indoor only cats also are supposed to live much longer than outdoor/stray cats, so keep that in mind

[u/werisefromourashes]

Can you catch her and get her scanned for a microchip?
She might be lost...

[u/Ok-Inside920 → u/werisefromourashes]

No microchips where I'm from

[u/werisefromourashes → u/Ok-Inside920]

Facebook groups and other places where people look for their lost cats?
If nothing of the sort, it looks like you might have acquired a new cat.
Definitely get the new hire checked by a vet before exposing your resident cat to potential risks.
Also bear in mind that keeping an indoor and an in-out cat in the same household without accidental escapees is nigh on impossible.
You could compromise by building a small shelter for your new cat.

[u/Adventurous-Pen-824]

It takes time. Let her come and go as she pleases. Your other cat will see that knowing she won't stay... for now >:)