Using NeosporinⓇ on Cats and Advice on Other Ointments

Neosporin® is a go-to antibiotic ointment for many families. But is it safe for all of your family members? If your family includes a feline, you may have pondered this question: Can you put Neosporin on a cat? Let’s take a look at the safety of Neosporin on cats, as well as other common topical ointments.

What Is Neosporin?

Neosporin is a triple antibiotic ointment that combines three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin.¹ These work together to prevent open wounds, such as cuts and scrapes, from becoming infected. It’s only meant to be used externally, so don’t apply Neosporin to any interior mouth or nose wounds.¹

Is Neosporin Safe for Cats?

Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Neosporin, does not recommend using it on cats.¹ Although it contains useful antibiotics, Neosporin can give cats itchy skin or may trigger an allergic reaction.² Cats also tend to lick their wounds, which could cause them to ingest Neosporin and suffer additional side effects, including:²

• Anaphylactic shock
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

The Pet Poison Helpline lists additional symptoms to watch out for if you think your cat may have ingested Neosporin:³

• Drooling
• Low appetite
• Tooth discoloration
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Lesions on the skin
• Tremors

What Ointment Can I Put on a Cat Wound?

If Neosporin is out of the question, are there any other ointments that are safe to use on your cat? Let’s take a look at some of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Can I put Vaseline^Ⓡ on my cat?

Vaseline^Ⓡ is a name-brand version of petroleum jelly. It contains mineral oils and wax, and it’s intended to prevent dry skin by creating a barrier of moisture. It has no antibacterial properties, so it shouldn’t be used on open wounds. However, it can be useful if your kitty is suffering from dry and cracked paws.⁴ Vaseline is non-toxic, but you should still keep an eye out to make sure they don’t ingest the jelly by licking it off their paws.⁴

Can you put bacitracin on a cat?

Bacitracin is one of the active ingredients of Neosporin. Vets may prescribe it in combination with other antimicrobial ointments for cats who have an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis.⁵ You should only use ointments containing bacitracin when they’re prescribed by your vet.

Can you put hydrocortisone on a cat?

Hydrocortisone is a type of corticosteroid that’s commonly used as an ingredient for its ability to relieve inflammation and itching.⁶ You can find it in low concentrations in OTC sprays and ointments, but it should only be used as prescribed by your vet. Potential side effects include:⁶

• Skin redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Hives
• Peeling

Can you put Polysporin^Ⓡ on a cat?

Polysporin^Ⓡ is a name-brand topical ointment developed by Johnson & Johnson. It’s a double antibiotic — as opposed to triple antibiotics, like Neosporin — containing polymyxin and bacitracin.⁷ Although it’s sometimes used in limited quantities on dogs, Polysporin can actually be deadly for cats.⁸ Potentially lethal side effects in cats can include:⁸

• Anaphylactic shock
• Kidney failure
• Heart damage

Neosporin Alternative for Cats

It’s clear that Neosporin isn’t a safe ointment for cats. So what kind of options do cat owners have?

When it comes to OTC medication, not much. As explored above, many of the topical medications we might turn to can be dangerous, if not deadly, for cats. If your feline companion has an open wound, your best bet is to bring them to a trusted vet. They should be able to treat the wound in their clinic and prescribe cat-safe medications to prevent infection.⁹

Pet Insurance Can Help Protect Your Cat

Neosporin might be a no-go when it comes to your cat, but there are other ways to keep them safe. A cat insurance policy could help cover the cost of care your cat needs in the event of an accidental injury. That means less worrying about your wallet and more time focusing on getting your kitty back into purring condition!

Check out our guide, “How Pet Insurance Works,” to learn more about the benefits of a policy from MetLife Pet. Then, get a free custom quote to see how much you could save on vet bills.