Just got back from the Vet--no chip. They had trouble holding the cat still so unable to check if male/female. It is skin & bones. They think it is partially feral and that I should release it if I can't keep it. I'm going to check on spay/neuter programs for feral cats before I release it.

Tal, I think you're right on the probability of it being hard to rehabilitate. I wish I knew of someone with a farm or ranch.