Should I feed the feral cat mewing in my backyard or not?

Question
There's a feral cat outside that I've sort of already started feeding.  I think I
used to feed her as a kitten once upon a time. Anyway, It's just been four or
five days, but she's already permanently positioned herself near my kitchen
door and starts mewing whenever I'm around. I don't mind that, but the
problem is that I'll be moving away in another three/four months (moving
countries, not houses), so I really don't want to make her dependent to the
point that she'll be unable to take care of herself after I'm gone. For that very
reason I just feed her once a day, and not too much, a few chunks of chicken
with some liver. But should I just stop feeding her entirely? It's just so
heartbreaking to hear her mewing and not do anything. Also, where I live,
there aren't any humane societies or animal shelters, so that isn't an option,
she's going to have to survive outside. What do I do?
Thank you in advance :)

Answer
Hi Sfar,

Such a sad story!

Since you won't be able to take care of the kitty long-term, it would be in her best interest for her not to develop any dependence on you.  I know it's heartbreaking to watch her cry for food and you only want to help her.  Sadly, if you give in, it will probably worsen her position in the future.  

Your only chance is if you believe you may find a neighbor who'd be willing to take over her care after you're gone.  If you think you can find someone else to resume the responsibility of feeding her within the next few months, then you may be able to continue feeding her while you search for the right person.  If no one agrees, be sure to take at least a month to slowly taper off the amount of food you're feeding her.  Start feeding her every other day, then every third day, etc., until you're no longer feeding her at all.  Since she has survived this long, it would seem she has some hunting skills that she should be able to put to use to keep some food in her belly once she realizes she's no longer being fed.  But she may need some time to brush up on those skills if she becomes lazy with them.

Good luck!

Jessica