#1: Cats can go into heat as young as 7 months old, but I have been told it is possible as young as 5 months old. They don't normaly produce healthy young unless they are 7+ months.

#2: A site I just read says a cat can remain in heat anywhere between 3-20 days but lasts, on average, 5-8 days. My fiance's cat was in heat for several days, got outside and got pregnant, so we don't know from personal experience since she mated within the heat's duration.

#3: I'm pretty sure they do not bleed like dogs. If they do, it is very little. My fiance's cat did not as far as I am aware. Symptoms of a cat in heat is rubbing on furniture and people, constant meowing at doors, windows, and at people, constant activity, trying to find a way out of the room they are being confined it, or trying to find a way out of the house. Even the shyest of cats will try and get out in order to mate. The constant meowing is probably the worst. They will meow until pigs fly while in heat.

#4 There is no way to make a cat go through a heat faster. Its going to happen at its own pace. The best thing to do is to confine the cat to a room away from all outside exits. Tightly lock and secure all windows and possible exits to the outside. She will complain but it really is for her own good. You will just have to wait it out.

#5 The site I was reading says it can be as soon as 3-14 days after the end of her heat cycle to start the next. My fiance got Kalie fixed as soon as the kittens were weaned.

I know a lot of people are telling you to get her fixed and the truth of it is, getting her fixed is probably the most important thing you need to do for her. Not only is being intact not good for her health (cancer, reproductive problems, ect), the risk of pregnancy is very high. I hear owners all the time say, "I won't let her get outside." Well I'm here to tell you that eventually, the cat will get out. Ours did and she was pregnant within 24 hours of getting out. Little more than 2 months later, she gave birth to 4 beautiful boys. But, pregnancy and birth can be a risk to the mother. They can die during the birth, develope complications and you could lose the kittens as well. IMO, spend the money, get her fixed. The local SPCA here does spays for around $40. Contact your local SPCA or other shelter and try and find a place that does low cost spays.

Good luck with her and invest in some ear plugs.