Cats are generally great at grooming and cleaning themselves, but there may be occasions where you need to intervene.
From sticky and dirty coats when they have been out all night in mysterious places, to when they have skin conditions or a case of fleas, there are shampoos out there to deal with pretty much every scenario, as you will read below.
We have researched the different kinds and learnt about what cats really want in order to bring you the best cat shampoos.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Overall |
| Check Price |
| Best Flea Shampoo | Best Flea Shampoo |
| Check Price |
| Best Dry Shampoo | Best Dry Shampoo |
| Check Price |
When you want your cat shampoo to be as gentle and caring as possible, it is a great idea to try and keep things natural. The Purrfect range contains a whole host of essential oils and organic ingredients, such as virgin coconut and aloe vera to be gentle on the skin.
With no parabens or chemicals, it shouldn’t irritate your cat’s skin and fur. This will reduce the likelihood they will develop rashes or irritations, and also makes it suitable for cats with existing skin and fur issues.
There is also an infusion of catnip which should help to calm them down if bathtime often makes them a little bit stressed. The solution is easy to rinse off too, as it doesn’t cling to hair or become sticky, which means less time for them under the water.
With a peach scent that will ensure your cat smells lovely for a long time to come, as well as keeping your nose happy, this is a gentle solution suitable for most cats.
It has built-in conditioner, so won’t only leave fur clean but smooth and nourished too. SLS, SLES, paraben and alcohol-free, it won’t cause any irritation or reactions so is safe for the skin as well. The added aloe vera soothes and protects, and pro-vitamin B5 nourishes the coat.
When on your cat, it foams but doesn’t bubble up too much so is good for keeping them calm and relaxed. You can rinse it off easily and quickly, minimising the time spent under the taps.
Johnson’s are a big name when it comes to taking care of fleas, and this shampoo is perfectly formulated to ensure that they go away and stay away.
Fleas hate water, and with the addition of this shampoo, all traces will be removed from the skin, including eggs. This should help to clear your home of them quicker too. It smells pleasant enough and works itself into a nice lather.
You can use it on kittens from eight weeks of age, which shows it is gentle and caring. It also won’t be harsh on your hands which is good if you really need to work it in to get rid of all of the bugs.
No flea shampoo works absolute miracles, as it all depends on how bad the issue is and your cat’s fur and behaviour, but the shampoo should really help the issue alongside stronger treatments if necessary.
Socks really really needs a bit of a freshen up, but any attempt to take him near water ends up with a clawed hand and grumpy cat.
Waterless cat baths are for you, then. There is no need to rinse it out, use water to foam it up or even hold them against their will in the sink. Just massage the foam through the fur, avoiding the eyes and nose area. It can also be a good answer when the weather is cold outside, and you don’t want to risk any chills.
It is a foamy solution and includes a range of conditioners and moisturisers to help the hair. The application will not affect topical flea treatments, and the addition of chamomile helps combat pollutants outside, neutralising smells such as car fumes and dirt.
Manufactured by experts in herbal remedies and medicine, this shampoo is not only completely natural, but the ingredients can combat some of the most common issues too.
The main ingredient is pennyroyal, which delivers a fresh minty scent that not only helps please both noses but also deters fleas and other parasites.
It can be diluted by up to 50%, so a bottle is extremely economical and will last for many washes. This could be great if there are a few cats to bath, or it needs to be a regular thing. And it is suitable for all fur types so if you have a long-haired, fluffy Persian or Ragdoll as well as a shorthair Bengal, it will work across both breeds. It will also work on dogs should you have something close to a mini zoo in your home.
Does your cat suffer from a case of bacteria or yeast overgrowth? Maybe a fungal imbalance, or simply just very dry skin? They are conditions which need to be controlled and can cause irritation otherwise.
Pyo is vet recommended, as it not only tackles the issue at hand but also helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier and soothe irritation. If your cat has pyoderma or Malassezia, this shampoo can combat the effects for soothing bath time.
Pets with these issues often have underlying problems, and it can easily flare up again once treated. This shampoo is good to use 2-3 times every week for the first couple of weeks until the issue is controlled.
Cats with long hair face the usual issues of dirt and pollutant build-up, but can also suffer from knotting and tangles.
The contents of this shampoo not only leave the fur silky smooth but also contain nutrients which help to prevent matting. The texture of the shampoo also means it is easy to rinse out, reducing the likelihood that you will create tangles from the product removal or foaming.
All ingredients are organic too, so gentle on the skin and for use on young and old, as well as puppies.
If your cat is generally able to keep on top of cleaning and grooming, but occasionally there is spot washing required, this dry foam shampoo could combat any dirt without the need for a full bath.
Cleaning wipes can be just as nerve-wracking as a wash for some cats, but this gentle foam is easy to rub on to fur and leave. Situations such as dirty paws or bellies from the rain outside are perfect for this spot cleaning, or if you have had to apply greasy ear drops or flea treatment to the face/neck area.
It is perfumed so will leave a nice scent behind, and doesn’t leave any marks or residue behind. It can also get rid of any loose hairs upon rubbing, and just needs a simple brush through after it has been left to work for a few minutes.
A deodorising shampoo which has been specifically formulated to remove unpleasant smells from fur, which is fab if your cat doesn’t really take much pride in their appearance and aroma themselves.
Byotrol is the perfect ingredient for this, as it can remove 99% of bacteria. Rather than the smell being masked and reappearing after they go outside, odours are instead eradicated. It also has a barrier effect, making it less likely that the cat will become smelly again quite so quickly – which is also good news for your home furnishings.
The shampoo can be diluted with six parts water for easier application, which also means one bottle will go a long way. Just be aware that it contains Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, which can cause allergic reactions, so it may not be good for those with sensitive skin conditions.
Virbac specialises in animal health, and if your precious four-legged friend needs something gentle and hypoallergenic, then this could be the one.
It contains keratoplastic properties, which will help to control surface bacteria on the skin. This will reduce the likelihood of any future issues, which is perfect if they have dry or irritated skin. Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, it will combat any smells or skin damage too.
It is best for mild or moderate superficial issues, so bear in mind that more serious issues could need additional treatment.
As you have read above, there are largely three forms:
This is an ordinary shampoo, as you would use on human hair. You wet the cat, add a bit of water to the shampoo and then rub the shampoo onto the fur, working into a lather or foam. This then needs to be rinsed
For cats who will not go within a mile of water, or perhaps if your cat just needs spot cleaning (such as after the application of topical medication or if they are too old/young to fully clean themselves). It usually comes as a foam or cream, doesn’t need to be rinsed off, needs no water to be applied and generally just dries without towelling
A 2-in-1. Cat fur usually doesn’t need conditioning as it contains the correct balance of oils and minerals, but if your cat has long fur or it is quite dull, conditioning treatments may help keep knots at bay or provide some shine
The best for you will depend on how your cat is at bathtimes, as well as if your cat has any skin conditions, particular needs or how dirty they get.
You must always consider any skin conditions and the type of fur first. Longer hair which easily becomes matted will need an oilier, softer shampoo, but short-haired cats may need something which is suitable for sensitive skin as it is more likely to come into contact with this.
Check with a vet if your cat has any particular issues, such as dry skin or allergies. It is best to stick with natural formulations, but if you do need chemicals (to get rid of fleas for instance), then keep everything paraben, sulphate and dye-free.
If you need specialist shampoo, your vet will often recommend the best form. Always check online for the price though – it’ll likely be cheaper than they offer it.
It can be a difficult job, so it is always best to have some help to comfort the cat and also prevent injury to both parties.
Have a towel to hand for drying, a gentle cloth and cotton wool for cleaning around eyes and ears, and ensure the method of rinsing is appropriate. You could use a jug, spray bottle or even just your hands, but never soak your cat.
A hairdryer or dedicated pet dryer could help if your cat has long hair or doesn’t like to be physically dried, but don’t use if it makes them nervous or the dryer gets very hot.
Not always. Many can take care of that side of things themselves, and if your cat is particularly proud, then they probably don’t go anywhere near dirt, rain or dust anyway.
But as mentioned above, there are some incidents where they may need a bit of help. To fully remove fleas, if they have a skin condition or if they are too old to do this themselves are some cases. Others may be overweight and not able to reach certain places, and some may suffer from regular furballs so you may wish to give them some help to reduce these.
House cats may also need some occasional cleaning, as they will be using litter trays. Shampoo can get rid of loose hairs, dead skin cells and product build-up too.
Never force a cat to have a bath. If they really don’t like water or the whole experience, it can cause a lot of stress and increased heart rate. Dry shampoo or wipes could be the answer.
If your cat isn’t used to baths, it is important to introduce them gently. Never rush them, keep experiences positive and if possible, start when they are a kitten.
Fleas hate water, so bathing your cat can help to remove some of these. The addition of a special flea shampoo can help further, as many contain mint-based ingredients which get rid of any left behind and can reduce the likelihood of another infestation. Check ingredients lists, and try to stick to more natural chemical-free options.
It doesn’t always help 100% though. Always use topical or oral treatments if the issue is serious or isn’t completely cleared, and talk to a vet if the problem persists. Also, look for a shampoo which can be used alongside topical treatment.
No! Cat hair and human hair is very different. pH levels are different, and cat shampoo is specially created so the cat can still clean themselves if appropriate, without ingesting toxic products.
There is some shampoo out there appropriate for dogs and cats but never cross into the human hair care world. Ensure the shampoo you choose specifically states it is cat-friendly.