Cats released after being spayed or neutered will live normal lives, except they will no longer mate and reproduce. However, this is contingent on properly treating the stray cat's wound. If the wound is not treated properly or has not healed before being released into the wild, the cat's wound is likely to become infected and necrotic in the dirty environment outside, eventually leading to death.
Kittens typically experience their first heat cycle between 6 and 8 days after birth, and this period is the best time for spaying/neutering. For mother cats, it's generally best to wait about two months after giving birth until they have fully recovered before spaying/neutering.
