Neosporin is a very common topical antibiotic in the form of an ointment. You can use it largely for the treatment of superficial wounds in human beings. It is natural for pet owners to assume that this product can be used to treat their cats. Undertaking this kind of Neosporin for cats, though it is good in theory for treating superficial wounds, also has drawbacks that have to be acknowledged. This article contains everything you need to know about using Neosporin on cats: the risks, the safety, the alternatives, and other methods of wound management.
What is Neosporin
Neosporin, informally nicknamed “triple antibiotic ointment2. It is frequently employed to avert infection in minor cuts. It has the following three active principles inside:
Bacitracin:
This is an antibiotic designed for the treatment of gram-positive bacterial infections.
Neomycin:
Also, an antibiotic that is used in the treatment of several bacterial skin diseases.
Neosporin for Cats and Polymyxin B:
One more antibiotic supplement that is effective mainly against Gram-negative bacteria.
Treating minor wounds in humans is so easy with the use of Neosporin, the same cannot be said when it comes to cats. It is to be appreciated that cats have different physiological characteristics from other animals, and hence several combinations may be harmless to human beings but toxic to them. For instance, Polymyxin B, one of the main ingredients in Neosporin, has been shown to create anaphylactic reactions in cats which makes it unsafe for use when misused.
Can You Use Neosporin for Cats?
The short answer is: it’s difficult. One, Neosporin is not veterinary medicine so its safety for cats has not been studied. There may be suggestions from some pet owners and veterinarians that it can be used carefully on small clean wounds. However, because of hazards, its use should be very much limited and regulated.
Risks of Using Neosporin Cream on Cats
The greatest risk of Neosporin on pretty much any sensitive area of a cat is that the cat is very likely to lick the area. Cats are notorious for licking certain wounds, and they apply the ointment in their mouths, where the ointment can become toxic. Polymyxin B is one of those notable, and even proven to cause very severe friendly allergies, such as anaphylaxis, in cats.
Moreover, Neosporin products can also be sold with ingredients added such as pramoxine to prevent pain which can be dangerous for cats. Such joint pain separation additives are prohibited for cats.
In cats, allergic reactions can present as
- Redness or swelling of the area treated
- Continuous scratching/ biting of the skin
- Throwing up
- Loose stools
- Sleepiness or knocking out
- Gasping for air, etc.
If any of the abovementioned side effects appear after using Neosporin, please wash the treatment and take the pet to a specialist without delay.
When Is Neosporin Used?
There are some instances when some vets may ask owners to apply a small smear of Neosporin for their cat’s wound but only in areas that the cat cannot reach. Such places will include the upper back, where most cats would find it difficult to lick the area. However, this might only be applicable upon strict directives by the veterinary doctor.
It is also worthwhile noting that when it comes to animal injuries, there is no reason to apply ointments such as Neosporin to deeper cuts, bites, and punctures. These injuries are likely to get infected and need the attention of a Veterinarian.
How to Treat Cat’s Minor Wounds?
Cats are notorious for injuring themselves. They scratch, play, or get into a tussle with another animal and come out with scratches or bruises. Learning how to treat minor wounds safely is important. Here’s a step-by-step procedure on how to deal with minor injuries in your pet cat:
Assess the Injury:
Determine how severe the wound is. If the wound is deep, there is a lot of blood or it is a bite wound then it would be prudent to go to the veterinarian immediately. If these are only minor cuts or scratches you may safely try to manage them at home.
Clean the Wound:
Gently wash the affected skin area with warm water or use a weak antiseptic solution such as diluted povidone-iodine solution or chlorhexidine. Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol should not be used as they will irritate any tissues and cause more harm than good in the long run.
Use Safe Ointment:
Once you have washed the area, you may apply some ointment that may have been prescribed. Many of these antibiotic ointments for cats would be much safer than Neosporin. You do not need to put any ointments on until you can see a vet if you have no option of seeing a veterinarian.
Prevent Licking:
It is very pertinent to ensure that this is done because cats can lick their wounds and ingest any ointments that have been applied to their skin. An Elizabethan collar (also known as a ‘cone’) can be placed on pets to prevent their licking of the injury site.
Monitor for Signs of Infection:
There can be some swelling of the surrounding tissue, pain, drainage from the cut, increased warmth of the area, or bad smell from the cut. It is time to go to the veterinary clinic if the situation appears to be getting worse.
Alternatives to Neosporin for Cats
Considering the worst-case scenario of using Neosporin on your feline family member, there are several other options for treating clean and small wounds that do not involve the use of the treatment advocate:
Veterinary-Approved Antibiotic Ointments:
There are many prescription topical ointments that veterinarians often recommend for cats. Such products qualify as better about safety than over-the-counter products designed for human use since they are approved for use with animals.
Povidone-Iodine:
Such antiseptic enzymes can be used on cats in the form of diluents in order to prevent poisoning while honoring their use in cleaning wounds.
Chlorhexidine:
Safe due to minimal side effects in cats. This antiseptic is used in a low concentration to rinse out the wounds and avoid infection.
Manuka Honey:
Used for minor to moderate types of wounds, Manuka honey is well known to help in the recovery of pet cats because of its antibacterial properties. With the help of veterinary supervision, the application of the substance is totally risk-free.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency?
In case your cat ingested Neosporin, or is developing any signs of allergy, you need to act quickly:
Heed into a Clean-Up:
First, wipe any area bearing Neosporin to relieve the area of excess product.
Speak With Your Veterinarian:
Contact your vet since your cat may be displaying signs such as vomiting, lack of energy, or difficulty in breathing.
Seek Help at a Veterinary Emergency Clinic:
If any of these signs are very critical e.g. choking, rush to an emergency vet clinic without delay.
Veterinary Advice is Key
Even though Neosporin appears to be a perfect remedy in the cases of minor injuries within a cat household. It should be noted that such a product is not meant to be used on animals. Applying it without permission from the vet could put your cat’s health in jeopardy. Most normally, you are better off asking for your vet’s approval before applying any topical agents to your kitty especially when other cheaper, quicker, and better treatments are present.
Conclusion
Although Neosporin is beneficial for use on humans, Neosporin for cats has negative properties. The composition contains active components which arouse and cause severe allergic reactions such as polymyxin B, and the use of the ointment poses a risk as the cat may ingest it. In cases where your cat has minor cuts, it is better to see a veterinarian who can then apply a better and safer formulation on your cat’s wound. For any concerns regarding your furry companions, especially their medical issues, it is best to leave it up to veterinarians as they will provide the best and appropriate treatment.
