So, more updates on Rocket the feral rescue. He's come out of his cage a few times now (only when the dogs are out) and I managed to hold him. It was while we were checking to make sure he's neutered (thankfully he is) at first I had him wrapped in a towel in case he freaked out. He was very tense and scared at first, then after a few minutes he started to calm...to the point that he pulled his claws in and I moved the towel away without any fear of scratches. He perked his ears up and was actually quite relaxed on my lap for about ten minutes. I still feel he needs to be in a home with cats only, the dogs scare him too much but he seems fine with other cats. At any rate, we're making some progress with him. I plan to keep getting him out like this a little every day.