My first feral

A beautiful feral gray tabby has adopted us. It's been about six months now. He has been neutered (clipped ear). At first it was nothing but hissing and running, but over this time he has been living 50% in our screened in porch and with my husband and I gently and slowly interacting with him he now is extremely comfortable around our dog and being in our home for short periods of time. His trust in me has doubled in the past three months to the point where he follows me and my dog on short walks. My husband and I adore this sweet creature, but we just purchased the home of our dreams and Kitty is not litter box trained. (We tried) and has a desire to sharpen his claws a lot. (All new furniture). We also struggle with would he be happier as an outdoor cat most of the time. It's hard because he sits at our door almost all day. We are animal people, but mostly dog people so this is our first adventure with a feral. Can anyone tells us what is the best thing to do with a rehabilitated feral that loves to be in the house with people but also s
Loves to live outside?

He sounds more like a stray or dumped cat who was socialized as a youngster.

Can you put a cat door to the screen porch for him, so he can come and go as he pleases?

You can also try Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract litter, which has a smell that tells the cat "go here."  A litter box inside will also help him feel more at home.

In addition, you can apply double sided tape to the furniture to help keep him from scratching it.  That may not be the perfect solution, as he is probably putting his scent on things to tell everyone "this is mine!"

Thank you for rescuing him.