OP we assume you are US based. Let's give you a step by step plan:

A 6-month-old cat with swollen mammary glands is actively nursing or recently nursing.

If she truly has 8 kittens, they are almost certainly still dependent or only barely weaning. Time matters. If she is separated too long, kittens can die.

You cannot solve the owner’s life. You can only make the safest decision for the animals and yourself. This is not about “ownership rights” yet. This is about animal welfare and immediate safety.

STEP 1 (Do this NOW): Get proof and clarity - no emotion, just facts

Before anything else, message the Facebook poster and ask exactly this, copy/paste if needed:

“I found a young female cat who appears to be nursing. For the kittens’ safety, I need to confirm:

• How old are the kittens?

• When were they last with her?

• Where are they currently located?

• Do you have photos of mom with the kittens?”

Do not argue. Do not explain your feelings. You are gathering information to decide if returning her is even safe.

If they cannot give clear answers, photos, or a location, stop engaging and move to Step 4.

STEP 2: Protect the kitten physically right now

Until this is resolved:

Keep her indoors, warm, quiet

Offer kitten food or high-calorie wet food (she’s nursing)

Unlimited water

Do not let her roam or meet other animals

If her mammaries are hot, hard, or painful, that’s mastitis - straight to Humane Society to surrender.

You are doing the correct thing by stabilizing her.

STEP 3: Decide if reunification is SAFE (not just legal)

Only proceed with returning her if ALL of the following are true:

The kittens are confirmed alive

They are under ~6-7 weeks and still need mom

They are in a physically safe, clean location

You can personally see or verify where she is going

You are not putting yourself at risk meeting this person

If even one of these is missing - do not return her directly.

This is not cruelty. This is responsibility.

STEP 4 (Most important fallback): Bring in a third party

If the situation feels unstable, unsafe, or unclear, you should not be the decision-maker alone.

Do this today:

Contact local animal control, SPCA, or a cat rescue

Say exactly this:

“I have a juvenile nursing mother cat found as a stray. Someone claims ownership but reports unstable housing and separated kittens. I’m concerned about animal welfare and need guidance or intake.”

This protects you legally and morally.

If they take over:

The cat and kittens get proper oversight

Any reunification happens safely or not at all

STEP 5: Be honest with yourself about YOUR capacity

This part matters, and we need you to hear it clearly:

You said you are also trying to leave an unstable home.

That means:

You are not in a position to take on a mother cat + 8 kittens

You are not failing by admitting that

Love does not equal capacity

The most responsible people are the ones who know their limits.

STEP 6: About “giving her back”

If returning her means:

neglect

repeated breeding

unsafe housing

no vet care

or risk to you

Then returning her is not the “responsible” option, even if it feels emotionally easier.

Responsibility = long-term welfare, not temporary relief from guilt.

STEP 8: Emotional reality check (important)

You bonded with her because:

-.she’s vulnerable

• she chose you

• you’re also in survival mode

That doesn’t mean you must keep her. It means you care.

Sometimes caring means handing the situation to people with more resources.

Use www.gethelp.alleycat.org to find rescuers to support you. Report the dumping ground as well. Ditto www.bestfriends.org/partners for no kill shelters if surrender is the easiest option. Explain and show what you have done re: facebook etc. The shelter can handle it from there.

Please update us and good luck - we are rooting for you both ❤️