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My cat has a sore. Is Neosporin safe or should I take him to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 13 lbs

My male cat (1-1/2 yr old) has a sore on back of neck. Looks slightly bloody. Hair missing. Less than size of a dime. Indoor cat always. Not sure if I can try Neosporin or need to take him to the vet. Thank you. Picture is not great - he wouldn't hold still!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2017

It can be hard to get a cat to hold still to take a picture! Although quite safe on superficial wounds, cats groom and ingest most of the topical ointment you apply and therefore should be used only under direct veterinary supervision and if there are no other appropriate options. Many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed. I would clean the sore with warm water and antiseptic soap. Keep the sore clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 4th, 2019

    No, I don't recommend using neosporin. Although quite safe on superficial wounds, cats groom and ingest most of the topical ointment you apply and therefore should be used only under direct veterinary supervision and if there are no other appropriate options. Many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed. I'd have Azrael seen by a vet to diagnose the cause of this redness, and the vet can prescribe a safe medication. I hope this helps!

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