Neosporin for Cats: It’s Not the Safest Option for Feline Wounds

If you’re like most people, there’s a good chance your medicine cabinet contains a tube of Neosporin (bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin B). Neosporin is often used to treat scrapes and skin wounds in people, due to its ability to prevent and treat mild bacterial infections. 

While it may be tempting to reach for Neosporin when your cat has a wound, use caution. There are many reports of cats being allergic to Neosporin, and these allergic reactions can be severe. 

Read on to learn more about the risk associated with Neosporin for cats. 

What is Neosporin for cats, and how does it work?

Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment. It is an over-the-counter medication for humans that is readily available in most pharmacies and grocery stores. 

Neosporin contains three separate antibiotics: 

• Bacitracin

• Neomycin

• Polymyxin B

Some formulations of Neosporin contain additional ingredients for pain relief. 

Can you use Neosporin on cats?

Neosporin is rarely used on cats because it can cause serious allergic reactions. Severe reactions are most common when these antibiotics are applied to the eyes. But cats have also had allergic reactions when Neosporin was applied to their skin. 

There is no way to be sure which cats will react and which cats can tolerate Neosporin safely. So many veterinarians prefer to use other medications for skin wounds in cats. 

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In some cases, however, your veterinarian may recommend Neosporin for a surface wound or abrasion. Your veterinarian may also recommend Neosporin for a minor injury, such as a torn toenail, in an area that will be covered by a bandage.

What is the dosage of Neosporin for cats, and how is it given?

Use Neosporin only under the direction of a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine whether the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of an allergic reaction. Your veterinarian can also determine whether another option may be better for your cat. 

If your veterinarian recommends Neosporin for your cat, follow their dosage instructions closely. In most cases, a thin layer of Neosporin is applied to the affected area twice daily. If you're applying Neosporin to an area your cat can reach with their mouth to lick, your veterinarian may recommend an e-collar (cone) to prevent ingestion. 

What are the common side effects of Neosporin in cats?

Neosporin and its ingredients can cause allergic reactions in cats. It’s not clear how often these allergic reactions happen, so it’s impossible to predict which cats will have a reaction. 

The most common signs of Neosporin allergy involve skin inflammation where the medication was applied. Signs of skin inflammation include: 

• Red skin

• Itching

• Scabs and wounds from self-trauma

• Hair loss

An allergic reaction to Neosporin can involve more than just the skin. Cats groom themselves, which means they may also ingest Neosporin. If your cat ingests Neosporin, signs of an allergic reaction may include: 

• Decreased appetite

• Increased salivation

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

What to do if your cat has an allergic reaction to Neosporin

If you see signs of an allergic reaction in your cat, use a mild soap and water to remove all Neosporin from their skin. Next, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will help you determine whether your cat needs veterinary care. Your veterinarian may also recommend an alternative treatment for your cat’s skin wound.

If your cat has an allergic reaction to Neosporin, avoid using Neosporin in the future. Allergic reactions often recur, and future reactions may be more severe than their first reaction. 

What are the most serious risks of Neosporin for cats?

While most allergic reactions to Neosporin are a nuisance, some can be life-threatening to cats. Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can be fatal. While it is uncommon, Neosporin and its ingredients have caused anaphylaxis in some cats. 

Signs of anaphylaxis include: 

• Facial swelling

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Respiratory distress

• Coughing

• Pale gums

• Weakness

• Seizures

• Coma

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If your cat shows signs of anaphylaxis, contact a veterinary emergency hospital immediately. Your cat needs urgent care. Without prompt treatment, anaphylaxis is often fatal. 

Does Neosporin interact with any other cat medications?

Neosporin is not known to interact with any other cat medications. But it’s important to make sure your veterinarian is familiar with any other medications your cat is taking. These include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and nutritional supplements. 

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Written by:

Catherine Barnette, DVM

Catherine Barnette, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian with 14 years of experience providing preventive care, medical workups, and surgical services in a number of general veterinary practices. She also served on her county's board of health for several years and taught biology laboratories for college students.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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