Great job so far, but I am a bit confused. Are the kittens old enough to be weened? Sounds as though they are, if they are eating dropped food. If that is the case, I suppose the Mama should be spayed asap since she could be pregnant already, again. She would be my first to the Vet. Then the little ones. The little ones should be easily fooled into climbing into a trap. Maybe someone could loan you a trap. I have a Have-a-heart one that I bought to keep on hand for time like this. Anyway, I would capture as many as you can, concentrating on the source of the problem first, as in MAMA cat. If you are lucky, the kittens will be males and can be altered and released pretty quickly. Ferals are often happier outside - but lots depends on the # of generations feral they are. If MAMA (Patches) is tame, then I doubt if you will have trouble getting the little ones.

Just be careful that the little ones that are left, can protect themselves without Patches around.

Keep us posted.

I am so glad we don't have any stray kittens around where I live. I would have a house FULL of them.

Good luck. And hey, what about a picture! I am sure you will be busy making plans for these little furballs and Patches.

Such a nice MOM you are!