• Lactation puts added stresses on the mother cat's body.cat breastfeeding kittens image by Ashley Djuricin from Fotolia.com
  
  A lactating cat requires more calories and energy than a non-lactating cat. The cat's body chemistry has changed due to pregnancy, and there is an increased burden placed on her body. Because of all these changes and stresses, there are a number of chances for things to go wrong. Pet owners and breeders should be prepared for emergencies by putting together first aid kits for their lactating cats.
  
  

Basic Kit

• A basic first aid kit is a necessity when caring for a lactating cat. A basic cat first aid kit should include tweezers for the removal of debris or insects, a rectal thermometer for taking the cat's temperature and blunt-ended scissors to remove matted fur or bandages. Include sterile gauze pads, rolled gauze and surgical tape or self-adhesive veterinary wrap for the bandaging of wounds and abrasions. Rolled gauze can also be used to create a muzzle in the event of aggressive behavior. Cotton balls and cotton combine padding help create splints and bandages, while hydrogen peroxide is useful in the debridement of wounds. Sterile saline solution, available as an eye wash for humans, cleans wounds and eyes equally, as well. Include an antiseptic cleanser for cleaning injuries and insect bites and hydro-cortisone spray for dealing with insect bites. Laxatives and activated charcoal are both necessary when dealing with stomach problems. Eye droppers are useful for administering food, liquids and medications by hand. Eye droppers also help when attempting to flush a wound. Tongue depressors are also good to include to immobilize limbs, while a towel can be added to the kit as a means of restraining or handling a fractious cat.
  
  

Specialized Kit

• When creating a first aid kit for a lactating cat, it is necessary to have supplies to feed the kittens in the event that the mother must seek medical treatment or be away from her kittens for an extended period of time. Keep a bottle of kitten milk replacer and a bottle or dropper on hand. Kitten milk replacer is available in powder and liquid forms. The liquid form must be refrigerated after opening and will keep for about three days. Stock washcloths and towels to swaddle the mother or kittens in the event of trauma. A warm, wet washcloth also is useful for stimulating the kittens' bowel movements if the mother is absent. Supply a rehydrating solution designed to balance electrolytes. A nutritional supplement can be useful, as can a source of sugar. Keep a heating pad in with your first aid kit to ensure the proper temperature is maintained for both the lactating queen and her kittens. Lactation takes a great amount of energy, which can lower the body's temperature, especially if an underlying health problem is present.
  
  

Other Considerations

• When putting together first aid kits for lactating cats, include the number for your veterinarian and directions to their clinic in a safe, easily accessible spot. Keep a copy of your cat's health records within easy reach in the event that you need to seek emergency care. Keep the contact information and directions to the nearest emergency clinic and numbers for poison control center hotlines in the same place.