cat shampoo

The best cat shampoo options for homemade, ringworm, antifungal, drym and DYI.

Your favorite kitty deserves the best things in life. When it comes to hygiene, it is only reasonable to give your pet the purr-fect cat shampoo.

Cats are one of the cleanest creatures in existence. They usually lick themselves clean to get rid of the unpleasant smell.

For our feline buddies, using their tongue as a wipe is enough to keep them clean. Of course, this instinctive habit has passed on from their ancestors as a defense mechanism.

By licking themselves, they eliminate all smell to make them invisible to potential predators.

However, the world of a domesticated kitty is entirely different from those living in the wild. Every cat owner would undoubtedly agree that bathing a cat is not an easy task.

So if cats are so clean, why do they dread water so much?

One of the reasons why cats do not like being submerged in water is that their fur isn’t designed to be drenched.

When their coat becomes waterlogged, it weighs down the kitty which makes it feel uncomfortable.

Felines have this innate inkling that they don't need to be drenched in water to be clean. Making them do something they're not accustomed to will make them nervous.

Another reason is that felines may not like the smell of chemicals from tap water. Since cats have a strong sense of smell, they can detect even the subtlest scent.

However, there are several ways to convince your kitty to take a bath. Cats are living in regions that have hot, dry climate particularly enjoy soaking in water.

Thus, this is probably their way of cooling themselves from the heat. However, the same can't be said to kitties living in colder climates. You can resolve this by making the water is warm.

If your pet is too anxious about getting into the sink or the tub, don't push it. It's probably best to take your pet away from the water if it starts to panic.

Use a gentle approach and ease your way into the water. Be patient; it would take some time before your kitty can get used to it.

When that time comes, you can finally introduce a mild shampoo to your kitty. A cat shampoo removes dirt and bad odors that water cannot just wash away.

If you want to make sure that your adorable furball is clean and smelling fresh, using shampoo is a must.

Why Do Cats Need a Cat Shampoo?

best cat shampoo

Felines are naturally endowed with tongue and teeth that can manage the rigors of feline hair care.

Moreover, they are gifted with the flexibility to enable them to reach any part of their body.

As independent creatures, they take care of grooming their hair all by themselves.

However, living a domesticated lifestyle entails more considerations than the life in the wild.

Domestic cats are more susceptible to household products that are potentially dangerous to them. These items may include:

  • oil,
  • glue,
  • wet paint,
  • honey,
  • plants that are toxic to cats,
  • home construction materials,
  • moreover, more.

Wild cats that live in the jungle don't have to worry about these things clinging on to their fur.

So they can lick themselves as much as they like without acquiring any ill effects.

However, domesticated pets are different.

They can rub themselves against these objects that are highly toxic to them.

Since cats like to lick their hair all the time, they may ingest these toxic materials that can lead to serious health problems.

That is why it is essential to give your kitty a bath to remove all these dangerous items from its fur before they can ingest it.

However, washing them with water alone isn't enough to rub off oils and other dirty materials. You'll need shampoo to clean your kitty thoroughly.

Additionally, water alone can't eliminate the unpleasant odor that may be acquired outdoors. Remember, cuddle time is more enjoyable if your kitty smells pleasantly fresh.

However, wait, there's more. If your kitty has been bothered by fleas or ticks, there are pet shampoos that are specially formulated to kill or repel pesky pests.

Aside from that, ringworm shampoo for cats contains miconazole that can effectively treat ringworms on kitties.

Moreover, you can also use an anti-fungal shampoo for cats that contains ketoconazole to kill fungus and treat fungal infections. Namely, the shampoo does a lot more than water alone.

Furthermore, overweight and older felines often have trouble grooming themselves. These kitties may not be able to reach some parts of their bodies.

You may need to assist them by giving them a refreshing bath and make sure that they are rigorously clean.

If you have long-haired kitties, you may be required to give your pets more bathing.

Mainly, this is because long furs are more challenging to maintain as they can grow greasy. Also, toxic materials are more likely to cling to long, thick coats.

However, you should also know when too much bathing is too much.

Just like us, animals also excrete natural oils to keep their coats healthy and shiny.

Excessive bathing and too much use of pet shampoo can strip off these natural oils that may result in skin irritation.

Long-haired kitties need to bathe once a week. Short-haired kitties may need to take a bath once a month unless they get into something dirty or unpleasant.

If regular cleaning is inevitable due to environmental factors, you can use a cat wipe instead. Cat wipes remove dirt, urine stains, dandruff and oil without the need for a bath.

You can use these wipes to keep your kitty clean and smelling fresh until it’s time for a bath again.

How To Bathe Your Cat

Most pet owners would affirm that bathing a cat is a difficult challenge. Despite this fact, many videos are showing adorable kitties enjoying a swim or a soak in a bathtub.

Which led us to ask, how did their owners convince their kitties to plunge into the water?

Most people are quick to fall into believing that water is a kitty's worst enemy. So they usually use this as an excuse to give up.

However, with a proper approach, coupled with patience and determination, anyone can train his or her pets to take a bath willingly.

Start initiating your pets to take a bath while they are still kittens. Training them early will get them used to the process.

In time, they will feel more comfortable about it, and they'll submit to it without any fuss.

However, just in case you have adopted an older cat, you may need more time to convince it especially if it hasn't done it before.

Consider the following tips to get your pet take a refreshing bath without experiencing bloodshed.

best cat flea shampoo

Choose the perfect time.

Take into account that our feline companions hate it when they're being interrupted.

It's never a good idea to pick them up while they're playing or while they're busy scratching on something.

If you keep disrupting their routine, they are likely to detest bath time more than ever. Choose a time when they are idle and unoccupied.

They typically go into an indifferent mood after a tiring activity. Pick this time to give them a relaxing bath to provide them with the notion that bath time is a refreshing time.

Protect yourself from those claws.

Naturally, felines will feel agitated when you suddenly submerge them into the water. Also, you won't like them when they panic.

Some pet owners have suffered from the unforgiving claws of their feline pets during their first attempts to the bathtub.

You can avoid this disaster by clipping their sharp nails before the bathing process; this is to protect yourself from scratches.

If you don’t like the idea of clipping their claws, you can also use vinyl caps over their nails. 

Prepare the materials ahead of time.

Make sure to assemble the necessary materials before bringing your kitty into the bathtub or the sink.

Prepare the towel, sponge or brush, cat shampoo, a cup or soft spray hose, and a non-slip mat for your feet.

If you’re planning to remove fleas or other pests from your pet, get a pair of tweezers and a flea comb ready.

During the first attempts, it is advisable to ask for help from a family member or a friend to assist you in case your pet goes berserk.

Start with a brush. 

Before soaking your pet into the water, brush its fur first to remove debris and dead hair. Some debris may become more difficult to remove when they get wet.

Make sure to brush away mud build-ups and other dirty scraps from the cat's coat before bathing.

Do it in the bathroom.

The bathroom is probably the best place to take your kitty for a bath. In a shower, you have the option to close the door to prevent your kitty from running away.

Your pet may get in trouble if you do this in the outdoors. You can use the bathroom sink for kittens and small kitties. For larger cats, bathtubs are more suitable.

Adjust the water temperature.

If you're living in a place with a hot climate, you may want to make sure that the water is not too warm.

While it’s true that cats prefer warm water, there’s a certain degree where the warmness becomes unbearable for them.

If the water temperature exceeds 102 degrees, let it cool down for a bit. Fill the sink or bathtub with water, then add a few ice chunks to make the water cool down faster.

However, if you’re living in colder climates, you can adjust the water so that it becomes warm.

For water temperature below 100 degrees, you can warm it up if you're using a faucet with a heater.

If not, fill the sink or bathtub with water and pour a small amount of heated pool. Always remember to check the temperature before you dip your kitty into it.

best dry shampoo for cats

Use a gentle and soothing approach.

Don’t abruptly submerge the kitty into the water at once. Start by gently dipping its paws into the water.

Then slowly immerse your pet and make sure that the water level doesn’t go above its neck.

While you’re doing this, talk calmly to your kitty to ease all the tension away. Always use gentle and slow applications to prevent it from getting startled.

After your pet has comfortably settled in the sink or bathtub, use a gentle spray hose or a plastic cup to douse the kitty entirely.

Do not use glass cups because they tend to break in cases of slippage. The sound of a shattering glass may shock your pet, and it may give a traumatic experience in bath time.

Use a cat shampoo. 

A pet shampoo helps get rid of deep-seated dirt that can’t be removed by water alone.

Pour a little amount of pet shampoo into your hand to form a lather. You can also use a sponge instead of your hand.

Work the lather starting from the neck down to the tail. Move the froth in the direction of the hair growth.

Avoid getting the shampoo into its eyes, mouth, and nose. No matter how mild a shampoo claims, it can still irritate the eyes and can be dangerous when ingested or inhaled.

If you need to clean the face, dilute one part of shampoo to 5 parts of water and use it to cleanse the face.

Gently massage the lather to make sure that it reaches the skin. We want to make sure that every part is meticulously cleaned.

Medicated pet shampoos such as flea shampoo, ringworm shampoo for cats and antifungal shampoo for cats should be left for 10 minutes.

This is to allow the active ingredients to work. However, then again, remember to dilute the shampoo when cleaning the face area.

Rinse thoroughly.

Rinse slowly but thoroughly. So be more careful on the face area because you need to avoid getting the shampoo into its eyes and mouth.

Ask assistance from someone who can hold the kitty in place while you’re rinsing off the pet shampoo.

Gently massage the fur during the rinsing process. Only stop when there’s no visible bubble left.

Pat dry with a clean towel.

After rinsing, bring your kitty onto a towel and gently pat it dry. Gently rub the kitty with the clean towel to let it dry thoroughly.

You can use a hair dryer to dry the fur during the winter quickly. Set the dryer to the lowest heat and position it in a tolerable distance.

Keep the hair dryer away from the face because it may dry out the eyes and other mucous membranes on the mouth and nose.

Use a wide tooth comb to brush long-haired cats.

Give your kitty some rewards.

Make it a habit of rewarding your cat after every bath. Give your pet its favorite treats as a reward for doing a job well done.

Doing so will make bath time more pleasant for your kitty, all because it's expecting some treats afterward.

diy cat shampoo

Can I Use Regular Shampoo on Cats?

Why bother to look for a cat shampoo when you can use the one that you’re currently using?

That’s probably the same logic you have when you hear some pet groomers recommending a shampoo for your pet.

However, let us enlighten you about the vast difference in using a pet shampoo vs. your beauty shampoo.

Most beauty shampoos contain sulfates, artificial dyes, parabens, petrochemicals and other active ingredients that may harm your pet.

So if beauty shampoos are big no-nos, how about baby shampoos? Sure, baby shampoos have mild formulation made explicitly for baby's super sensitive skin. 

Also, they don't contain irritants like those found in most beauty shampoos. 

However, remember, baby shampoos are formulated based on a human baby's skin, which is entirely different from a cat's skin.

Human skin has more layers than a feline's skin. Additionally, human skin has a pH level that is acidic while kitty's coat is more alkaline.

Shampoo that is gentle for baby's skin may not be as equally gentle for a cat. No matter how mild they claim it could be, baby shampoos can still harm your pet and may cause skin irritation.

While it's true that baby shampoos do not contain harsh chemicals, they include perfumes that may be too overwhelming for cats.

Like we said earlier, cats have a stronger sense of smell compared to us. A strong scent from the shampoo may turn them off during bath time.

You can still use baby shampoo on your cat occasionally, primarily when you suddenly run out of a cat shampoo.

However, we would not recommend using it as an alternative to a pet shampoo.

Can I Use Dog Shampoo on Cats?

For households that have both dogs and cats as pets, they usually make their pets share the same shampoo.

It's unusual to see pet owners using cat shampoos on their dogs. However, it's usual to see some owners using dog shampoos on their cats. However, is this okay?

Again, dogs and cats are different species of animals. They have a different bodily structure with different needs.

A dog's coat is very different from a cat's skin. More importantly, dog shampoos are designed for dogs and not specifically for cats. In most cases, dog shampoos have caused dandruff on cats.

It is therefore recommended to use shampoos that are appropriate for your specific pets. Dog shampoos for your dogs and cat shampoos for your cats.

However, there are pet shampoos that are formulated to be safe on both dogs and cats.

homemade cat shampoo

Cat Shampoo Formulations

There are different variants of pet shampoo formulations that you can choose from depending on your pet’s specific needs.

They are the following:

Cleansing and deodorizing

Pet shampoos are formulated to be as gentle as possible. This means that they are produced without the use of any harsh chemicals and strong perfumes.

If you want a shampoo that can remove all the dirt and can keep your pets smelling fresh, an "all natural" shampoo is right for you.

However, be careful, some "all-natural" pet shampoos contain sulfates, parabens, and dyes. Take time to read the list of ingredients to make sure that the shampoo doesn't include any of these chemicals.

For dry, irritated skin

Some pet shampoos are formulated to moisturize dry skin and treat irritated skin. These products contain natural oils that are proven to nourish sensitive skin and prevent irritation.

Pet shampoos with this formulation may use aloe vera, coconut or chamomile to provide moisturization and to relieve itching.

One of the most common symptoms of excessively dry skin is the appearance of dandruff.

Choose a pet shampoo that can heal dry skin. If skin irritation persists after several uses, consult your veterinarian to diagnose any potential infection that may be present.

Treatment for hair fall and excessive shedding 

Usually, cats shed old furs to make room for new hairs. However, you should know when shedding becomes excessive.

Hair loss can be an apparent sign of poor health associated with skin problems or infestations. Make sure to treat any underlying implication that causes excessive shedding.

If a skin infection causes it, look for medications to treat the disease. If it's caused by infestations, use products that can kill or repel pests on your kitty.

After treating the cause of shedding, it’s now time to look for a shampoo that can retain the coat’s thickness and shine.

Several pet shampoos are formulated to help control shedding while maintaining healthy, shiny fur.

ringworm shampoo for cats

Fleas and ticks repellent

No matter how hard you try to safeguard your kitty, there’s will still be a time when it encounters fleas or ticks during its lifetime.

However, you don't have to worry. There are pet shampoos specially formulated to get rid of fleas and other annoying pests from your pet.

These shampoos may contain organic or chemical insecticides, but they are tested to be safe on your pets.

Since they contain chemicals that are potent enough to kill pests, you should use these shampoos with caution.

Using shampoos with insecticides may become dangerous when ingested at high concentration.

That's why you have to be careful not to get the shampoo into the cat's mouth, eyes, and nose.

Antifungal shampoo for cats

Fungal infections can also affect cats that can be caused by a wide variety of fungi that exist in the environment.

Symptoms of fungal infections include skin redness, scaling of the skin, severe itching and hair loss.

Ringworm is the most common fungal infection in cats that leads to patchy, circular areas of hair loss with central red rings.

The worst thing about ringworm is that this condition is highly contagious and it could also infect humans and other animals.

Look for a ringworm shampoo for cats, particularly the one that contains ketoconazole to inhibit the production of ringworm cells.

Other types of fungal infections in cats include sporotrichosis and yeast infection.

Choose an antifungal shampoo for cats to stop the infection from spreading. However, it's highly recommended to use this shampoo in conjunction with topical antifungal medications.

Antifungal shampoo for cats can only manage the symptoms by preventing the fungi from spreading. Moreover, it would take a topical medication to kill all the fungi.


Choosing the Best Cat Shampoo

Depending on your pet’s specific needs, you can now pinpoint which particular shampoo to buy based on its formulation.

However, there’s still a wide range of options to choose from. So how can we possibly pick out the best cat shampoo that is most suitable for our kitty?

Check out our top picks for the best cat shampoos on the market. So you evaluate all the things they have in store for you.

1. Burt's Bees for Cats All-Natural Hypoallergenic Shampoo

If we’re talking about the best cat shampoo available on the market, the Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoo is definitely to be considered.

It is suitable for all kitties, kittens and senior cats alike, as it is made from high-quality ingredients.

This “all-natural” pet shampoo is true to its name because it is made of 100% safe ingredients without any sulfates, dyes, or harsh chemicals.

Pamper your favorite kitty with a pleasant smell and a silky smooth fur with Burt's Bees All-Natural Hypoallergenic Shampoo.

Features
  • Uses only all-natural ingredients; does not contain any harsh chemicals that may harm your kitty’s sensitive skin
  • the pH-balanced formulation that is suitable for kitties of all ages
  • Contains coconut oil and Shea butter that conditions and softens the coat to make it look healthier
  • Relieves itching and skin irritation
Burt's Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Shea Butter and Honey | Best Shampoo for All Cats and Kittens with Sensitive Skin

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic mild shampoo
  • 100% safe, natural ingredients; free from harsh chemicals
  • Lightly scented that is not too overwhelming for cats
  • High-quality all-natural ingredients

Overall, the Burt's Bees for Cats All-Natural Hypoallergenic Shampoo is the best cat shampoo that cleanses and deodorizes.

This is a perfect choice if you want to maintain a clean, fresh-smelling kitty.

Take note that this shampoo could only do what it promises:  to nourish your pet’s sensitive skin and condition the fur.

Don't expect this shampoo to treat severe skin infections or get rid of flea infestations.

If your kitty is suffering from skin infection or infestation, other shampoos are more suitable for it.


2. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo 

Here’s another all-natural pet shampoo that uses 100% safe ingredients ideal for feline pets with sensitive skin.

Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is specially formulated with oatmeal and aloe vera to relieve dry skin and dandruff.

Your adorable kitty can now say goodbye to dry, itchy skin. This mild shampoo effectively moisturizes skin to combat skin irritation and promote healing.

Its pH-balanced formula cleans and deodorizes safely and thoroughly, leaving your pet’s coat radiantly clean and plushy soft.

The vanilla and almond scent will leave your pet smelling excellent and huggable.

Additionally, this product is non-perishable, a massive plus for the buyer.

Features
  • Made from 100% biodegradable, natural ingredients
  • Soap-free shampoo
  • Vanilla and almond scented
  • With oatmeal and aloe vera to relieve itching and to moisturize dry skin
  • A mild formulation suitable for cat's sensitive skin
Earthbath THREP0036 All Natural Eucalyptus and Peppermint Shampoo, 16-Ounce

Pros

  • All-natural ingredients; no sulfates, parabens, dyes or other harsh chemicals used
  • Leaves coats brilliantly clean, fluffy and smooth
  • Leaves skin moisturized and healthy
  • Will does not wash off topical medications
  • Can be used for both cats and dogs

Cons

  • The heavy scent may be overwhelming for your sensitive kitty

If you're looking for a mild shampoo that can gently clean and deodorizes your pet then the Earth bath All Natural Pet Shampoo is probably the best cat shampoo for you.

The combined power of oatmeal and aloe vera works efficiently to relieve dry skin and itchiness.

Furthermore, it makes the fur fluffier than before so you can snuggle your plushy friend and enjoy its soft fur.

Another good thing is that this shampoo can also be used on dogs, which is perfect if you have both cats and dogs in your house.


3. Burt's Bees for Cats All-Natural Hypoallergenic Dander Reducing Wipes

You don't have to bath your pet every day; once a week is just enough. This is to allow a cat's natural oils to nourish its skin and fur.

Taking a bath every day can strip off these natural oils, making the skin prone to dryness and irritation.

During the period when a bath is not possible, you can still clean your kitty by using cat wipes. But not just any cat wipes.

Choose a cat wipe that can thoroughly remove dirt and debris but mild enough not to cause skin irritations.

We recommend Burt’s Bees Dander Reducing Cat Wipes.

These gentle wipes are formulated with aloe vera and colloidal oat flour to moisturize dry skin and prevent flaking.

This product is made from natural ingredients without the use of harsh chemicals, sulfates, dyes or artificial fragrances.

So you can ensure that your furry little friend is safe with every wipe. Unlike most pet wipes, Burt’s Bees Dander Reducing Cat Wipes are not dripping wet.

These wipes are damp enough to remove dandruff, litter dust, and other dirt that may cause allergies.

You'll immediately notice the improvement on the appearance of your pet's coat upon application. It will undoubtedly leave the skin silky smooth and shiny.

This item is pH-balanced which makes it suitable for cats with sensitive skin and cats of all ages.

Use it every time your pet gets into unpleasant objects. Just wipe your kitty from back of ears to tail, carefully avoiding face area.

Features
  • Contains colloidal oat flour and aloe vera to relieve skin dryness and itching
  • pH-balanced for cats with sensitive skin
  • Made from all-natural ingredients without any harsh chemicals involved
Burt's Bees for Cats All-Natural Dander Reducing Wipes | Best Grooming Wipes for All Cats and Kittens, 50 Count

Pros

  • Effectively removes dandruff
  • Reduces hair loss and shedding
  • Great for spot-cleaning and paw cleaning
  • Lightly-scented
  • Will does not wipe off topical medications

Cons

  • Not an ideal substitute for a thorough bath

All in all, Burt's Bees Dander Reducing Cat Wipes can come in handy when you need to clean certain dirtied spots on your kitty.

Its hypoallergenic formulation makes it suitable for cats of all ages.

Short-haired kitties can go on for several weeks without taking a bath, as long as you clean them with cat wipes.

However, long-haired cats are required to take a bath once a week because cat wipes may not be enough to maintain their long furs.

There may be deep-seated grimes that cannot be removed by cat wipes alone. Also, you may need to thoroughly bathe your cat with shampoo to thoroughly wash them away.


4. Oster Oatmeal Naturals Dander Control Cat Shampoo

Is your pet suffering from excessive shedding and dry, flaky skin? Here’s the perfect solution for your kitty’s problems - an all-natural shampoo with 100% natural oatmeal extract.

Oster Dander Control Cat Shampoo also contains safflower and enriched with vitamin B5 to alleviate skin irritation caused by dryness.

Its pH-balanced formulation makes it ideal for feline pets with sensitive skin that is prone to allergies.

This mild shampoo contains no parabens, dyes or alcohols that may irritate your sensitive pet.

Plus, its long-lasting sweet pea scent will give your huggable furball an overwhelming smell that you'll surely love.

With Oster Dander Control Cat Shampoo, your cat will never have to endure flaky, irritated skin ever again.

Features
  • Made from natural oatmeal protein base to soothe dry skin
  • Sweet pea fragrance to keep your pet smelling fresh and clean
  • Biodegradable ingredients; no harsh chemicals used
  • pH-balanced formulation for sensitive skin
Oster Oatmeal Naturals 4-in-1 Cat Shampoo, Rich Vanilla, 18 Fluid Ounces (078590-765-001)

Pros

  • Effective treatment for excessive shedding
  • Reduces dandruff
  • Relieves itching and skin irritation
  • Sweet pea scent is not too overpowering
  • Leaves coats smooth and shiny
  • Affordable

Cons

  • You may need to use a generous amount on large and long-haired cats because the shampoo is not concentrated

Overall, this shampoo efficiently does what it claims to do, and more. This product's primary focus is to nourish the skin to prevent flaking and dander.

Additionally, it soothes the skin to relieve itching caused by irritation or flea infestation.

Although it won’t get rid of fleas or ticks, it can alleviate the distress by calming and soothing the skin.


5. Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

If you're looking for the best antifungal shampoo for cats, this shampoo is the one. Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Shampoo can be used both on cats and dogs.

It contains the active ingredients ketoconazole and chlorhexidine to treat a wide range of fungal infections in cats.

The broad spectrum formula is effective against skin problems such as ringworm, yeast infection, pyoderma, and more.

In most cases, cats have been tormented by ringworms. Although the name implies otherwise, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm but is caused by a fungus.

Symptoms of ringworms include raised, rounded lesion or boils which can cause intense itching and foul odor.

Curaseb Shampoo is the best ringworm shampoo for cats as it effectively stops the fungi from spreading.

Leave the shampoo on your pet's skin and fur for 10 minutes to let the active ingredients work. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly with water afterward.

You and your beloved kitty will both enjoy its refreshing cucumber melon scent.

Features
  • Ketoconazole and chlorhexidine work together to treat bacterial and fungal infections
  • The pleasant smell of cucumber melon scent
  • Paraben-free
  • Soap-free
  • Veterinary strength medication
Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Dogs & Cats w/ Ketoconazole & Aloe, Effective Against Ringworm, Pyoderma & Allergies, #1 Vet Antifungal Dog Shampoo, Satisfaction Guarantee

Pros

  • Effective treatment for ringworm, pyoderma, yeast infections and other skin allergies
  • Relieves itching and skin irritation
  • Formulated for cats and dogs
  • Removes scales and foul odor
  • Reduces flaky skins and dandruff
  • Protects the skin from potential fungal infection

Cons

  • The liquid’s red color may leave a pink stain on the towel if not rinsed thoroughly
  • Works best in conjunction with topical antifungal medications. Using the shampoo alone won't completely kill the fungi.

6. Best cat flea shampoo: Adams Plus Flea and Tick

Flea, ticks and other annoying pests can ruin our pet's mood. You can save your cute kitty from infestations by using the best cat flea shampoo on the market.

There's a good reason why most pet owners consider Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo as the best cat flea shampoo available.

It contains active ingredients that effectively kills fleas and ticks at all stages of life, from egg to adult.

Plus, it is formulated to give your pet with up to 28 days of protection against pesky insects.

Keep in mind that this shampoo is not all-natural and toxin-free. Of course, it contains chemical pesticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) to kill fleas and prevents them from coming back.

Just like any other pesticides, you must take extra caution when applying this shampoo on your cat.

Avoid using this shampoo directly on your pet’s face where ingestion is possible. The chemical content can be dangerous if it gets swallowed or if it gets into the eyes.

Leave the shampoo on your pet for 10 minutes before rinsing it with water thoroughly.

To balance out the harsh ingredients, it is enriched with natural extracts such as aloe, oatmeal, coconut, and lanolin. These natural ingredients help soothe the skin for immediate relief from flea bites.

Features
  • Contains pyrethrins and IGRs to kill off fleas and ticks
  • Provides 28 days of protection against infestations
  • The soothing formula to relieve skin irritation caused by flea bites
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor, 12 Oz

Pros

  • Kills adult fleas, larvae and eggs in contact
  • Formulated for both cats and dogs
  • Removes dirt, scales, and dandruff
  • Cleans and conditions coat

Cons

  • Contains harmful chemicals and toxins that can be dangerous to your pet when ingested

To sum it all up, Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo is hands down the best cat flea shampoo on the market.

This product works wonders in getting rid of fleas and other pests. Aside from its flea-killing property, it also provides soothing relief to the skin.

To make sure that not a single flea can escape, use this shampoo together with a flea comb.


7. Best dry shampoo for cats: Vet’s Best No-Rinse Clean product

If you’re looking for the best dry shampoo for cats, this no-rinse foam shampoo can do miracles for you.

Here’s a quick and easy solution to clean your pet without the need to use water.

Vet’s Best No-Rinse Clean Shampoo is enriched with aloe vera, neem oil, vitamin E and oatmeal to soothe and moisturize dry skin.

It is considered the best dry shampoo for cats on the market due to its ease of use and practicality.

Merely pump and massage the foam into the fur, starting from head to paw. Leave the foam for a few minutes.

When the waterless shampoo dries, gently brush the fur to remove excess dirt and dead hair. Moreover, you're done!

You can cuddle with your pet and enjoy its pleasant smell and smooth coat.

Features
  • A soothing mix of aloe vera, oatmeal, neem oil, and vitamin E cleans and moisturizes your pet's skin and fur
  • Easy, hassle-free application
  • No-rinse foam shampoo; no need to use water
  • Veterinarian formulated
  • Non-perishable
Vet's Best No Rinse Waterless Dry Shampoo for Cats, Natural and Veterinarian Formulated

Pros

  • Mild, all-natural formulation; safe for cats of all ages
  • Ideal for cats that hate baths
  • Calming and relaxing scent
  • Great for light touch-ups to eliminate odor
  • Will does not wash off topical medications

Cons

  • If the cat is filthy, it may need to take a bath to remove deep-seated dirt
  • Not an ideal substitute for wet shampoo

Overall, this convenient no-rinse foam is entirely the best dry shampoo for cats. Since it's a leave-on shampoo, you don't have to worry about your pet licking it off.

It is made of all-natural ingredients, so it is safe even when ingested.

You can keep your long-haired or short-haired kitty feeling clean and smelling fresh without the hassle of convincing it to the bathroom.

However, remember your pet still need to take a bath once a month or once every two months.

You can use dry shampoo for quick touch-ups and spot-cleaning. However, you must not use this as an alternative to liquid shampoo forever.


Homemade Cat Shampoo

Some pet owners prefer to form a deeper connection with their pets by allowing their cats to use something out of their creation. For example, a homemade cat shampoo.

A DIY cat shampoo may sound a bit challenging. However, it can significantly benefit you and your pet in the long run.

No one knows your pet better than you do. Therefore, you already know its likes and dislikes.

By creating your homemade cat shampoo, you can add your preferred ingredients according to your pet's specific needs.

However, first, you have to decide what type of shampoo you're going to make.

Dry Shampoo vs. Wet Shampoo

If you want a hassle-free way of cleaning your pet, dry shampoo may be more suitable for you. When it comes to cleaning, it works the same way as a wet shampoo.

It penetrated all the way through the fur to lift away dirt and debris. You will need to brush it out to remove all the dirt.

You might be thinking what everyone else is thinking. Is dry shampoo better than a wet shampoo?

One thing is for sure, using dry shampoo eliminates the need to use water. Also, this also removes all the hassle and scratches that you may get if you take your pet for a bath.

However, nothing beats the thorough cleaning that you get from a bath using water and wet shampoo.

If you have tried using both, you must have compared the results. So the verdict is visible through the cat's coat.

A kitty that just got from a refreshing bath has a bright coat that you cannot see after using a dry shampoo.

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Dry Shampoo: DIY Cat Shampoo

Here's an easy way to make your dry shampoo for your kitty. Follow the simple steps below:

In a bowl, mix equal parts of cornmeal and oatmeal.

Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the mixture and mix well.

Rub the mixture into the cat’s fur and work it down onto the skin.

Leave the dry shampoo on the cat for 5 minutes.

Brush the fur thoroughly to remove dirt and lose debris from the coat.

Wet Shampoo: DIY Cat Shampoo

Dry shampoo won't be sufficient to thoroughly clean long-haired cats. In these cases, bathing your long-haired cats with damp shampoo is the best way possible.

You can make homemade wet shampoo for your kitty by following these easy steps:

  • In a bowl, put 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of gentle dish soap and 4 cups of water.
  • Mix the ingredients well.
  • Transfer the mixture in a sealed container.
  • After dousing the cat thoroughly with water, massage the mixture into the fur.
  • Work from head to tail, carefully avoiding the face area.
  • Rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Pat dry with a clean towel.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cat shampoo is essential to ensure that your cat gets the best care possible.

Determine the needs and health conditions of your kitty. Use these factors as your guidelines in picking the most appropriate product for your pet.

It's easy to believe that a particular product only uses all-natural ingredients, but don't quickly fall in.

Take time to check the label and read the list of ingredients. Memorize all the harmful chemicals that you need to avoid.

If your pet has severe skin conditions such as fungal infections, you may want to consult with your veterinarian before using antifungal shampoo for cats.

Your vet may be able to recommend additional medications to boost the effect of the medicated shampoo.

The same is true if your cat is being infested with fleas or ticks. While the best cat flea shampoo helps relieve the symptoms of flea bites, additional topical treatments may still be required.

You also have the option of making homemade shampoo for cats if you are skeptical about the contents of commercial products.

However, be careful in your choice of ingredients. As much as possible, avoid using strong perfumes and oils in making homemade cat shampoo.

References:

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catological

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