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Is human pink eye medicine safe for my cat's conjunctivitis?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

can I use human antibiotic pink eye drops for my cat with mild conjunctivitis? the drops i have contain polymyxin B 10,000 units per ml (as a sulfate) and gramicidin 0.025 mg also contains non medical ingredients alcohol, benzalkonium, chloride, poloxamer, propylene glycol, water

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 22nd, 2016

I'm sorry that Kenny has conjunctivitis! Unfortunately, I would not recommend using these drops in Kenny's eye - polymyxin is not recommended for use in cats, as it can cause a severe reaction in some cases. It's also important to determine what is causing Kenny's eye problem, since conjunctivitis can be caused by an eye infection, an upper respiratory viral or bacterial infection, or an injury to the cornea such as a scratch or ulcer - treatment recommendations would be different depending on the underlying problem.

Because of this, I would recommend taking Kenny to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. He/she can take a look at the eye and do some simple testing if needed to help diagnose the problem, and will prescribe a safe and effective eye drop to treat it.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 1st, 2018
No, I do not recommend it. A cat's eye reacts differently to human eye medication than a human's eye, and you could potentially due harm to Scofield's eye by administering this medication. In addition, it could be the wrong medication needed for her eye infection, and it could make things worse. The eye is such a delicate and important structure hat any problem with it is considered an emergency. This is because laving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take her into the vet to have her eye examined and diagnosed so it can be treated with a safe medication. Good luck!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 6th, 2019
No, it's never safe to use human medications on cats unless specifically prescribed by a vet. You could accidentally do great harm, and potentially cause vision loss. Have Bella seen by a vet in the morning for her eye problem. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 5th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Keke!

Unfortunately eye medications are prescription. All medications that go in to the eye need to be formulated to be safe for the eye. You can't put an ointment made for the skin into the eye. Also cats are very sensitive to all medications and can react to some components in eye ointments as well. With out examining Keke I can't tell you which is a safe medication and which is not.

When it comes to eyes the pet should be seen. It is the safest decision and the best for her. You can try calling your Vet and see of they are comfortable prescribing the same medication again.

I wish Keke a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 26th, 2019
You can try it at your own risk. The ingredients sound safe but if Max has a corneal ulcer/scratch on his eye this could hurt him. It it is just an eye infection then it is likely fine.

It is really better to have him examined by a vet before using any over the counter medications. Without examining his eye myself it is very difficult to give much advice other than that. Best wishes.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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