Mark i cant remember my yahoo password and been having real probs retrieving it. If you are registered could you please give the advice that SHE MUST try and find a way to make the cat stay with the kittens IE leave them in a closed room together, get a large folding dog type cage in order to keep them together. (all of this obviously making sure the cat isnt going to attack her kittens)
Perhaps the cat needs to see a vet to ensure all is well with her and she hasnt got cracked nipples or mastitis etc.
also it would seem to me to be extremely important she goes to the vet to equip herself with the proper cimicat and feeding bottles to have in the house and also if the mother isnt lying with them then please advise on keeping the kittens warm with something soft to snuggle into, allowing the cat to follow her is not appropriate. She also mustnt let the cat wander outside. The kittens should be fed on a 2 hourly basis but not to start feeding if they seem to be having full bellies and are content to sleep inbetween mums feeding sessions, she could weight every 1-2 days to monitor weight etc.
explain if she is a first time mum its quite normal for her to be confused and she needs guidence from the owner but if she is letting them feed then there is maternal nursing instincts there. Make sure she is being fed smaller and more often high quality food aswell..dont misjudge your own advise either mark, ive never heard to you give adverse advise yet !!!