Do want to put in here that I would write everyone from the www.doj.gov (United States Department of Justice now that would get some attention, you would be shocked at the agencies listed under this website; they do try to help, even if you get passed from one department to another--you will eventually get there) on down to a notice to each neighbor! If they are having the same problem, a petition or class action suit could be a possible way to go.
To save time and money on going to the post office to get your mail sent with a signed receipt, I found faxing works very well. Yep, it can be changed, but you have the phone number faxed to, faxed from, date and time on your copy--so it stands up very well if you are forced to go to court.
If all else fails, there is also a protective order or restraining order, as well as getting a tresspass order. Then if it is court, there is small claims, which you do not need an attorney and depending on your state, you may recoup some money; ask the judge if you may return to small claims court on the same issue if it is not taken care of by this issue. (the actions, not the money)
It doesn't mean you will get the money--the court will not force anyone to pay in a civil matter, that is up to you to try to get and you may not ever see it, so beware.
But, since she does sound like a person who needs some kind of serious intervention, there should be some local or state authority you can report her to, even if it is to the local hospital for advice. If she is gone for a while, there is still the problem of the cats, since they stay where they got fed.
Still think you should report this to the United States Humane Society www.hsus.org if for no other reason than to alert them to the lack of help. I subscribe to them and the news letters I get seem to be pretty active in situations like this one.
As you know it won't be an easy job, so send out an alarm for help! Keep in mind that people who have never had a (don't be offended) small, silly issue drive them to the brink, have no clue just how overwhelming and stressful something like this becomes. Have patients with them--they will one day experience something similar!
