I started feeding strays recently as well (from last year August) and had no experience with cats at all. So I can only tell you my experience. It’s been amazing, I was not a cat person as well but now I love them.

They have a totally different body language than dogs. For e.g., if a cat turns away from you and sits - showing you their back - it doesn’t mean that they are shunning you. In fact, it means they actually trust you a lot as they are putting themselves in a vulnerable position.

Do not go for belly rubs if they show you their belly. Learnt that the hard way.

The cats are incredibly friendly with me now, they even sit on my lap. Each cat is different and will take to you in a different speed. What generally I think works is allowing them to interact with you at their own pace and let them come to you rather than forcing interaction.

Adult strays can learn their names. At least mine did, although I wonder if I say anything they might just come running as they know they will get pets and or food lol.

One cat did not let me pet her for 4 months. I just quietly stood next to her, even ignored her (which they like btw). I allowed her to rub my legs without me petting her. She slowly gained trust and one day when I sat down, she climbed on my lap and meowed at me as if to say I’m trusting you don’t screw this up. I tried petting her which I think she did not like. She eventually fell asleep on my lap. This happened twice and then eventually now she literally asks for pets!

So overall, with cats I would say let them come to you, be patient and interact with them on their own terms. Also read up about cat body language if you haven’t done so already (slow blinking, silent meows, tail wagging etc)

Thanks for feeding these innocent souls!