It can be very upsetting to see a wound on your beloved pet. When we are injured, we quickly apply Neosporin to the affected area and stop worrying. However, humans and cats are different. Putting Neosporin on your cat’s wounds may be tempting, but it is not recommended. It is because Neosporin can cause particular skin irritation in cats. It may also cause allergic reactions, which will be painful for your cat.
Thus, it is essential not to use this. Instead, use any other ointment prescribed by the vet to treat your cat’s wounds. In this article, we will discuss Neosporin and how it causes allergic reactions in cats.
What Is Neosporin?
Neosporin is a triple antibiotic ointment brand created by Johnson & Johnson. It is essentially made up of neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B. Additionally, it also contains analgesic, which is used as a pain reliever.
Neosporin is used to heal minor wounds such as puncture wounds, cuts, and abrasions. Neosporin contains antibiotics that aid in bacterial infection prevention and may even help treat minor infections. These antibiotics have a shallow risk of adverse effects on people and are safe and tolerable while providing antibacterial advantages.
When Do People Use Neosporin For Cats?
Neosporin is not recommended for cats. However, you can apply it in cases of superficial wounds in a small amount. It helps to heal the wound faster and prevent infections from occurring. However, the primary reason it is not recommended is that cats usually try to lick themselves. They do this to clean their fur, which is shared among all cats. Ingesting Neosporin can cause severe allergic reactions, making them fall ill.
Another case where most cat parents try to apply Neosporin is when their cat has an eye infection. However, using Neosporin on your cat’s eyes could have dire consequences. Using Neosporin to treat eye infections can be toxic for them and lead to anaphylaxis and death. If your cat is showing signs of eye infection, you can call your vet and ask for the right set of treatments that will help prevent complications and protect your cat’s eyesight.
Effects Of Neosporin On Cats
The primary danger of Neosporin will be when the cat picks up and ingest that medication. It is because of the chemical known as polymyxin B, which causes a severe allergic reaction in cats. It is the most active ingredient in Neosporin, so the effects are severe. Moreover, polymyxin B has been linked to anaphylaxis and death in cats.
Though no OTC alternatives exist for Neosporin in cats, there are certain veterinary-prescribed ointments. One of the creams most vets prescribe is the Honey Collection Pet Skin Care Treatment. It is beneficial and safe and can quickly treat cat scratches and minor wounds.
Types Of Side Effects Caused By Neosporin In Cats
Neosporin use causes several reactions in cats. The following are some of the side effects of the usage of Neosporin. It is vital that whenever you see this reaction, you inform the vets right away.
Causes |
Side Effects On Cats |
Ingestion of Neosporin by cats in large amounts |
Vomiting, diarrhea, and anaphylactic shock |
Ingestion of Neosporin by cats in mild amounts |
Mild gastrointestinal upset and loose stools |
Excessive application of Neosporin in the wounded area of the cats |
Contact dermatitis makes the skin red and itchy |
Can You Use Home Remedy Alternatives For Neosporin?
After consulting the vet, you can perform specific home remedies if your cat has faced a slight injury at home. If there is active bleeding in the area, try to apply gentle pressure with the help of sterile gauze. Cats are skilled at hiding their pain.
So, check for other injuries once the bleeding stops from that wound. Now try gently cleaning the wound with an antiseptic solution with home-based iodine. If the cut is deep, clean the wound with saline and take the cat to your vet immediately. Your cat’s first aid kit will have the vet’s contact number.
Summing Up
Thus, this article showed that you should only use Neosporin for topical cases. It would help if you always used it in a minor amount. However, you must have alternatives to Neosporin to treat your cat’s wounds, thereby giving them the necessary treatment. If it is a minor wound, you can treat it at home. However, treat your cat with the vet if the damage is severe.
