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Cat Eye Medicated Drops and Ointments: Top 5 Vet-Recommended Options in Canada (2025) — Terramycin, Polysporin, Tobramycin, Vetericyn, BNP

Published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Therapeutic cat eye drops and ointments are specialized formulations — antibiotics, antivirals, and anti-inflammatory products — used to treat diagnosed ocular issues such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, and post-surgical care. In Canada these products are typically selected based on veterinary diagnosis, active ingredient spectrum, preservative profile, ease of application, and whether an ointment or drop is better for nighttime or prolonged protection. Pet owners prioritize safety, proven clinical performance, clear dosing instructions, and availability through Canadian pharmacies or veterinary clinics, while veterinarians emphasize targeted therapy, corneal health, and minimizing risk of resistance or delayed healing.

Quick Menu

1. Best Oxytetracycline Ointment

2. Best OTC Eye Drops for Cats

3. Best Prescription Antibiotic Drops

4. Best Supportive Antimicrobial Wash

5. Best Budget Triple-Antibiotic Ointment

1
BEST OXYTETRACYCLINE OINTMENT

Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment

Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment

Terramycin is a long-standing veterinary ophthalmic ointment prized for its oxytetracycline-based broad-spectrum coverage and viscous formulation that stays on the eye longer than drops, making it a go-to choice for many feline practitioners. It holds its position here for dependability and clinical track record compared with more modern aqueous solutions like tobramycin and adjunct washes like Vetericyn, while typically commanding a mid-range price that reflects its veterinary pedigree and dosing convenience.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • Broad antibacterial

  • Long-lasting barrier

  • Broad antibacterial

  • Long-lasting barrier

Review Summary

90%

"Longtime users praise its effectiveness at clearing feline conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions, calling it reliable and fast-acting though somewhat greasy and pricier than generics."

  • Purr-approved protection

  • Contains oxytetracycline for treating bacterial eye infections and corneal ulcers.

  • Purr-approved protection

  • Contains oxytetracycline for treating bacterial eye infections and corneal ulcers.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Terramycin is a long-standing veterinary ophthalmic ointment prized for its oxytetracycline-based broad-spectrum coverage and viscous formulation that stays on the eye longer than drops, making it a go-to choice for many feline practitioners. It holds its position here for dependability and clinical track record compared with more modern aqueous solutions like tobramycin and adjunct washes like Vetericyn, while typically commanding a mid-range price that reflects its veterinary pedigree and dosing convenience.

  • Broad antibacterial

  • Long-lasting barrier

  • Purr-approved protection

  • Contains oxytetracycline for treating bacterial eye infections and corneal ulcers.

  • Thick ointment formulation provides longer contact time on the eye.

  • Broad antibacterial

  • Long-lasting barrier

  • Purr-approved protection

  • Contains oxytetracycline for treating bacterial eye infections and corneal ulcers.

  • Thick ointment formulation provides longer contact time on the eye.

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$20-35 CAD

2
BEST OTC EYE DROPS FOR CATS

Polysporin Eye Drops for Cats

Polysporin Eye Drops for Cats

Polysporin Eye Drops deliver an over-the-counter, topical antibiotic option that is low-cost and easy to administer, with a formulation geared toward minor bacterial irritations and prophylactic use. Compared with prescription products such as tobramycin or thicker ointments like Terramycin, Polysporin offers financial accessibility and reduced visual blurring for the cat at the expense of the higher potency and targeted penetration those prescription agents provide.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Gentle formulation

  • Gentle as whiskers

  • Gentle formulation

  • Gentle as whiskers

Review Summary

85%

"Owners report good soothing relief for minor irritations and mild conjunctivitis; some note it's not strong enough for serious bacterial infections and recommend following up with a vet."

  • Fast soothing

  • OTC formulation with polymyxin B and gramicidin for uncomplicated conjunctivitis.

  • Fast soothing

  • OTC formulation with polymyxin B and gramicidin for uncomplicated conjunctivitis.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Polysporin Eye Drops deliver an over-the-counter, topical antibiotic option that is low-cost and easy to administer, with a formulation geared toward minor bacterial irritations and prophylactic use. Compared with prescription products such as tobramycin or thicker ointments like Terramycin, Polysporin offers financial accessibility and reduced visual blurring for the cat at the expense of the higher potency and targeted penetration those prescription agents provide.

  • Gentle formulation

  • Gentle as whiskers

  • Fast soothing

  • OTC formulation with polymyxin B and gramicidin for uncomplicated conjunctivitis.

  • Liquid drop form is easy to apply for quick relief and targeted treatment.

  • Gentle formulation

  • Gentle as whiskers

  • Fast soothing

  • OTC formulation with polymyxin B and gramicidin for uncomplicated conjunctivitis.

  • Liquid drop form is easy to apply for quick relief and targeted treatment.

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$15-30 CAD

3
BEST PRESCRIPTION ANTIBIOTIC DROPS

Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution

Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution

Tobramycin ophthalmic solution (widely known under brands like Tobrex) is a prescription-strength aminoglycoside favored for its potent activity against gram-negative infections and rapid clinical effect, making it the market leader for more serious feline eye infections. Technically it outperforms many OTC options in corneal penetration and bactericidal activity, justifying a higher price and prescription requirement compared with generic ointments (BNP) or cleansing washes (Vetericyn) when aggressive therapy is needed.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Powerful antibiotic

  • Clinic-strength solution

  • Powerful antibiotic

  • Clinic-strength solution

Review Summary

92%

"Pet owners and veterinarians report rapid improvement with bacterial eye infections and high efficacy, though a number of cats experience stinging on application."

  • Rapid bacterial relief

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotic (tobramycin) effective against many gram-negative ocular pathogens.

  • Rapid bacterial relief

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotic (tobramycin) effective against many gram-negative ocular pathogens.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Tobramycin ophthalmic solution (widely known under brands like Tobrex) is a prescription-strength aminoglycoside favored for its potent activity against gram-negative infections and rapid clinical effect, making it the market leader for more serious feline eye infections. Technically it outperforms many OTC options in corneal penetration and bactericidal activity, justifying a higher price and prescription requirement compared with generic ointments (BNP) or cleansing washes (Vetericyn) when aggressive therapy is needed.

  • Powerful antibiotic

  • Clinic-strength solution

  • Rapid bacterial relief

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotic (tobramycin) effective against many gram-negative ocular pathogens.

  • Sterile solution in drop form typically requires a veterinary prescription in Canada.

  • Powerful antibiotic

  • Clinic-strength solution

  • Rapid bacterial relief

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotic (tobramycin) effective against many gram-negative ocular pathogens.

  • Sterile solution in drop form typically requires a veterinary prescription in Canada.

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$25-55 CAD

4
BEST SUPPORTIVE ANTIMICROBIAL WASH

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash

Vetericyn Plus is a non-antibiotic antimicrobial eye wash intended for safe, frequent cleansing and first-line wound/irritation management in cats, offering low-risk topical disinfection without promoting antibiotic resistance. It complements antibiotic ointments and drops by providing an inexpensive, easy-to-use adjunct for debris removal and irrigation, though it is not a substitute for prescription antibiotics in established bacterial infections like those treated with tobramycin or Terramycin.

4
★★★★☆

  • Non-irritating wash

  • OTC antiseptic rinse

  • Non-irritating wash

  • OTC antiseptic rinse

Review Summary

78%

"Users like its gentle, non-toxic cleansing action for wounds and irritated eyes and appreciate its safety for frequent use, but many warn it's not a substitute for prescription antibiotics for true infections."

  • Tear-like comfort

  • Hypochlorous-based, non-antibiotic solution that cleanses and soothes the eye.

  • Tear-like comfort

  • Hypochlorous-based, non-antibiotic solution that cleanses and soothes the eye.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Vetericyn Plus is a non-antibiotic antimicrobial eye wash intended for safe, frequent cleansing and first-line wound/irritation management in cats, offering low-risk topical disinfection without promoting antibiotic resistance. It complements antibiotic ointments and drops by providing an inexpensive, easy-to-use adjunct for debris removal and irrigation, though it is not a substitute for prescription antibiotics in established bacterial infections like those treated with tobramycin or Terramycin.

  • Non-irritating wash

  • OTC antiseptic rinse

  • Tear-like comfort

  • Hypochlorous-based, non-antibiotic solution that cleanses and soothes the eye.

  • Safe for frequent use and useful for debris removal or as adjunctive therapy.

  • Non-irritating wash

  • OTC antiseptic rinse

  • Tear-like comfort

  • Hypochlorous-based, non-antibiotic solution that cleanses and soothes the eye.

  • Safe for frequent use and useful for debris removal or as adjunctive therapy.

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$20-40 CAD

5
BEST BUDGET TRIPLE-ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT

BNP Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment

BNP Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment

BNP Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment is a budget-friendly triple-antibiotic ointment option that combines broad-spectrum agents for treating minor bacterial eye conditions in cats, making it an attractive value choice for owners on a tight budget. While more affordable than branded products like Terramycin and less specialized than prescription tobramycin, it provides practical coverage for mild cases but may carry a higher risk of local irritation or sensitivity compared with single-agent prescription therapies.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Triple antibiotic

  • Broad-spectrum coverage

  • Triple antibiotic

  • Broad-spectrum coverage

Review Summary

83%

"Buyers say it effectively treats minor eye infections and is affordable, though some find it less effective than prescription ointments for severe cases and report stinging on application."

  • Stick-on recovery

  • Contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B for broad-spectrum coverage.

  • Stick-on recovery

  • Contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B for broad-spectrum coverage.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

BNP Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment is a budget-friendly triple-antibiotic ointment option that combines broad-spectrum agents for treating minor bacterial eye conditions in cats, making it an attractive value choice for owners on a tight budget. While more affordable than branded products like Terramycin and less specialized than prescription tobramycin, it provides practical coverage for mild cases but may carry a higher risk of local irritation or sensitivity compared with single-agent prescription therapies.

  • Triple antibiotic

  • Broad-spectrum coverage

  • Stick-on recovery

  • Contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B for broad-spectrum coverage.

  • Ointment base offers prolonged contact time, making it useful for overnight treatment.

  • Triple antibiotic

  • Broad-spectrum coverage

  • Stick-on recovery

  • Contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B for broad-spectrum coverage.

  • Ointment base offers prolonged contact time, making it useful for overnight treatment.

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$10-25 CAD

What the Research and Clinical Guidelines Say

Clinical guidance and veterinary ophthalmology literature support targeted topical therapy for many common feline eye conditions. Evidence comes from clinical case series, practice guidelines, and pharmacology studies that evaluate antimicrobial coverage, corneal penetration, and safety. While randomized controlled trials are fewer than for human ophthalmology, the accumulated veterinary experience and laboratory susceptibility data make many of these agents predictable and effective when used under veterinary supervision.

Topical antibiotics (for example, aminoglycosides and certain polypeptide combinations) are effective for many bacterial conjunctivitis and surface infections by reducing bacterial load and speeding clinical resolution when the pathogen is susceptible.

Topical antivirals and supportive therapy reduce clinical signs and recurrence in feline herpesvirus-related ocular disease; antiviral therapy is typically prescribed following a veterinary diagnosis.

Ointments (such as Terramycin-style formulations) provide prolonged contact time and a lubricating barrier, which can help comfort and protect the cornea overnight or when frequent dosing is difficult.

Anti-inflammatory eyedrops can control painful inflammation but are contraindicated or used cautiously with corneal ulcers because they can delay healing; this is why veterinary assessment is essential before use.

Laboratory susceptibility testing and culture are recommended in recurrent or nonresponsive cases to guide antibiotic selection and avoid promoting resistance.

Proper application technique and adherence to the prescribed regimen are strongly associated with faster recovery and fewer complications in clinical reports.

In Canada the cat eye medicated drops and ointments covered here provide a reliable starting point for treating common, diagnosed eye conditions under veterinary guidance. The five options reviewed — Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment, Polysporin Eye Drops for Cats, Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution, Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash, and BNP Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment — each have distinct roles: Terramycin is a long-used ointment for surface infections and lubrication; Polysporin-style drops offer broad topical coverage in a convenient format; Vetericyn Plus is a non-antibiotic antimicrobial wash useful for cleansing and supportive care; BNP Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment provides multi-agent topical coverage; and Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution is often the best choice among these for vet-directed treatment of confirmed bacterial infections because of its targeted potency and corneal penetration. We hope you found what you were looking for — you can refine or expand your search by product name, active ingredient, or intended use to find the exact vet-recommended option that fits your cat's needs.

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