Taking kittens from a stray momma cat

Question
We found this kitten and momma under a tarp in our backyard today. The momma is obviously a stray and ran away as soon as we lifted the tarp. The kitty looked real dirty but was being fed. Well its cold and dirty back there and the momma isnt very friendly. We have a cat who just had a litter they look same age, and size and our momma cat cleaned it up and let it nurse. I just wanna know are we doing the right thing? What if that momma comes back for her kitten and its gone. Will it be hard on her and will she physically be alright if she ahs no baby to nurse? I don't know if there are other kittens from that cat, that maybe she hid elsewhere. But we put down food and water and she ate it right up very hungary! I guess what I really want to know is, what is more important the feelings of the momma, or the well being of the kitten. Will stray momma cat even want it know that another cat has cleaned and fed it? I feel just awful! Should we ahve left well enough alone? I just hated to see that kitten outside in the cold, where there are tons of spiders, etc. But, I can't stand the thought of that poor momma kitten looking for her baby! What to do?? Please give me your opinion and advice.
Sincerely,
Shelley, California, US

Answer
Hi Shelley, well I don't know if anyone can really give you the "right" answer.. but I think you did the right thing. Now you know that kitten is growing up healthy and well cared for and warm....
How would that mom cat have felt if her kitten died? probably the rest of the litter died on her already. It would be great if you could trap her and spay her. She is probably pregnant again already and the poor thing was so hungry. It is just a shame that she has no home. She may never be able to be a tame pet but it would be nice to end her breeding years so that she only has to worry about feeding and caring for herself ! One thing that is a concern for me is that the mom cat and her kitten may have been carrying a disease if they were not vaccinated. It is too late to do anything about it right now but it is possible the kitten may have brought something to your own kittens. Let's just hope not and it is too late now anyways... so just keep an eye on all of the kittens and take them to the vet at the first sign of any illness.Teresa