Feeding eggnog to a kitten

Question
Can I feed eggnog to a kitten who is underweight?  A friend had a premature baby that she gave eggnog to help him gain weight.  I have found a lactose free version of eggnog but I don't want to hurt the kitten.  I don't see anything in the ingredients that should hurt her but I would like your thoughts.  She is the runt of the litter and battling upper respiratory infection.

Answer
Pati, I personally wouldn't give eggnog to an underweight kitten. I think that in all probability seeing a vet for recommendations would not be a bad idea. What I suggest in your situation is pureed chicken, beef or lamb (you can use commercially prepared baby food, but I prefer to use my own meat and puree it, this is much more cost effective and better for your kitten, no salt, sugar, etc). There are 2 choices for the next part of my suggestion, depending on how underweight your baby is for her age. If your kitten is severely malnourished KMR or equivalent kitten formula for feeding orphaned kittens is good. If need be you can weigh her and feed slightly less than package directions - remember she is getting pureed meat as well. If your kitten is just a little underweight a kitten weaning formula may be all that is required. You will need a kitchen scale measuring in grams and pounds, up to 2 pounds or so. Your vet will be able to tell you exactly how underweight your baby is as you have not mentioned your kitten's age or weight here. If your kitten refuses the meat puree and/or the kitten formula you can use the kitten formula to thin down puree to the consistancy of a thin milkshake, and syringe feed if necessary. DO NOT put your kitten on her back to feed her, she can choke to death that way. Keep her upright, on her four paws or hold her belly to belly with you to feed her. She will need to be fed every 4 hours or so if she is 6 weeks-8 weeks old (contact me for directions if she is older than that), do not try to force more than she is ready to take, most cats do not like being force fed but they are adament when they are done. Syringe feeding is messy!!!You will need a damp face cloth for kitty and her fur, damp and dry paper towel to help pick up the gruel I have told you how to make. A towel tucked into your lap and over your tummy is a good idea to help prevent stains and mess on your clothing. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you wouldn't mind, give me a progress report at some point when your baby is feeling a little better, I like hearing about kittens that were sick and weak who feel better and pretend that they own the house :)