Part feral cat has kittens

Hi I wonder if someone can help me. I have been feeding a very young part feral cat for around 7 weeks. She is only around 6 months old.i think someone owned her and abandoned her. She had kittens under my neighbours part built decking on thursday. I sought advice from my vet as i know that there are rats and foxes around and i wanted to bring her in to safety,he also wanted to finish the decking this weekend. We successfully brought them inside,and she is fine with them although hisses and howls at us when we approach,she is happy to let me feed her and change her litter tray. we have them secure in a large dog crate. i noticed yesterday one wasnt feeding and was away from being able to suckle her.she was cleaning it regularly though so i assumed would be ok. i am devastated as i woke this morning to find it dead. Could i or should i have done anything more. i wanted to try to latch it on to her but she would just howl and hiss at me. although i can stroke her she would swipe my face of if needed,i have scars to prove it lol..i am left now feeling guilty as  i feel i  have allowed it to die...and worry now about the other 4. I have rang all cat rescues locally but no one can take them in...

Unfortunately, not all kittens make it. There could have been a birth defect. Do not blame yourself at all.

You have done a wonderful thing in bringing them inside where they are safe from the elements and predators.

As long as you are feeding mom wet food and dry food throughout the day, and she has fresh water and a litter box, she will likely successfully care for her remaining kittens.

Other than feeding her, I would just sit nearby and observe and speak quietly. In time she will come to trust you. Right now she is being very protective of her litter.

If you can cover the crate with a sheet except for one end she may feel more protected for now.

How many kittens remain? Can you post a picture for us?

Thank you for caring for these cats!

You are doing a good job.  I'm sorry the little one didn't make it but it had a better chance with you than under the deck.

Reading to the cat quietly so she will get used to you and your voice is a method used by many rescues with feral cats.  Hang in there, her trust is building.

I agree.  With a home cat, you could perhaps do more, latching it to her, or supplementing the kitten yourself.

But in such a situation, its most to help the mom, make sure she feels safe and contend, and hope for the best.

Especielly, being as young as she is, we must be happy she is after all a good, caring mom.  Her being a shade overprotective, we must accept, willy nilly...