My cat is limping — are its paws injured?
'Zoppica' = TSOP-pee-ka. Third person singular of 'zoppicare' (to limp). 'Zampe' = TSAM-peh (paws/legs).
Describing limping to the vet when unsure of the cause.
'Zoppicare' (to limp) is a specific verb for this gait problem. 'Zampe' refers to animal legs/paws — distinct from 'gambe' (human legs). 'Ferite' (injured) is an adjective from 'ferire'. Cats may limp due to sprains, cat fight wounds, foreign bodies (grass awns — 'spighe di graminacee' in Italian) in paws, or fractures. Outdoor Italian cats frequently sustain injuries from climbing and fighting.
Ha una spina nel cuscinetto — non riesco a toglierla.
It has a thorn in its pad — I can't remove it.
'Cuscinetto' = paw pad. Foreign bodies in pads are common.
Il gatto è caduto dal balcone — non so se si è fatto male.
The cat fell from the balcony — I don't know if it's hurt.
'High-rise syndrome' in cats is common in Italian apartments — internal injuries can be hidden.
Ha la zampa gonfia e non appoggia il piede.
Its leg is swollen and it's not putting its foot down.
Non-weight-bearing plus swelling suggests fracture or serious injury.
Cat abscesses from bite wounds are extremely common in unneutered male cats that roam outdoors. Italian vets strongly recommend sterilisation (sterilizzazione) for outdoor cats — it reduces roaming, fighting, and spread of FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, the feline equivalent of HIV), which is prevalent in Italy's stray cat population.