I think it depends on the cat and which is the lesser of 2 evils, Dawn. I recall last year trying desparately to rehabilitate a tortie female about 5 months old, and as she was so quiet initially I thought I might be in with a chance. She was so beautiful and we could have rehomed her 3 times over!
But she just cowered at the back of the pen day after day and looked so, so depressed. I couldn't get anywhere near her.
After a week I realised I wasn't doing her any favours and because she came from a safe area with a very dedicated feeder, she would be better off going back. So I had her spayed and a couple of days later, took her back and released her. I swear I could see her break into a smile when she saw she was home and free, and her little tail lifted and she pranced off into the woods like a princess and never looked back at me.
Sometimes I still think about the week of fear and uncertainty I inflicted on her which she needn't of had.
Some you just cannot win and feral mums and kittens are always a tradegy and Teresa knows the area and can spot one that's best off in the wild. Well, just my thoughts...