Time a mother spends with kittens

Question
Hello,
We have several stray cats that live in the woods behind our home.  We put out food for them twice a week.  I am only able to pet two of them.  One of the cats I pet just had kittens.  I have never seen them, but she had a big belly that is now gone and I can see by her nipples that's she's nursing.  However, she spends most of the day hanging around our backyard looking for food and handouts.  She's very young herself, one year if that, and it sounds crazy, but this may be her second litter of kittens.  My concern is that she doesn't spend enough time with her kittens.  What is the maximum time a mother will normally spend away from her kittens?  Thanks, Joe

Answer
Even though it may seem to you that the mother cat is not with her kittens enough, it may not be true. Kittens do sleep a lot and if your cat shows signs of having nursed, then she is going back and feeding the kittens. Mother cats have the instinct to know how often to do so, so all should be well.
Keep an eye out and try to follow her to there the kittens are and she will eventually allow you to see them.
Before long you will see them when they are up and running about anyhow.
If she had a previous litter and the kittens survived, then the likelihood of these kittens growing up fine is that much higher. Keep your eyes open and I believe all will be well.
I would recommend getting her fixed after she finishes nursing this litter, though, so this will not happen again.