I think I would feel the same if one of my feral cats passed away or was killed. My 2nd son found the first one in a creek on the farm, tiny orange ball, picked up and promptly sank his teeth into my son's finger. Not deterred he brought him to me and I had to protect him inside my jacket from two farm dogs wanting to make mincemeat out of him.
That was about 7 years ago, now him and another one which just wandered in as a kitten run the household. They've got me trained when they want out or in or fed. In return they keep field mice out of the house and bring me an occasional rabbit, just plonk it on the doorstep, which I have to bury.
Yes I'd miss them too.
--------------
Ride on !
