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Chinchilla wound care: Can I use Neosporin or what's safe to apply?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Chinchilla | Female | unspayed | 3 lbs

My cat had an ulcer a few weeks ago that just recently healed on its own without issue, but tonight I noticed a rather large one (about quarter size) on my chinchilla. I’m going to take her to the vet ASAP but it’s currently 3am in a Sunday, so it will likely be another day before I can get her in. Is there anything I can do in the meantime to help? Can I put neosporin on a chinchilla? Is this possibly something contagious? Should I be worried about my other cat and dogs?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on May 12th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Midnight and including a photo. This is a wound and not something contagious from the cat. Could be a bite or scratch though. Neosporin can cause serious harm if ingested by the chinchilla, so DO NOT APPLY. Do not allow a dust bath. You can gently clean with warm water and a mild soap, but agree this needs veterinary attention tomorrow for at least minor wound care (shave to remove hair from contaminating the wound) and oral antibiotics. Good luck.

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