Was checking into a friend's blog and had to comment on something - I realized that this comment kind of grew into a huge - well, post, so thought it was worthwhile to post here in case anyone would need the info.

If you have kittens/cats, this is for you, especially if you are a foster for them - works for pups too btw!

I've had very good luck with feeding kittens with what is commonly known as kitty glop. I add vitamins and L-Lysine crushed and mixed into it and rarely have an upper respiratory or bad eye problem when the kittens are fed this. Even if they have it,the L-lysine will usually clear it up within 3-5 days. Altho a lot of the recipes on line say to use canned in it, I use the canned goats milk or fresh if I can find it. The goat milk is easier on tiny tummies and easier to digest. and don't forget to use pedialyte (plain variety) for a little added oomph either dribbled down throats or in the kitty glop! Here's my recipe for the kitty glop:

Kitty Glop

1 env. plain knox gelatin
1 c. water
bring to boil, add gelatin, mix and cool

meanwhile mix up the following:
2 egg yolks
2 T. plain yogurt (make sure it is live culture)
1 T mayonnaise
1 t. karo syrup.
Whip that up til smooth. My own opinion is that a blender makes it too frothy but whatever works for you is fine.

Now here is where I add vitamins and the L-Lysine to the egg yolk mixture. I grind the L-Lysine tablets up with my mortar/pestle until really smooth and fine, then add to the mixture. Then I add in the can of goat milk (or 2 c. of fresh goat milk) and the water/gelatin mixture. Stir well. Cover and set in fridge - it will jell up. To feed, heat up the amount needed to feed the kitty (or kitties) and feed either with eye dropper or bottle. Be sure and keep refrigerated. You can even freeze it in an ice cube tray if you need to keep it longer than 5-7 days that it will normally stay fresh. Just take out the amount of ice cubes needed and warm and serve.

I've never had a kitten refuse this. The yogurt helps keep the proper level of bacteria in gut,similar to probiotics and the glop provides full nutritional 'value' for kittens. Used this for 1 week old kittens on up to geriatric cats who need a boost because of their age. Excellent for nursing mothers or cats who are ill too.

Not only is this better than any but the most expensive kitten replacement milk but it is cheaper too.