Mary,

See if you can get a "Have-A-Heart" trap from your local shelter or Humane Society.

It is possible that the cat is pregnant. If you can see, look to see if the nipples are pink and enlarged. If they are then yes, she's probably pregnant.

Don't feed her. Get a can of sardines and dribble some juice leading to the trap. Put a tiny piece at the entrance to the trap. Then put the rest on a paper plate in the farthest corner of the trap. Cover the trap with an old sheet or blanket and just wait. If she's hungry enough, she'll go for it. Don't leave the trap unattended. Once she's in it, keep it covered as it will calm her down.

If you're going to set up a shelter, get a 20 gal rubbermaid tub. Cut a hole in it, flip it over so the cover is on the bottom and line it with newspaper, a blanket and straw. At least if she HAS to stay outside, she'll have some kind of shelter to keep her from the elements.

Call me if you need me and keep me posted. Whatever you do, if this cat is feral, DO NOT let it out of the trap. You will need to get a small cage or something to contain her in so she can have her babies in peace.

Good luck, honey. It's a huge undertaking but well worth it. Damn those irresponsible pet owners