ARGHHHH! I've been in this situation plenty of times. Instead of talking till I'm blue in the face, (been there, done that) it's easier to confiscate the bunch. There's no reason the cat can't be spayed now. Some vets will spay nursing females, though I'd call around. Are there any programs at shelters near you that will take the kittens and spay mom for free in exchange? Not sure about Lousiana area shelters, but there's a few shelters here in Mass. that run that way. Sometimes the only way to assure the cat is spayed is to spring for the bill, and do the transporting. *sigh* never any end is there??