Giving liquid medicine

Age 41, Germany, Vet available and affordable.

Tldr: Cats hate liquid medicine and are vary of us after giving it to them.

Cats are 1 year old males

We recently adopted two shelter cats and they have been super sweet and cuddly. Unfortunately one of them tested positive for giardia, so we got some medicine from the vet and started a cleaning routine.

They eat the pills with a snack no problem, but they absolutely hate the liquid stuff. We had to use a syringe and it felt absolutely terrible having to restrain them in a towel wrap while they were screaming in panic. Now a day after, they are still vary of me. Especially the smaller one.

He has stopped hiding and will meow for food, but no more jumping up for cuddles. Most of the time he keeps a little distance.

We have to do this for another 9 days and I am afraid they will hate me after it. I also have to be away for work the last 3 days, and I can’t imagine my girlfriend having to both restrain and give the medicine alone.

So I guess I’m hoping for some reassurance that they will forgive us over time and we will have our two happy cuddle boys back. And some advice on giving them the medicine.

The vet said it was ok to give it to them in wet food, but better with the syringe. Since they might not eat the food because of the taste, and then the dose is wasted. We were thinking of trying to split up the dose over several meals, so the taste is not as impactful and they hopefully eat it.