Those that suffer the land can and sometimes do live in houses, but the Spirits can get jealous, so most live in the wild. Note that spirits are no better burden than the living, and the spirits may treat their cat with whimsy, disregard, or affection just like living burdens.
Most who suffer the spirits would have no other life, and are necessary to preserve the balance. They are the scouts in the wild part of the Island, and usually first line of defense when bad things happen.
The winters are especially hard on those with spirit burdens, and while they maybe be proud to call themselves "free or non-domestic" many of them would perish in the harsh Michigan winter were it not for the shelter they find in the barns and storehouses on the island. Others are adopted by domestic cats.
The leader of those with Spirit Burdens is (None)/ Long Claw a grizzled Norwegian, who takes pride in the fact he has no domesticated name.
This group holds their meetings under Arch Rock, but attend the Parliament at Great Turtle Park.