About a month ago, my neighbor died at age 88. I used to help her out in her garden and talk with her. She left behind her 7 (I think) year old cat that I call, "Momma Cat" because she has had multiple litters of kittens. Right now she has no where to go, but she's been living in my yard. What do I do?

Awww.. If I were you and in a position to keep Momma Cat, I would keep her. I know that's not always a possibility. But it sounds like she's been through some pretty big changes and is depressed at losing her owner. Do you know if any of her family would be interested in her? Sometimes family will keep the animal as a reminder of that person. I've made my family promise to do that for my babies.

First off, thank you for trying to help.  If the family is unable or unwilling to help, then I would try to contact a local rescue or shelter and ask about TNR - trap, neuter, return program.  They can help you spay this poor kitty and, if you are willing, you can continue to feed her and provide shelter for her - perhaps adopt her yourself?

If you are unable to do that, the rescue or shelter may have suggestions for finding her a new home.  But really, no matter what, the priority is getting her spayed.  Otherwise, you are going to have kittens to find homes for, too!

Unfortunately, Momma Cat's owner lived by herself after her husband passed and so far her family has taken no action on keeping the cat. But I, myself am interested in keeping her.

Well then by all means keep her!!! It has been a whole month and if your neighbors wanted Momma they would have taken her by now. Get her fixed immediately and a checkup at the vet and get to lovin your new cat!

Pretty much! If there are no disputes between ownership and no other parties interested in keeping her, go ahead and bring her in, get her vetted and fixed, and make her at home with you!

Thanks for the advice, everyone. It really helped.

contact your local spca/humane society for low/cost spay/neuter. also, Petco has low-cost vaccination days thru their Vetco program.

I love threads like this with a happy ending.

I know we keep carrying on about the spaying.. but it is essential.

Does she want to come inside?

Have you had a cat before?  If you haven't this is the place to ask any questions you may need to.  Even if you have, ask away.

This reminds me of the same situation my neighbor was in. We live in a large condo association and one of the elderly unit owners passed on and nobody claimed her cat Peter. My neighbor loves cats and took Peter in. Peter was a wise old cat and would step in and break up fights between other cats in the condo. He passed away last spring and was well over 20. I told my neighbor she was peter's angel for taking him in and looking after him.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter

I would like to see a picture!