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My cat's bald spots are red after surgery. Can I use Neosporin?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Wirehair | Female | spayed | 1 month and 15 days old | 9 lbs

My cats bald spot that previously stated in my previous questions, is now red or has bled because it looks like a little blood. Again, this wasn't there BEFORE her surgery Saturday 02/25/17. I brought her home Saturday and opened her kennel and there were 2 bald-like spots on her face near her nose bilaterally. It became yellow yesterday, and now it looks red or like it's bled a tiny bit. What is it??? Can I put neosporin or Vaseline on it until I can get her seen by the vet again?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 1st, 2017

Without seeing Forrest in person, I can't say for certain what these spots are, I can only speculate. When cats wake up from anesthesia, they are very disoriented, and can sometimes fall in the cage during recovery. During her recovery, it is possible that Forrest injured herself, causing these bald spots. From your description of them being red, it is possible they are infected and it is a good idea that she is seen by a vet. I would not put any neosporin or vaseline on them. 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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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