What do I do if my cat bites my arm?

If a cat or dog bites you, you should:

  1. Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
  2. Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding.
  3. Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
  4. Keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling and infection.

Should you put antibiotic ointment on a cat bite?

Scratches from a Cat First Aid Care Advice: Wash the scratches with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment twice daily. Watch closely for signs of infection, especially the first 1-3 days.

Can you put peroxide on a cat bite?

Do not scrub or soak the wound. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

Is it safe to give Neosporin to cats?

For these reasons, despite the fact that Neosporin is technically safe for topical use in cats, it is not actually recommended for use in cats. The Animal Poison Control Center lists it as a medication that is toxic to pets. 1 

Is it safe to use Neosporin for cuts?

In combination, the three topical antibiotics in Neosporin are effective at keeping small cuts and scrapes bacteria free. They are very safe for topical use in people.

Is there an over the counter alternative 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 cut or scrape, schedule an appointment for your cat to be looked over by your vet. They can prescribe the right antibiotic ointment for your cat’s scrape.

How to treat an infection from a cat bite?

Treatment of a cat bite infection typically involves antibiotics. For first aid care, follow the advice above. Then see a doctor as soon as possible. Most physicians will prescribe antibiotics as a precaution, since cat bites can become infected (and the infection can spread) quickly.

Can you use Neosporin on a cat cut?

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 cat’s wound or abscess.

What do you need to know about Neosporin for wounds?

In some formulations, Neosporin also contains an additional drug for pain relief – pramoxine hydrogen chloride. Neosporin is used to treat minor cuts, abrasions, puncture wounds, and other wounds. The antibiotics present in Neosporin help prevent bacterial infection and may even be effective at treating mild infections.

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. They can prescribe the right antibiotic ointment for your cat’s scrape.

Treatment of a cat bite infection typically involves antibiotics. For first aid care, follow the advice above. Then see a doctor as soon as possible. Most physicians will prescribe antibiotics as a precaution, since cat bites can become infected (and the infection can spread) quickly.