How should I administer the medication to the cat?
'Somministrare' = som-mee-nee-STRA-reh. Formal verb for 'to administer'. 'Medicine' = meh-dee-CHEE-neh (medications, plural).
Asking the vet for instructions on giving a cat its medication at home.
'Somministrare' (to administer medication) is the formal medical term — 'dare' (to give) is acceptable in everyday speech. 'Al gatto' (to the cat). Instructions in Italy are often given verbally and on the medicine packaging — always ask for written instructions too. Many cats resist tablets — ask about alternative forms (liquids, transdermal gels, treats).
Posso nascondere la compressa nel cibo?
Can I hide the tablet in food?
Works for many cats — use a small amount of strong-smelling food like tuna.
Esistono medicinali in forma liquida per i gatti?
Are there liquid medications for cats?
Many veterinary drugs are available as compounded liquids in Italy.
Quante volte al giorno devo dargli l'antibiotico?
How many times a day should I give it the antibiotic?
Compliance is crucial — missing doses reduces treatment effectiveness.
Italian pet pharmacies (farmacie veterinarie) and vet clinics stock a wide range of compounded medications (preparazioni galeniche veterinarie) — customised formulations made by licensed pharmacists. This is particularly useful for cats, which resist standard tablet forms. Transdermal ear gels (applicati sul padiglione auricolare) are popular alternatives for feline medication administration in Italy.