She was gone for about three weeks. Life goes on. She brought them back and moved in under another porch. A couple of the other neighbors got involved and now it is a group effeort. The cats are getting tuna fish, dinner left-overs, gourmet cat food, whatever they want.
Fresh milk is left out and changed everyday.
Cat toys are appearing. Everything is going good and then the lady cat gets sick. So sick that she can't even lift her head off the ground. She gets a shot, a few tests, and subcuteous fluids. I bring her home, make her a warm bed outside, and spend the rest of the night worrying.