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Is triple antibiotic ointment safe for my cat's infected nose scratch?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Male | neutered | 1 year and 8 months old | 9 lbs

My cat has an infected scratch on his nose. Is it ok to put triple antibiotic ointment on it until I can get him to the vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 14th, 2016

No, I would not use triple antibiotic ointment on Cyos's nose. 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 bring him into the vet, and the vet can prescribe him oral antibiotics for the infected scratch.

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