Many a pet owner has wondered, “Can Neosporin be used on cats?”. Like many human medications, this topical antibiotic ointment works very well on humans for skin abrasions including burns, cuts and scrapes, but is not recommended for cats. Several human medications are toxic or otherwise dangerous for pets.
What can I put on my cat’s wound?
If your cat gets a fresh cut on its skin, make sure it’s completely cleaned with water and a mild soap. Topical ointments should not be applied to wounds as they frequently encourage cats to lick at wounds, which impedes healing. Instead, keep an eye on the wound and clean it. If you see any signs of infection, get veterinary attention.
Are There Alternatives to Neosporin?
Unfortunately, there is no over-the-counter alternative to Neosporin in cats. Neosporin, however, can be substituted with ointments made specifically for veterinarians. Make an appointment for your cat to see your veterinarian if it has a small cut. They can prescribe the right treatment for your cats wound. You’re in the right place to get your cat’s minor wound treated if your veterinarian finds that it’s not as minor as you thought.
Alternatives to Neosporin for Cats
Due to their meticulous grooming habits, cats can be difficult to treat with topical antibiotics. Any topical ointment you use is probably going to be licked off before it has a chance to do much good.
Furthermore, the underlying wound may sustain more damage from a cat licking Neosporin or another ointment off of his skin or coat than if the wound had been left untreated.
The best course of action is to thoroughly clean the wound with mild soap and water if you are concerned that your cat’s skin wound will become infected.
If, in spite of this basic first aid, the wound becomes infected, do not use Neosporin and make an appointment with your veterinarian. When treating a wound infection, oral antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian will be far more effective than topical ointment.
While neosporin poses little risk to human health, using it on cats can have serious health consequences. Although there may be accounts of cat owners using this medication without any problems, there is a chance that life-threatening issues could arise. Considering that cats often lick off medication shortly after application, Neosporin’s advantages are not greater than its drawbacks.
FAQ
What antibiotic ointment is safe for cats?
What can I put on my cat’s wound?
Can I use Neosporin on my cat?
What happens if cat licks antibiotic ointment?