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.
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 cats wound?
Can I use Neosporin on cat wound?
What is a safe antiseptic for cats?