Are you looking for the best cat shampoo available on the market today?
Not to worry, we have the perfect solution! In this review, we will take a look at five of the best shampoos on the market. We'll discuss what to look for in a good cat shampoo and how to choose the right one for your furry friend.
So whether you're looking for a gentle, all-natural formula or something that can tackle tough odors and mats, we've got you covered. We know that most cat owners are particular about their pets. Keep reading for our top picks!
Continue reading to learn more!
We hope you enjoy the following product reviews. All products we evaluate are carefully chosen from among the best currently available. We may, in some cases, receive samples for hands-on evaluation - but all opinions noted in this article are ours alone. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers. Thank you for visiting us today!
How We Pick the Best Cat Shampoo
In this article, we will focus on cat shampoos that are designed more for general use. There are also a number of specialty cat shampoos that have specific uses - we will do a brief overview of those first, then proceed to reviews of the best all-around shampoo products for cats.
These specialty cat shampoos are typically aimed at specific health conditions, such as itchy skin, dry skin, irritated skin, and other issues that affect your cat's coat and skin health. Here are the most common types of specialty cat shampoos.
Flea Shampoo - these products contain various insecticides that are designed to kill fleas and ticks on contact. When used per the manufacturer's guidelines, they can be very effective.
Cat Dandruff Shampoo - these typically contain natural ingredients designed to moisturize dry skin and make the cat's skin less itchy and irritated. One common additive to such shampoos is oatmeal.
Antifungal Shampoo - these are medicated shampoos designed for skin infections caused by fungus. Some common antifungal ingredients are ketoconazole and miconazole, along with other additives depending on the brand.
Deshedding Shampoo - these are designed to help cats who seem to shed constantly. Their action is to exfoliate and moisturize the cat’s skin. It helps to remove loose hair and aid in brushing.
Hypoallergenic Shampoo - hypoallergenic cat shampoos are made with organic or all-natural ingredients that are gentle and specifically selected to avoid irritating the cat's skin. Some common ingredients include organic aloe vera, shea butter, and plant-based moisturizers that feed the skin and help to clean the cat's coat.
Not all cat shampoos are created equally. In fact, there are a lot of low-quality products on the market that can actually do more harm than good.
We've done the hard work for you and have identified five of the best shampoo products for general everyday use. Cat owners will appreciate the quality and overall value of these products.
Best Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo
Burt's Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo
What Makes This Product Special
Looking for a shampoo that works great on sensitive skin? Burt's Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo is perfect for cats with sensitive skin! This natural cat shampoo is veterinarian recommended and free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. This makes Burt's Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo a great choice for cats with sensitive skin.
One Minute Pet Tips
Burt's Bees is a company that is well-known for use of natural ingredients in its products. This product is no exception, as it includes 99.7% natural ingredients like shea butter and honey. The shampoo is also free of harsh chemicals and sulfates, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
This shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use, and it will leave your cat's fur looking and feeling soft and shiny. As an added bonus, the shampoo is also affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious pet owners. Overall, this Burt's Bees cat shampoo is a great option for those who are looking for a natural, gentle, and affordable product.
Best Cat Shampoo for Soothing and Moisturizing Dry Feline Skin
Breezytail PetO’Cera Cat Shampoo
What Makes This Product Special
Looking for a gentle, natural shampoo that will leave your cat's fur soft and shiny? Look no further than Breezytail PetO'Cera Cat Shampoo! Their unique formula is approved and formulated by veterinarians and features a blend of eleven botanical extracts.
With allantoin and ceramide to enhance your cat's healthy skin, their natural ingredients help to soothe and relieve your cat's sensitive skin while calming irritations to stop scratching and de-shedding.
Plus, the product comes with a specially designed pump that makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of shampoo - no more wasted product!
One Minute Pet Tips
PetO'Cera is committed to only selling products that are cruelty-free. Their philosophy is that animals should not be subjected to testing, thus all of their products are tested on humans first. They are confident in the safety of their products, and we want you to be too.
That's why they guarantee that their shampoo will not harm your cats if they lick or swallow it. They obviously want what's best for our furry friends, and will always go the extra mile to make sure they're safe and healthy.
Great for Cats Who Hate Being Bathed
Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo
What Makes This Product Special
Looking for a waterless shampoo that’s perfect for your cat? Look no further than Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo! This shampoo is perfect for cats, dogs, horses, or any other animals that don’t like wet shampoos.
There’s no rinsing necessary – simply dry your pet with a towel and brush their coat. Plus, the gentle formula is safe for all animals, making it the perfect choice for even the most sensitive skin. Your pet will love the clean, fresh feel of this shampoo – and you’ll love how easy it is to use!
One Minute Pet Tips
Wahl has been a trusted name in animal care for over 50 years. From professional vets to at-home groomers, Wahl provides high-quality products that clean, condition, and style fur and hair.
The result is a smooth, soft coat that looks and feels great. Wahl is also committed to innovation, constantly developing new products and technologies to make animal care easier and more effective.
As a result, Wahl is the go-to choice for anyone who wants the best for their pet. So whether you're looking for a basic brush or the latest in clipping technology, Wahl has you covered.
What Makes This Product Special
Looking for a shampoo that will make your pet look and feel their best? JP Pet Oatmeal Shampoo is perfect for those with dry, flaky, sensitive skin. Made in the USA from all-natural botanical extracts, this luxurious formula will gently cleanse, moisturize and soothe your pet's fur.
Plus, it's pH balanced specifically for pets! Give your furry friend the gift of healthy, soft, shiny fur with JP Pet Oatmeal Shampoo.
One Minute Pet Tips
Looking to support animal causes?
John Paul Pet supports donations for animal causes! A portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to animal and wildlife organizations. When you purchase any of their products, you know that you're also supporting a good cause.
John Paul Pet was founded by the same company that makes Paul Mitchell hair care products for humans. And just as with their products for humans, they only use the highest quality ingredients. So you can feel good about using them on your furry friend!
Plus, their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. So if you're not happy with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund.
Best Gentle Shampoo for Younger Cats and Kittens
Burt's Bees for Kittens Natural Tearless Shampoo
What Makes This Product Special
Looking for a safe and gentle shampoo for your beloved kitten? Look no further than Burt's Bees for Kittens Natural Tearless Shampoo! This gentle formula is designed to be safe for your kitten's delicate eyes and skin and is made with natural ingredients (no harsh chemicals that could potentially cause irritation).
Plus, its tearless formula means no more watery eyes during bath time! Your kitten will stay clean and fresh-smelling without any discomfort. Give them the gift of a soothing, stress-free bath time with Burt's Bees for Kittens Natural Tearless Shampoo.
One Minute Pet Tips
Burt's Bees is a well-known, all-natural brand. Many of our staff have used their lip balm, lotion, and body wash for years and have always been pleased with the results. So when we saw they made cat shampoo, we had to take a serious look.
This shampoo is amazing - it smells great, lathers well, and cleans up even filthy kittens with ease. It is very soft and gentle on fur and skin, which is important since cats are notorious for being fussy about baths. If you're looking for a natural shampoo that will leave your cat smelling fresh and looking clean, Burt's Bees is the way to go. Highly recommended.
Cat Shampoo FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cat shampoo.
It can be challenging to discern which cat shampoo is the best for your feline friend.
There are a lot of different cat shampoos on the market, all making bold claims, and it can be tough to figure out which one is right for your cat. When all is said and done, the appearance and feel of your cat's coat will tell the story.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about cat shampoos and bathing cats in general, to help you make the best decision.
Are you supposed to bathe a cat?
Yes, you're supposed to bathe a cat. Cats groom themselves, but they can't reach all of their fur and they can get really dirty.
Plus, cats can track mud and fleas into the house. A good bath once every few weeks should keep your cat clean and healthy. Just be sure to use a gentle shampoo and warm water - never use hot water, as it can be dangerous for cats. And make sure to towel-dry them well when you're done so they don't catch a chill.
How do you dry a cat after a bath?
After bathing your cat, you need to dry it off completely. One way to do this is to use a hair dryer. Start by drying the cat's head and work your way down its body.
Be sure to avoid getting the dryer too close to its skin, as it can cause burns. You can also use a towel to dry your cat off. Just be sure to rub it gently so that it doesn't get agitated.
Can I use dog shampoo on my cat?
There are significant differences between cat and dog shampoos. Most cat shampoos are made with specific pH levels that are considered ideal for cats. Dog shampoos and grooming products often contain ingredients that harm your cat. Not a good idea.
Can I use baby shampoo on my cat?
You can, but it isn't really a good idea.
Most baby shampoos are designed to be very gentle on a baby's scalp and skin, which is great for a human, but not so great for a cat. Cats' skin is much drier than humans' and is not as good at retaining natural oils. This is why you will rarely see a cat with oily skin.
So if you use this type of shampoo on your cat, you will strip away those oils and leave their skin exposed to the elements - leading to dry skin, itchy skin, and even infection.
I would recommend using a mild shampoo specifically designed for cats instead. This will cleanse your cat's fur without stripping away its natural oils or causing any undue irritation.
How often should you bathe a cat?
Most cats don't need to be bathed very often. In fact, bathing
a cat too often can actually be harmful, because it can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your cat only when they really need it - usually when they start to look a bit greasy or have a bad odor.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for cats?
While not an ideal solution, Dawn dish soap is okay to use for cats, but only in two of their formulas - Dawn Original or Dawn Free & Clear. Dawn manufactures other scented versions that contain synthetic fragrances and dyes that may cause problems with your cat's skin or respiratory system.
How do I make cat shampoo?
You can make cat shampoo by mixing a cup of water with a quarter cup of baby shampoo. Pour this mixture over your cat and massage it into its fur. Rinse well afterward. It is best, though, to use a shampoo specifically manufactured for cats.
How do you bathe an unwilling cat?
Cats are very clean animals and will groom themselves extensively. However, there are times when a cat may need a bath.
The easiest way to bathe an unwilling cat is to place them in a sink or bathtub filled with water that is just deep enough to cover its body. Add some mild pet shampoo to the water and gently wet the cat's fur. Apply the shampoo and rub it into the fur, being careful not to get any in the animal's eyes. Rinse off the soap and towel dry the cat.
What should I wash my cat with?
You can either use a cat-specific shampoo or a baby shampoo. Be sure to rinse off all the soap thoroughly, as any residual soap can cause skin irritation. You may also want to consider using a conditioner after washing your cat's hair to make it soft and manageable.
Note - if you see reddish or scaley places that might indicate skin infections, check with your vet for the best treatment.
Using a human shampoo isn't the best thing, because a human shampoo will likely have additives that can irritate your cat's skin.
Do cats like baths?
There's no one answer to this question since cats can be different in how they feel about baths. Some cats seem to love baths and get really clean, while others may only tolerate a bath if it's absolutely necessary.
The main thing to remember is that cats groom themselves regularly, so they usually don't need a bath as often as dogs do. And if you do give your cat a bath, be sure to use warm water and shampoo made for cats - never use human shampoo on a cat!
How can I wash my cat without cat shampoo?
You can't really "wash" a cat without cat shampoo, but you can give them a bath.
Fill up your kitchen sink or a large bowl with warm water and add some pet-safe soap or dishwashing liquid.
Dunk your cat in the water, using one hand to wet them and the other to lather up the soap. Rinse off with fresh water, then towel dry. Make sure to avoid getting soap in their eyes!
My cat has itchy, dry skin - what will help?
Apart from taking them to the vet for medication, which is always a good idea,
there are also products on the market that are designed to help with skin irritation. Some products contain organic aloe vera gel and other natural healing ingredients to assist in this process.
One Minute Recommendation
So, which is the best feline shampoo for your needs? All of the products on our list are great shampoos that will leave your cat’s coat healthy and shiny.
It really depends on what you are looking for in a shampoo and your individual cat’s preferences. You can hardly go wrong with any of the products we reviewed above.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your beloved pet!
