Are medicated creams and ointments toxic to cats?

[lorie d.]

I'm wearing a medicated cream for sore leg muscles and Snowball is extremely attracted to it and is doing everything he can to get to the cream, including licking my jeans repeatedly. I was wondering how toxic this type of product is to cats if they happen to ingest any of it?

 

[jcat]

Perfect timing - according to our local pharmacist, they certainly can be. I'm using a prescription "rub" on my back, and JC keeps trying to lick it. When I asked the pharmacist, he said that it could definitely be toxic and to wear a thick sweatsuit with the top tucked in to bed to prevent the cat from licking it off me.

 

[hissy]

It would be helpful to know the name of the ointment you are using, but a good rule is to make sure that no products intended for humans ever comes in contact with your cat, without vet's supervision.

 

[lorie d.]

Thanks for your response, and I hope your back feels better soon. I was just looking at the tube the cream comes in, and it lists Menthol 2.5% as the active ingredient, but doesn't list any other ingredients. However, it does say people should get immediate medical attention if they swallow it.

Hissy, it's Bengay.