I am in need of some great advise

I'm not sure if you have an ASPCA in your area, but if you do I would call them. There are laws against having that many animals, and they would take some and adopt them out. Chances are though, they'd give her a chance to adopt them out on her own, and if she didn't, then they'd step in. If you don't have them, I'd find out what you do have (animal control...etc) and get ahold of them. Sorry, and I hope it helps :)

Dear mjdoodlebug, This is a hard situation and I am sorry that you are having so many problems. It is also sad to hear that your neighbor refuses to get the cats fixed. I believe that the reason she probably has so many excuses for not getting them fixed is because she cannot afford to get them fixed, and is afraid that you or someone else will tell her that if she cannot afford to have them fixed, she shouldn't have them at all. Sixteen is a lot, but if they keep breeding that can grow to even more. My suggestion would be to first call around and find out who has lower cost or even no cost spaying and neutering programs. Sometimes you can get it done for free. Be a friend, she is going to need one, and tell her how many cats and kittens get put down because of breeding and too many cats being in the world. Make her feel like a hero for taking proper care of her pets, and let her know about the low cost or even no cost programs in your area. Try local shelters and pet stores and also call vetrinarians in the area, explain the problem, and ask them if they would be willing to donate a few spays or neuters to keep the population under control. I would offer to drive her to the local clinics to have the animals taken care of, and let her know it isn't a cruel thing to do, it's actually more humane than letting them have kittens. So many get put to sleep in animal shelters as it is. Another thing I would tell her once your on a friendly basis, is that cats who are allowed out of doors live a shorter life span than indoor cats. Tell her your worried that the cats are allowed outside. People sometimes torture and kill outdoor cats for fun, sometimes they get hit by cars, sometimes they ingest poison, other animals can be a problem also and many cats end up getting killed by animals you would never suspect would do so, such as a racoon, another cat, a dog, a badger, or other such animals. Tell her for her own cats safety, it would be better if she kept them indoors. By being a friend, you will find that you will be more apt for her to agree with you. You can also, as a friend, tell her that other neighbors are upset with the smell, and if they called animal control she could lose all the cats. Tell her your being a friend and do not want to see her have to give the cats up. Good luck, and I hope this helps you, Carla