Can You Use Neosporin on Cats? Here’s Why Not

Neosporin is a mainstay in many bathroom cabinets and first aid kits. It’s safe and helpful for minor wounds your family members may accidentally get. That may make you wonder if you can put it on your kitty’s wound, too, if they get injured. 

The answer is a solid, “No.” Neosporin should not be used on cats. Below, a look at why Neosporin can harm your cat, what you can use instead, and how to correctly care for your cat’s wound. 

Navigating life
with a new pet? Head to littleKin!

littleKin™ is Kinship’s home just for puppy and kitten parents. Bop over to check out expert advice, new pet tools, and special deals—all curated for your newest family member.

Get Free Advice

Is Neosporin safe for cats?

What is Neosporin, anyway? It is a combination of three antibiotics: neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin. While these ingredients are generally safe for humans, they can cause serious health issues in felines. 

Cats, in general, are extremely sensitive to medications. This means they can react adversely to many medications that people and dogs can take. Even small amounts of Neosporin can create negative reactions — and the risk is even greater if your cat ingests the ointment while grooming themselves.

Related article

Cat First Aid 101

From performing CPR to preventing shock, three vets break down everything you need to know to help your cat in an emergency.

Why you shouldn’t use Neosporin on your cat’s wound

Although Neosporin is effective for people, there are risks associated with using it on your cat. Below are some key reasons why Neosporin should never be applied to a cat’s wound.

Allergic reactions

It is not uncommon for a cat to have an allergic reaction to Neosporin, especially to the neomycin component. The reactions can include itching, hives, or even trouble breathing. Severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Toxicity

Polymyxin B, one of the ingredients in Neosporin, is known to be toxic to cats when ingested. Cats spend a lot of time grooming, so it’s easy to see how a cat could ingest Neosporin. If a cat licks even a small amount, this can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, neurological issues like tremors or seizures. This is all due to the polymyxin in Neosporin and can even be fatal. 

Swelling and redness

Instead of helping your cat’s wound heal, Neosporin can actually make it worse. It can cause swelling, redness, and irritation. A cat’s skin is very sensitive, more so than human skin. 

Related article

6 Ways Your Cat Could Tell You They Are in Pain

Here are all the way your kitty is trying to tell you they’re hurting.

Alternatives to Neosporin for cats

Other alternatives exist if your cat has a minor wound, and you want to help prevent infection.

Prescription alternatives

Antibiotic ointments or gels have been formulated especially for cats, and your vet has to prescribe them. Some commonly prescribed options include the following.

• Mupirocin (bactroban): A veterinary-approved antibiotic used to treat cat bacterial infections.

• Silver sulfadiazine: Although it’s most often used for burns, it has antibacterial properties and is safe for cats under veterinary supervision.

• Animax (nystatin/neomycin/thiostrepton/triamcinolone): This is a cream dispensed by your vet that treats bacterial and fungal infections. However, the Neomycin component can cause allergic reactions in some cats. 

Over-the-counter alternatives

There are also treatments for cat wounds that can be purchased over-the-counter and don’t require your vet’s prescription. 

• Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hydrogel: This wound treatment is not an antibiotic, but promotes healing and prevents infections. It is non-toxic and safe for cats. 

• Betadine (diluted iodine solution): A mild antiseptic, it can be used to clean wounds. The solution must be diluted properly (about a 1:10 ratio with water) before you apply it to a cat’s skin.

• Chlorhexidine solution: This is a very common, safe wound treatment. It’s a gentle antiseptic that must be used in the appropriate concentration (0.05 percent) to prevent infections. 

Natural remedies

Some natural solutions can help heal cat wounds. 

• Aloe vera gel (pet-safe formula): helps soothe irritated skin and promote healing

• Manuka honey: has natural antibacterial properties and can help wounds heal faster

• Coconut Oil: acts as a natural antimicrobial agent and helps keep the skin hydrated, but should be used sparingly to prevent excessive grooming and ingestion

What to put in your first-aid box for cats

Every pet family needs a well-stocked first-aid kit for their pets. Below is a list of essentials that can help you safely and effectively treat minor injuries to your cat.  

• Sterile saline solution (for cleaning wounds)

• Gauze pads and bandages

• Pet-safe antiseptics (such as diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine)

• Antimicrobial wound gel (such as Vetericyn)

• Hydrocortisone cream (pet-specific, for mild skin irritations)

• Tweezers (for removing debris)

• Digital thermometer

Even with a well-stocked first-aid kit, you should always keep emergency contact information for your veterinarian handy. 

Bottom line

• Even though Neosporin is used commonly on human wounds, do not use it on your cat. 

• It can lead to allergic reactions, toxicity, and irritation of the skin. 

• There are safer medications for cat wounds. Some need to be prescribed by your vet. Others are obtained over the counter. 

• There are also holistic alternatives that can be useful. 

• If you don’t know if your cat’s wound is serious, consult your veterinarian. 

FAQs

Can I use Neosporin in my cat’s eye infection?

Absolutely not — this can cause severe irritation, swelling, and discomfort. Always consult your vet if your cat has an eye problem. There are very specific ophthalmic medications for eye problems. 

What antibiotic ointment is safe for cats?

Veterinarian-prescribed antibiotics like mupirocin, silver sulfadiazine, or Animax are safe for cats when used as directed. Over-the-counter options like Vetericyn antimicrobial gel are also safe alternatives.

Can I use Neosporin on a cat wound?

Neosporin is not recommended for cats due to toxicity, allergic reactions, and irritation risks. Instead, use pet-safe wound care solutions such as diluted Betadine or Vetericyn, or consult your vet. For minor wounds, pet-safe options include: Vetericyn antimicrobial gel, silver sulfadiazine (with veterinary guidance), diluted Betadine solution, aloe vera gel (pet-safe formula), manuka honey (for antibacterial properties).

Always consult your veterinarian before applying any medication or ointment to your cat’s wounds to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their condition.

References

• Gould, Alexandra. “Topical Therapies in Veterinary Dermatology.” www.dvm360.com, vol. 53, 9 Nov. 2022, pp. 20–20, www.dvm360.com/view/topical-therapies-in-veterinary-dermatology.

• ‌Kyriakos Chatzimisios, et al. “Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Medical-Grade Honey and Hypericum Perforatum Ointment on Second-Intention Healing of Full-Thickness Skin Wounds in Cats.” Animals, vol. 14, no. 1, 21 Dec. 2023, pp. 36–36, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010036.

• ‌“Triple Antibiotic on Cats.” Jpabs.org, 2016, jpabs.org/misc/triple-antibiotic-on-cats.html.