Bumps, wounds, and minor abrasions are part and parcel of caring for your cat, particularly if they live outdoors or like to play a little rough with their companions.
Most of the time, small injuries heal on their own, and no intervention is required, but on occasion, our furry friends may need a little assistance on their path to healing. A tiny infection can become a bigger problem if it is not tended to immediately.
As a cat owner, what do you do to treat your precious pet if they seem to have developed an infection but not necessarily one severe enough to warrant a trip to the vet?
For most of us, the answer is to simply apply a small amount of topical ointment to the infected area as a means to eradicate infection. Over-the-counter treatments like Betadine are suitable for issues of this nature.
However, since Betadine is applied directly to the skin, you may wonder if it is safe for your cat to ingest.
A cat licking itself is unavoidable, but is Betadine safe for cats to lick, or does it have the potential to cause them ill health? In this post, we’ll look at the ins and outs of using Betadine treatment on cats and if it is safe for them to consume, however unintentionally.
Is Betadine Safe For Cats To Lick?
Betadine is a topical antiseptic treatment used to help heal small wounds and cuts on humans and animals. Because it is applied directly to the skin, it can be expected that your cat will ingest a small amount through licking.
While this should not cause them any harm, it is best to dilute Betadine before applying it to keep the amount they ingest to a minimum. If they are prolific lickers, you may want to consider further preventative measures like a neck cone.
While the consumption of any topical treatment is not ideal for cats, Betadine is unlikely to cause them any significant or lasting damage provided they only ingest a small amount and it is diluted before application.
It is within cats’ nature to lick themselves, particularly where they have wounds or cuts. For this reason, Betadine has been developed specifically to heal without causing any lasting medical issues. This is, of course, so long as your cat is not allergic to it.
Should you notice that your cat is experiencing adverse side effects after licking or being treated with Betadine, it’s best to consult your vet as a matter of urgency.
Signs of an allergic reaction or medical emergency include rashes, itchiness, swelling, or blisters. In severe cases where cats experience anaphylaxis, symptoms may include wheezing, swelling of the eyes and mouth, and difficulty breathing.
What Happens If A Cat Licks Betadine?
If a cat licks a bit of Betadine off a wound or cut, they are unlikely to experience any symptoms of ill health. On some occasions, they may experience minor stomach upsets or vomiting.
Severe reactions to Betadine usually only occur if a particular feline is allergic to the treatment or if it ingests a very large dose. For this reason, Betadine should be diluted before application. If you’re unsure how to use this treatment, contact your vet for assistance.
Cats tend to lick themselves irrespective of what ointment they may have on their coats. This is normal and generally no cause for concern but may become worrisome if you have to treat their skin with a topical lotion like Betadine.
For this reason, how you apply this treatment is crucial. Before treating cuts and wounds with Betadine, you must first make sure your own hands are clean and then thoroughly clean and disinfect the skin area in question.
For application, dilute a small amount of Betadine until it becomes the color of weak tea. It contains very little toxicity for your cat in this state, lowering their risk of side effects.
Once applied, dab away any excess or bandage the wound. The little bit of Betadine that remains on the injury should not cause any problems for your feline, even if they lick it. If your cat shows signs of distress, contact your vet immediately.
Can Cats Eat Betadine?
Cats should not be permitted to eat any significant quantity of Betadine. While they won’t generally seek it out purely because of its foul taste, it’s not a good idea to leave it lying around, just in case they do.
Licking a small amount of Betadine off a wound won’t harm your cat, but eating it in its undiluted form can be dangerous for its health.
Indeed, Betadine is suitable for external use only and should never be fed to cats as a treatment for any ailment.
While it has numerous antibacterial properties, it is only effective when applied directly to wounds or injuries. In any event, the less you can use of it, the better, which is why it is always recommended that you dilute it before application.
Should your cat happen to eat Betadine for any reason, your first port of call is to get them to the vet for a checkup.
With immediate treatment, your cat should be just fine, but if they have an adverse or allergic reaction, they may end up with severe health complications that require medical intervention. Signs of poisoning include lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, rashes, and swelling.
Conclusion
Betadine has been around for years, and for many, is the go-to treatment for minor cuts and wounds. The same is true for our furry friends, and more often than not, a small swatch of this miracle ointment is all that’s needed to set your cat on the road to recovery. Needless to say, with any medical treatment, there is a small risk of adverse reactions, which is why it’s necessary to monitor your cat after application, especially if it’s your first time treating them with an ointment like Betadine.