Beautiful pics of beautiful cats...
In answer to your question,I believe a lot of the cats abandonned or stray,were at one time sweet,loving cats but after a time of fending for themselves and protecting themselves,they find it hard to be trusting and loving again.
Feather might not have been a stray for long ,seeing he was in good shape and healthy.
It's hard to understand some people,but many just don't care if they ever see their cats again.
Feather was very lucky to have found you