DR> Is being in heat really that traumatizing?
It's *natural* for the cat, but in an unrestricted
environment with toms around.  It's terrible for us
owners.
 DR> What on earth happens?
It's like an intense itch they can't get scratched and
it seems to grow to a fever pitch.  First they start
meowing at all hours and prowling the house.  They
assume the breeding position and eventually you can't
get them unhunkered-down...many people believe the
cat's back or back legs are injured/broken.  It's
frightening.  Then there's the plaintive yowling.  Some
females scent-mark (spray) the way males do.  It lasts
over a week (technically they will come into heat for
a long period, go out of heat, and come right back in
until they're fertilized).  Some females will present
themselves to their owners.  If you touch them, it
makes it worse.  Some rolling around on the floor might
occur if you do pet them.  I didn't mention the constant
and annoying chortling.  ack.
 Dr> When does it start?  What can I do about it?
It starts when they mature.  Cassie came into heat at
4.5 months...at least she was pregnant then.  Since
her brothers were in the house, we didn't even know she
was in heat.  All you can do is get her spayed before
it happens.  Failing that, as soon as she does display
any of the above signs.  :l
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