Best Shampoo for Cats: Gentle, Effective, and Safe Choices
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Time to read 10 min
Cats are excellent self-groomers, and most of them hate to be bathed. So, we do not recommend you do this unless there is something dirty on them that should be quickly removed or if a vet has advised you to do so on account of them suffering from a specific type of skin condition.
That said, on the odd occasion when you need to bathe them, you must use a good quality shampoo that is gentle, effective, and, most importantly, safe for their fur and skin.
This begs the question of which type is the best to use.
Well, if shopping online for it or at the pet store, youāll definitely want to pick a fur care product that has as many natural ingredients as possible and caters to specific requirements, such as untangling fur and reducing irritation and itchy skin.
However, as there are hundreds of different brands of cat shampoo on the market, it can be confusing to choose the right one for Charlie or Kitty.
That is why we have decided to put together this post, which recommends some of the best brands of shampoo for cats available on the market right now.
Table of Content
Why is Cat Shampoo Necessary for your Feline? Why Must Cats Have Their Own Shampoo? What are the Types of Cat Shampoos? 1. Antifungal Shampoo 2. Cat Dandruff Shampoo 3. Deshedding Shampoo 4. Flea and Tick Shampoo 5. Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo 6. Ringworm Shampoo What Should I Look for in a Cat Shampoo? 1. Natural Ingredients 2. Balanced pH 3. Brand 4. Ease of Use 5. No Harsh Chemicals 6. Scent 7. Tailored Effects What is the Best Shampoo for Cats? Conclusion FAQs about Shampoo for Cats Do Cats Like Baths? Is Human Shampoo Safe for Cats? Can I Use Baby Shampoo on My Cat? Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
Why is Cat Shampoo Necessary for your Feline?
You may be wondering why cat shampoo is necessary for your feline, given that they self-groom. Well, the simple fact is that most times, no matter how hard they try, they are unable to get all the grime and dirt off their fur.
Overall, cats donāt need bathing as regularly as dogs, and when they do, it is often more situational ā typically, in circumstances where they have accumulated more burs in their fur or bugs than usual, are dirtier than normal, have come into contact with lavender, or appears to be suffering from a skin infection.
While grooming is the most effective way to deal with these issues, shampoo can also work as a short-term measure, although you should only use this as a solution if advised by a vet.
Why Must Cats Have Their Own Shampoo?
Cats need to be washed in their own formulated shampoo because, just like humans, they have sensitive skin.
Indeed, it can actually be quite dangerous to wash your felineās fur with human shampoo as they might contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that can result in dry and itchy skin or seborrheic dermatitis, which is best treated by a vet.
What are the Types of Cat Shampoos?
When looking for cat shampoo, youāll quickly realize how many different types there are available on the market. Outlined below are some of the main ones, most of which are suitable for different skin types and conditions and feature a selection of different ingredients.
1. Antifungal Shampoo
This type of shampoo is medicated and sometimes recommended to counter skin infections that have been caused by fungi.
However, as these afflictions are more common in dogs than cats, you should consult with a vet before using the shampoo on your feline. They will want to diagnose first that your feline has a fungal skin condition and, if so, what the root cause might be.
Antifungal shampoos can be effective because they often contain miconazole and ketoconazole. Some even have chlorhexidine, which is a broad-spectrum antiseptic.
2. Cat Dandruff Shampoo
If your cat is suffering from dandruff, there are specific shampoos that help to soothe and moisturize their skin.
Typically containing natural ingredients, often as oatmeal, they can be effective in reducing the formation of dandruff and skin flaking. However, you should consult with your vet before using them, as theyāll want to determine if there is an underlying cause.
3. Deshedding Shampoo
Deshedding shampoos are specifically made for cats to help them exfoliate and moisturize their skin.
It sometimes can contain amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, and its main purpose is to release loose hair - which therefore makes brushing your felineās coat more effective.Ā
4. Flea and Tick Shampoo
Flea and tick shampoos are specifically meant to be used when a cat has either or both of these parasites present in its fur or skin. However, you should be aware that it contains insecticides that kill both on contact.
Again, before using it, you should seek the opinion of a vet. While some might suggest them as a solution, we do not recommend these shampoos because we believe cats need effective treatment, which these products might wash off.
5. Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo
As hypoallergenic cat shampoos are formulated from all-natural or organic ingredients, they are unlikely to irritate your kittyās skin,
Additionally, the great thing about them is that they often feature things like coconut-derived moisturizers, shea butter, and aloe vera that not only clean your catās coat but also nourish its skin.
6. Ringworm Shampoo
As its name suggests, ringworm shampoo is, a type of fur care product that can be useful in treating this condition - which is officially known as feline dermatophytosis.
You should only use it if advised by a vet. However, as it contains active ingredients like ketoconazole and miconazole that have antifungal properties, they can be very effective at ridding your cat of the fungal infection.
What Should I Look for in a Cat Shampoo?
When looking for a good quality brand of shampoo for cats, specifically for the purposes of grooming, there are several factors that you should take into account.
However, generally speaking, a brand will be safe for your cat as long as it has the following:
1. Natural Ingredients
All good cat shampoos are made with plant-based ingredients that are skin-soothing and active. Some of the best ones use shea butter, buttermilk, aloe vera and coconut oil.
2. Balanced pH
As a catās skin has a different pH balance and is a lot more sensitive than that of a human, you should make sure the shampoo is pH-balanced and specifically formulated for pets.
3. Brand
Some brands are more established than others, and while you shouldnāt discount using one that is new to the market, you should always pick a cat shampoo from a manufacturer who is transparent about their practices, ingredients, and products.
It is always a good idea to thoroughly read customer reviews on platforms like Google, TrustPilot, and Facebook to find out further details about the product and brand and, of course, to ask your vet for recommendations.
4. Ease of Use
It is important that the cat shampoo you use comes in a bottle that you can easily hold while bathing the cat. You should also be able to lather it up quickly when required.
5. No Harsh Chemicals
Choosing a cat shampoo that does not have harsh chemicals is a non-negotiable.
Make sure you steer clear of any fur care product that features sulfates, soaps, DEA, lanolin, parabens, MEA, and any artificial additives (such as fragrances and dyes).
6. Scent
Some cat shampoos can be scented, which can be a good way to deodorize your cat.
That said, if either of you are put off by strong odors, it is a good idea to choose one that has a fragrance-free formula instead.
7. Tailored Effects
Ideally, the cat shampoo you pick should be able to nourish the catās coat and skin as per its specific needs. Subsequently, choosing one that has moisturizing and conditioning properties can be very beneficial to your furry friend.
What is the Best Shampoo for Cats?
If you do a Google search, youāll find several very good brands of shampoo for cats on the market. But some popular ones for cats include the following:
- Arm & Hammer 2-in-1 De-odor & Dander Cat Shampoo
- Bio-Groom Extra Body Volume Texturizing Shampoo
- CatSpace Oatmeal Cat Shampoo
- Frisco Shed Control Shampoo for Cats
- Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic Cat Shampoo
However, before purchasing any of them, make sure you do thorough research into the product and read reviews about it from previous customers.
Conclusion
Whichever brand of shampoo for cats you pick, it is important to choose one that can keep their coats and skin in top condition, and prevent it from suffering from conditions that might cause discomfort.
Hopefully, this guide will help you find the one that can be most beneficial for your feline because, as the saying (should) goes, āhappy cat, happy lifeā!
FAQs about Shampoo for Cats
Here are some answers to questions that people frequently ask about shampoo for cats.
Do Cats Like Baths?
Many cats do not like baths, so if you deem it necessary to give yours one make sure you do it in a way that minimizes their stress levels and does not provoke them into lashing out and potentially injuring you.
You should be aware that depending on the reason why you want to bathe them there might be better alternatives available, including medicated wipes or proper grooming. Your vet will be able to advise you accordingly.
Is Human Shampoo Safe for Cats?
Using human shampoo on your cat is definitely not recommended because it is formulated to work on a different pH balance.
If you wash your cat with human shampoo, it might cause them a variety of issues, including itchy or dry skin or, in some cases, even seborrheic dermatitis.
Can I Use Baby Shampoo on My Cat?
You will always be recommended to use a bona fide cat shampoo. However, if you donāt have any available and your feline is very dirty, you can use baby shampoo to clean it.
Baby shampoo is made with much milder cleansers in comparison to human shampoos, so as a one-off, washing them in it shouldnāt do much harm. That said, most vets will advise against regularly bathing your cat with baby shampoo.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
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