How Quickly Will Treatment Work
Cat eye infections typically clear up very quickly once treatment begins. Even after your cat’s symptoms have cleared up remember to continue administering medications as per your vet’s instructions! Discontinuing your cat’s antibiotic medication early could lead to a resurgence of the infection and make it harder to fight.
If your cat’s eye infection is due to an underlying health condition the effectiveness and speed of the treatment will depend upon the condition being treated. Your vet will be able to provide you with a prognosis for your cat’s recovery.
Note:The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
How Are Eye Infections In Cats Treated
Your vet will determine the best treatment for your cats eye infection based upon the results of the examination and of your cats overall health.
If the eye infection is the primary concern your vet may recommend a topical treatment for your cats eye such as Terramycin® or Vetropolycin®.
If however your cats eye infection is due to an underlying condition such as FeLV or Calicivirus the underlying condition may be the main focus of the treatment. Treatments for underlying conditions will depend upon the nature of the illness but may include oral antibiotics, immune boosters or other treatments.
About Dr Cathy Barnette Dvm
Dr. Barnette is a veterinarian and freelance writer based in Florida. Her 14 years of experience in small animal clinical practice have allowed her to witness firsthand the communication gaps that often exist between pet owners and members of the veterinary team. Her goal is to create engaging content that educates owners, empowering them to make the best possible decisions for their pets. Dr. Barnette has two cats of her own, in addition to a dog and a pet dove.
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Why Can’t I Use Neosporin For My Cat’s Eyes
There are countless ways that you and your cat are biologically different, including the medications that are safe to treat illness. Many medications that people reach for on a regular basis are extremely toxic to cats. Aside from this, a cat’s small size means that even small amounts of a toxic substance can cause severe reactions in cats.
Polymyxin B has been linked to anaphylaxis and death in cats. While such reactions are rare, most cases have been linked to the ophthalmic products administered to cats to treat eye infections.
Bnp Ointment For Cats
Cats are known for being independent and taking care of themselves. For that reason, they are very appealing to have as pets if you are a busy person or simply like their personalities. But cats are not perfect, and they can have issues just like us. If your cat has a bacterial infection in the eye, they may need BNP ointment to help treat it. Your vet will be able to provide directions on how to apply BNP ointment.
What is BNP Ointment?
BNP Ointment is a sterile ointment used in cats and dogs to treat eye infections on the surface of the eyeball. Hydrocortisone is a component in B.N.P with Hydrocortisone Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment. Bacterial infections caused by bacteria may be treated with this combination of antibiotics. Cats can get bacterial infections from all types of sources, contaminated food or water, or from the environment. Your cat may experience eye discharge if they have an eye infection.
Possible Reactions
Is BNP Ointment Safe?
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Antibiotics For Cats’ Eyes
Antibiotics for cats are medications that are specifically formulated for use in felines. There are different types of antibiotics that are available commercially but only a few that are ideal for cat eye infections. These infections arise when the cat suffers from an upper respiratory tract infection, eye ulcers, lesions or conditions like conjunctivitis.
Before the vet prescribes any medication for the infection, diagnostic tests will be carried out to identify the type of bacteria that are present.
Alternatives To Neosporin For Cats
Instead of using Neosporin on minor scratches or other wounds, gently clean the area with mild soap and water.
Topical antibiotics can present a significant challenge in cats because cats are so fastidious in their grooming. Any topical ointment that you apply is likely to be licked off before it can offer much benefit.
Additionally, a cat that is trying to lick Neosporin or another ointment off his skin or coat may actually do more damage to the underlying wound than if the wound had simply been left untreated.
If your cat has a skin wound that you are concerned may become infected, the best option is to thoroughly clean the wound with mild soap and water.
If the wound becomes infected despite this basic first aid, skip the Neosporin and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can prescribe oral antibiotics that will be far more effective at treating a wound infection than a topical ointment.
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What Other Drugs Will Affect Bnp Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment:
Before using this medication, tell your veterinarian if your pet is using other eye ointment or eye medications. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Are There Alternatives To Neosporin
Unfortunately, there is no over-the-counter alternative to Neosporin in cats. However, there are veterinary-specific ointments that can be prescribed in place of Neosporin. If your cat has a minor wound, schedule an appointment for your cat to be looked over by your vet. They can prescribe the right treatment for your cat’s wound. In the event that your vet discovers that your cat’s minor wound isn’t so minor after all, you’re already in the right place to have it addressed.
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What Is Bnp Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment
B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Eye Ointment gives your dog or cat fast effective relief from bacterial eye infections that cause swelling and pain. Cats and dogs can easily catch bacteria that cause painful, swelling infections in the cornea, the clear part of the eye, or the conjunctiva, the pink parts around the eyelids. If your dog or cat has a bacterial eye infection, talk to your pet’s veterinarian about B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Eye Ointment, a prescription medication that is FDA-approved for pets. The ointment contains the active ingredients neomycin, bacitracin zinc and polymyxin B sulfate that work in combination to reduce swelling and discomfort.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment
Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment is FDA-approved for veterinary use in dogs, cats, and horses. Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment is available over-the-counter, except in California where it requires a prescription. Terramycin is available as a sterile eye ointment. The sterile ointment is usually applied as a thin film to the inside of the eyelid 2 to 4 times a day. Contact your veterinarian if your pets symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement to your pets condition after a few days. Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including eyes and hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
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Administering Eye Medications To Your Pet
Collect all the eye medications that you will be administering to your pet.
If using multiple medications, it is very important that you replace the top that goes with the original container once you are finished. While using the medication, either:
The second option might work best if you have a helper available.
If you are giving eye DROPS:
If you are giving eye OINTMENT:
What Causes Eye Infections In Cats
If your kitty is suffering from an uncomfortable eye infection the cause could either be an infectious or a non-infectious underlying condition.
Infectious Conditions that May Cause Eye Infections
- Some of the most common infectious conditions that can lead to eye infections in cats are Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Feline Calicivirus. Both of these viruses are highly contagious among cats and are known to cause feline upper respiratory disease which can lead to symptoms such as eye infections.
Non-Infectious Conditions that May Cause Eye Infections:
- Viruses aren’t the only cause of eye infections in cats. If your cat’s eyes are sore and irritated it could be due to allergies, a foreign body in the eye, a hereditary eye condition, trauma, tumors, or even an autoimmune disease.
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Proper Dosing For Terramycin
When using the antibacterial eye ointment, you should first consult your veterinarian. The medication will be administered directly to the cats eye two to four times per day.
Its usually easiest to apply the medication by careful wrapping your cat in a towel to keep him from scratching you. Hold open the eyelid and place a small line of the medication onto the rim of the upper eyelid. Release the cat and his blinking will help spread the medication to the rest of the eye.
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Can I Use Neosporin On My Cat
Many human medications are toxic or otherwise dangerous for pets. This is especially true for cats since their compact size means that even the tiniest amounts of a dangerous substance could put your cats life a risk.
Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment that works very well on humans but it not recommended for cats. There have been reports of cats having life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to the antibiotic ingredients in Neosporins ophthalmic preparations which include neomycin and polymyxin B.
Contact your vet for appropriate treatments for your cats eye infection.
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Neosporin On Cats: Safety Side Effects & Alternatives
If you maintain a well-stocked medicine cabinet in your home, it probably contains a tube of Neosporin®. Given how often you may use this ointment on your own cuts and scrapes, you might find yourself tempted to also use Neosporin on your cats wound or abscess.
However, there are unique risks associated with using Neosporin in cats, making this a poor option for feline wounds.
What Antibiotic Cream Is Safe For Cats
The Short Answer is Yes, Neosporin is Safe for Pets It is for external use and should never be used inside of ears, in eyes or on large deep wounds. The description of triple antibiotic refers to the 3 antibiotic agents found in any brand of triple antibiotic first aid ointment Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B.
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Can You Put Neosporin In A Cats Infected Eye
If your cats eyes are looking sore and inflamed you may be tempted to use Neosporin as a way to fight an eye infection, but using Neosporin on your cats eyes could lead to some serious consequences. Its never a good idea to use medications designed for human use on cats without first consulting your veterinarian.
What Is Bnp Triple Antibiotic Ointment With Hc For Dogs And Cats
- Cats and dogs can easily pick up bacteria that cause painful, swelling infections in the cornea, the clear part of the eye, or the conjunctiva, the pink parts around the eyelids.
- B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Ointment with HC is a prescription medication that treats bacterial eye infections.
- B.N.P. Ointment with HC contains neomycin, polymixin B, and bacitracin.
- The addition of hydrocortisone to B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Eye Ointment with HC makes this ointment extra effective at reducing swelling due to bacterial eye infections.
Why do cats and dogs use B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Ointment with HC?
- B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Eye Ointment with HC gives your dog or cat fast, effective relief from bacterial eye infections that cause swelling and pain.
- Your pet’s veterinarian may prescribe this ointment if your pet has conjunctivitis, scleritis, keratitis or other infections of the eye that cause swelling and discomfort.
What else should I know about B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Ointment with HC?
- Treats eye infections due to a range of bacteria.
- Reduces swelling and pain.
- Contains hydrocortisone to reduce swelling.
- Store at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight. Do not use if the ointment changes color or becomes cloudy.
What problems could my dog or cat have with B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Ointment with HC?
- Cats may have a serious allergic reaction to neomycin or polymixin. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any issues after beginning to use the ointment.
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What Antibiotic Ointment Is Safe For Cat Eyes
Of any antibiotic ointments that are available on the market, Terramycin is one of the safest options to use.
With almost everything, people can have options on what to choose, but when it comes to your cats eye infection, I would recommend going with what is known to work best.
Eye infections are a different beast. For instance, a severe eye infection could lead to your cat going blind, which means that you are going to want to take care of the issue promptly and effectively.
This is your cats vision on the line, so you should not try to find a different solution for your cat.
You may end up not helping your cat or, in some instances, make the problem worse than it was.
I almost always suggest that you visit your vet before using any new treatments on your animal, but Terramycin can be purchased online and used based on the directions.
Is Triple Antibiotic Ointment Safe For Cats
Is Triple Antibiotic Ointment Safe For Cats? Unfortunately there is no over the counter alternative to Neosporin in cats. However, there are veterinary specific ointments that can be prescribed in place of Neosporin. If your cat has a minor cut or scrape, schedule an appointment for your cat to be looked over by your vet.
Yes, it is OK to use Neosporin on your dog with veterinarian approval, but we do not recommend using it on cats. After receiving some veterinarian feedback, we have restricted our recommendation to dogs only, as there have been reports of cats having life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to the antibiotic ingredients in Neosporin. Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment that helps prevent and fight infections, and can be used in a number of situations to help keep your pet happy and healthy. Note that Neosporin is a brand name and there are other topical antibiotic ointments that you can also use on your pets. There are also some natural alternatives to Neosporin that you can use on your dog, including Curoxen and Burts Bees Res-Q Ointment. After consulting your vet, you can apply Neosporin to your dog the same way you would on a human. Its important to keep in mind that Neosporin and all antibiotic ointments for that matter are intended for usage on small cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Can I use an ointment like Neosporin on my Cat?
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How Do I Give This Medication
- Instill the drops in the pet’s eye as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- Wash your hands before and after administering the antibiotic.
- Do not touch the eye with the tip of the dropper or tube
- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
- This medication may cause stinging upon application.
Gentamicin Sulfate Opthalmic Solution
This medication effectively treats bacterial eye infections but its not ideal for use in cats suffering from fungal infections or viral infections. The solution should be administered and stored exactly according to the instructions that are listed on the package. If youre in doubt about the dosage and administration its best to clarify the same with the vet.
Eye infections should be diagnosed and treated promptly. You should also clean the cats eye discharge frequently and dispose of used towels in an appropriate manner to avoid recurring eye infections.
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Can I Use Neosporin For Treating My Cat’s Eye Infection
If your cat’s eyes are looking sore and inflamed you may be tempted to use Neosporin as a way to fight an eye infection, but using Neosporin on your cat’s eyes could lead to some serious consequences. It’s never a good idea to use medications designed for human use on cats without first consulting your veterinarian.
Applying Eye Ointments To Cats
The proper administration of eye medications is essential for your cat’s prompt recovery. Make sure that you wash your hands both before and after administering the medication to avoid contamination and prevent the possible spread of infection. Before you begin, read the ointment label so you understand the instructions.
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