Cats on my back porch - Where to start?

Hi: This is my first post on the forum!! Needing some advice on several cats that have begun showing up on my back porch. One cat has showed up for the past few days around the same time. The cat enjoys the wet and dry food that I put out. The cat does not have a collar. Not sure if this cat belongs to someone or is a stray. Any suggestions on how I can figure this out?? When I went outside with food, the cat did not hiss at me and did not really run away when I approached to put the food and water down. The cat seems to be used to people and was only a bit afraid of me. Two other cats have been showing up later in the evening and they are both feral. It is a mom and her kitten that appears to be 8 to 12 months old. Not sure what happened to the rest of her kittens, but one follows her around and they both eat together. When I approach, the kitten usually runs away while the mom backs off and sometimes hisses at me. When I go back into my house, both cats will start eating. Any ideas on what I can do for this mom and her kitten? I think I need to try Trap-Neuter-Return for them, but I have to wonder whether the kitten or both of them could be socialized. Seems like they would have a happier longer life indoors, but they may be better suited for life outdoors. I have yet to see any indication that there is a colony of cats. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated as I would like to help all three of these kitties. Thanks everyone!

I agree with your analysis and plans.  As you had began to feed them, you must also spay them.   TNR and or adopting.   Otherwise you will soon have a colony, even if there isnt one yet.

You are rather in hurry, as they can get preg anytime.  Maybe they are already.  -

If you wish to try and socialize  them,   it can surely be done, especially with the younger one.  But you must be prepared it will take time, effort, patience and love.  If you are prepared - sure, go on. 

If you arent -  TNR is fine enough.

Re this friendly cat.  You have two possibilities.  Set on him a collar, with a message capsule in, where you ask the  owner to contact you.

Make sure the collar is a breakable collar.   So he wont fasten and suffocate himself in unlucky.

OR you can set up messages   Found.   The problem is, is he is used to wander about and so are  his owners., the owners will NOT miss him and look after these Found signs...  So you must almost keep him...

TNR is a must with the 2 ferals.  You do not want lots of kittens on your hand.  You might want to get two traps and see if you can trap them at the same time.  There are some great video tutorials if you need some help with trapping.  Just let me know and I will post the link. 

As for the stray, you can ask around to see if anyone knows where he belongs.  You would want to know if he/she is spayed/neutered as well. 

Welcome to the forums and thank you for taking the time to help these kitties.