It may be tempting to slather Neosporin on your cat when you see it has a wound. But this first-aid kit staple, otherwise called triple antibiotic ointment, isn’t recommended for use on cats. Neosporin can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in cats.
The Short Answer is Yes, Neosporin is Safe for Pets
The short answer is that pets with small cuts, scrapes, or abrasions can safely use the regular strength first aid ointment. It is only meant to be applied externally; never put it in your eyes, ears, or on really deep cuts. The term “triple antibiotic” describes the three antibiotics—Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B—that are present in any brand of first aid ointment. When Neosporin first appeared on store shelves in the 1950s, it quickly became a proprietary brand name for first aid cream.
The tube’s general usage instructions are located there. It should not be used for more than a few days, particularly if the problem doesn’t get better or gets worse. Applying first aid ointment after cleaning with a sterile solution, like saline, maximizes its effectiveness. The small amount that would be applied to the affected area is safe for your dog and cat to consume. If they swallow the tube, you will have gastrointestinal issues, but more importantly, you would need to make sure that neither Sparky nor Fluffy swallowed the tube—that would be more worrying than the contents of the tube.
Is Neosporin Safe for Cats?
Neosporin is not tolerated by cats as well as it is by their human owners. While there are undoubtedly cases where cats receive Neosporin without experiencing any negative side effects, some cats who receive Neosporin treatment may experience serious side effects.
Neosporin is reasonably safe as long as it stays on your cat’s skin. Although mild allergic reactions to the ingredients are possible in some cats, topical application of these reactions is relatively uncommon. Compared to bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B are more commonly linked to allergies.
Unfortunately, Neosporin rarely stays on the skin in cats.
Cats enjoy grooming themselves, particularly when they discover an adhesive substance in their fur and on their skin. When ingested, the same antibiotics (neomycin and polymyxin B) that can cause a mild allergic skin reaction can also cause a much more severe allergic reaction.
A tiny proportion of cats who take Neosporin may have a serious allergic reaction, even though the majority only have mild gastrointestinal distress. This reaction can result in anaphylactic shock and even death in certain cats.
The majority of veterinarians advise against giving Neosporin to cats due to the possibility of life-threatening reactions.
What antibiotic ointment is safe for cats?
Cats, as opposed to dogs, are susceptible to potentially fatal allergic reactions to antibiotics found in topical antibiotic ointments. Because of this, it’s advisable to keep cats away from antibiotic ointments and to seek veterinary attention for any infected wounds.
FAQ
What can I put on my cat’s wound?
What antibiotic ointment is safe for cats?
Is Neosporin safe for cats wounds?
What antibiotic is good for cat wounds?