Feral cat with kittens..

Question
I discovered a feral cat who often visited my yard has given birth to kittens the past Friday (May 9th). There were 4 when I first saw them, then 4 more appeared the day after. I decided to take them into my house along with the mother, who was definitely frightened during the whole situation. I had put a carrier outside, and put the kittens in there while the mother wasn't around. She came back, went into the carrier and I trapped her. Since then, the mother hasn't been eating or drinking at all, she's been defecating in the carrier and it just smells awful. I leave the door open occasionally so she can come out and get some air, or maybe use the litter box, but she refuses to come out. She just stares blankly into space when I look at her, touch her, etc. To make things worse, she's not taking care of her kittens, they're dirty and most of them are scrawny. Sometimes I hear constant crying and when I check on them, I find a kitten stuck all the way at the bottom of the pile or in a corner, and I have to help them. I fear that without the mom eating anything, she won't be able to produce any milk and sooner or later the kittens will die. Can anyone give me some tips on how to get through this whole ordeal? I contacted several rescue agencies but they've all told me the same thing : They're too young to be taken away from their mother.

Answer
Jonathan,

Put her back outside! That is where she wants to be and where she will be happy. You are going to lose the kittens and send the mother into a deep depression. Find a place that is safe from dogs, or wildlife. Like under the house, in a garage (where she can get out), under a bush, etc.
Put a blanket and some food and water out for her then leave her be. She has to gradually learn to trust you. This way won't do it. She is terrified of you but she is protecting her kittens. Also she may kill them to protect them.

Or put her and her kittens under a bed. Somewhere dark, safe, and where there is no more human contact that is necessary. You won't change her, but you may have a chance with the babies if you can save them.

It's nice that you are trying to help...but not this way.

Carol