If a cat is raised “feral”, by it’s feral mother, in a barn, it has a better chance to avoid predation by coyotes. Because their mothers teach them about coyotes, and predation, and “danger”, that human raised cats who are weaned and “rehomed” early, just never get that sort of training.
The coyote threat is always there for barn cats, if you have coyotes in your area. It’s a fact of life, and death. But we’ve had a feral barn cat in our barn for 8 years now. She just showed up one day, a mottled long haired streak through the barn when she saw us, but she stayed. She is very feral, and very cautious. She was captured, and spayed, and turned loose again. We feed and water her, and she has lots of places to sleep in the hay. We have pretty much failed to get her tame, we have patted her on occasion when this was offered in the company of our “friendly” barn cat (who is now a house cat- his decision), and she would have been a very nice cat, if she was not feral, she would LIKE to be a friendly cat, but she just can’t bring herself to that level of trust. But she has survived the coyotes, because she is so cautious. One day, when she gets old, or sick, and loses her caution, she will likely be caught and turned into coyote poop. Until then, she is our barn kitty, and does an adequate job on mouse control. Coyotes have families to feed too. We don’t like it when they take a pet, but the coyote family celebrates, and eats well that day. And it’s a quick death.
Your local SPCA or “cat rescue” will have feral cats, that have been captured, and turned in as young adults. They often do not make good pets as they are not tame and loving, and homes looking for pets do not want them. Thus, they are likely to be euthanized, if this is done in your area. If you are looking for a feral cat, they are often free, with spaying or neutering done. They may or may not choose to stay with you, and they may or may not become tame enough to be a barn pet for you. But they will likely do mouse control for you if they do choose to stay, and are more likely to avoid being eaten by coyotes, because they are smarter than human raised kittens.