Unfortunately the harsh reality is that if you call the pound and they are caught chances are they will be put to sleep. Most stray cats that are taken to pounds don't get rehomed, it's mainly the dogs that get the second chance.

What about cat refuge's? Is there any in your area, if you try to contact the organisations like that, or RSPCA perhaps, then they might be able to look at rescueing the cats and giving them a chance for rehabilitation. It's an awful situation to be in, if they do have diseases they can transfer them onto other cats.

Best of luck hun.