(1) Old English phoulcat (foul cat). Originally a reference to the fitch, the wild ancestor of the domesticated ferret, because of their ability to emit a foul smelling spray when frightened. (2) Later, used in North America as a reference to the skunk. Both are actually not cats, but members of the weasel family, Mustelidae.
The symptoms of withdrawal can last for a few days up to a few weeks. It really is dependent on each person and their personal addiction. The most common withdrawal times usually last somewhere between a week and 14 days.
Opiate withdrawals are becoming common these days. How long the withdrawals last depends on a number of factors, including which type of opiate is being used and the length of time that it has been used. No matter the duration of the addiction, opiate withdrawal is always intense and often requires the help of a medical professional.