@craigmaloney Craig, it's not normal for a cat to scratch so much. If this is a change in behavior then maybe a vet visit is in order.
If it's pretty usual, sometimes it works best to start off with a rub of kitty's neck; and to let kitty go the second you are alerted that it's enough. Once trust builds, kitty might be more interested in pats and cuddle a little longer, a little longer.
@craigmaloney Aaaah, I see! Carry on then! And kudos to you for taking this on. My mom took a feral cat in, too. It took years, but "Baby" did come around!
@MIDDLEoftheroad2018 Pixel is part feral, so she tends to play rather aggressively.
We've had her for a while now and understand her moods. This morning she was in one of them.