I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I have gone all of these routes and there is simply no one willing to come out and help or even offer/rent a trap. (I will purchase one through ACES - I mean, apparently it's not like I'll never use it again!). Unfortunately our area is sadly lacking in any kind of actual 'hands on rescue'. We have a few groups who foster surrenders/strays/pound bounds etc and try to find them homes but there is no one (other than our, ahem, 'animal control' and 'SCPA' with the necessary rescue equipment). Basically I'm on my own here short of my friend Val who's helping but that's okay. I will keep you updated on the kitties' situation. Thanks again.

p.s. does anyone know of some web sites that you can post pets for adoption on? My neighbour has dumped his dog on me (don't even ask) and I can't bare to take him to the 'shelter' (shudder). My house is already graced (translation - overrun!) with my monster dog Kita and my 4 cats (one of which also used to belong to this neighbour of mine). I simply cannot afford to feed another dog at this point, I can't even keep myself fed sometimes so I have to find him another home. I'll be taking some photos of him tonight (he'll be sleeping over again - I'm not leaving him alone in an empty house) so that I can post him on the net.

I'll try and stop overwhelming you all with my 'problems' now!

Thanks again,
Renée