Is Neosporin really OK to use?

[xyxoxy]

Hi all... it's been a while.
I had a diabetic kitty for many years until he passed away a few years ago at the ripe old age of 17. This forum was always helpful while I cared for him though I didn't really participate very much.

About a year ago my career path took a giant left turn and I started working full time in the animal rescue field. And since I had some experience with diabetic cats I've found myself fostering several of them until they are regulated and can be adopted. The one thing I have learned in this process is how much I thought I knew that was incomplete or just plain wrong. But doing something and being wrong is certainly better than being scared and doing nothing.

So anyway... Though I never had the need in the past with my first cat, I have been using Neosporin with pain relief after an ear stick on most of the cats I've been fostering. It just seemed like a little extra kindness, and in one case it really seemed to pacify her. But I just read an article that said very clearly to NEVER use it on a cat. And with a couple of searches I found some articles supporting that opinion. It seems like the concern is the "pain relief" ingredients may pose a threat if ingested. Of course the great thing about the internet is you can always find support for your argument regardless of which side of the argument you are on. I generally trust the knowledge on this forum so I'm wondering if anyone here has any actual evidence or experience on whether I should stop using this.

Here is the post that made me question this in the first place..
http://www.diabeticcatinternational.com/site/fd-treatment/testing-your-cats-bgs-at-home/
Here is just one of the articles I found on the subject...
https://www.vetinfo.com/is-neosporin-safe-for-cats.html

Thanks as always

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Many people here use the Neosporin with pain relief on their cats ears.
I did and had no issues although I didn’t use it a lot.
I read both the articles you linked. One gave no reason and the other seemed to say use carefully and wipe off excess after a few minutes.
See what others say.

 

[NoahFL]

I use it as well (not the cream version) and no issues. I use very little.

 

[Olive & Paula]

I use it, the ointment not the creme. Only need a tiny bit smeared on the ears. Have no problems.

 

[tiffmaxee]

I used the pain ointment for Max. He was fine but occasionally a cat will have a allergic reaction. It’s pretty rare.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

I read somewhere a while back to only use the original formula so that’s what I’ve been using on my cats. I don’t think it has pain relief in it

 

[Lalkabee]

I wonder how much it affect the cat since it is only applied to the outside of the ears. It could maybe cause an allergy or bad skin irritation. If it happen you stop using it.