Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment that you can use to treat abrasions, puncture wounds, and minor cuts. It has three active ingredients, namely, polymixin B, neomycin, and bacitracin. A fourth ingredient (Pramoxine Hydrogen Chloride) may also be present in this antibiotic. If this ingredient is present, it acts as a pain reliever. Neosporin is safe for human use hence a common product in many homes. Since humans use it, some people may also ask, can you use Neosporin on cats? The antibiotic has ingredients that may assist in treating mild infections and in preventing bacterial infections, even in cats. However, there are several reasons why it is not recommendable to use on cats. Read on to find out.
Reasons why you should not use Neosporin on cats
1. The chemicals present in it
The presence of polymixin B makes it risky to use Neosporin on cats. The chemical is known to cause anaphylactic shock among the cat’s family, especially in cases of adverse allergic response. It is also not recommended to use Neosporin, which contains Pramoxine Hydrogen Chloride, the pain relief formula, because it can cause allergic reactions. According to Emergency Vet 247, the chemical can also be life-threatening to your cat hence not recommended for use. The Animal Poison Control Center has also classified Neosporin as a toxic medication for pets.
2. The tendency of cats to groom themselves
Cats are known for their extensive grooming habits as they keep on leaking their fur. It is this habit that makes it risky to use Neosporin as they can ingest it accidentally. Note that ingesting even a small quantity of this chemical can lead to lethal effects. Therefore unlike humans who can tolerate certain levels of these toxins, the use of Neosporin on your cat may not be applicable. In some cases, the use of Neosporin, according to Green Boro, has been associated with anaphylaxis and even deaths. Therefore it is always good to look for alternatives, especially if your cat has small wounds or scrapes.
3. Allergic reactions
The use of Neosporin on cats may also lead to allergic reactions. The problem with an allergic reaction is that it leads to the said area becoming very itchy. This, in turn, makes the cat more aggressive in either licking or scratching the affected area, which can lead to further complications or infections. It is not possible to tell if your can will have negative reactions to Neosporin. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using it altogether. If you didn’t know about allergic reactions and have already used the antibiotic on your cat, you can make the situation better by washing the ointment using pet shampoo. According to All About Cats, this should resolve the issue. However, it is advisable to monitor your cat closely for extensive effects that may require your veterinarian’s attention.
Things to note when using Neosporin on your cat
If you still choose to use Neosporin on your cat, you should only do so under strict adherence to the direction of your vet. Additionally, you should completely avoid using it if your cat has infections. You should never treat a condition such as feline acne or abscess with Neosporin since the antibiotic is primarily meant to prevent infection, leading to a faster healing process. The use of Neosporin on infected areas of your cat is ineffective and may also worsen the situation because it will interfere with the healing process. It is advisable to explore alternatives or consult your veterinarian rather than risking the life of your cat.
The use of Neosporin has detrimental effects if ingested. They include vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat. It is advisable to contact your veterinarian if you notice severe signs like shortness of breath, weakness, or lethargy. Consequently, if you must use it, it is recommended to take precautions. One of these precautions is using a cone, also known as Elizabeth collar, which you can put on your cat’s neck. The collar will prevent your kitty from licking or chewing around or on the wound, which can lead to ingestion of the antibiotic. The licking may also lead to more harm on the wound than good. Using a collar will give you peace of mind and ensure the treatment is effective, as the ointment will remain on the wound as intended. However, you should note that this will only apply to body areas of your cat that the cone obscures. For instance, if the wound is around the nose and eyes, the cat may still lick it.
The area you want to treat determines the kind of Neosporin to use on your cat. It is advisable to use triple antibiotic ointment or cream on the general body areas but only ophthalmic ointment on the eyes. The use of cream on the eyes will end up causing an infection. It is important to remember that Neosporin is not meant to cure deeper cuts, rashes, or scratches. This is why even with strict adherence to instructions, it is still not recommended to use it on your cat. It would be easy to apply the wrong antibiotic, especially if you are in a panic. It is also possible to misdiagnose your cat’s eye infection and assume it is just an infection even in cases of an underlying problem. Neosporin will only handle the symptoms, and the major issue will be left unattended, leading to serious problems.
What should I use as an alternative to Neosporin on cats?
According to Catalogical, there is nothing you can use in place of Neosporin. Any topical antibiotic may not be effective on your cat because cats are fond of grooming themselves and chances are that the cat will lick off the ointment before it even works. If your cat has a skin wound, the best thing to do is to clean it thoroughly using water and mild soap. If the wounds become infected even after the cleaning, you should see a veterinary. Although humans can use Neosporin safely, it can lead to huge health risks on cats. Although some people may talk of having used the ointment without experiencing any life-threatening risk, you should avoid using it since the risks of using it outweighs the benefits.