The 7 Best Cat Shampoos in 2024

Looking for the best cat shampoo for your cat's coat? 

Cats are pretty meticulous about cleaning and grooming themselves. This usually means they don’t need as many baths as your standard dog. However, there will be times when your feline friend needs a little help getting clean. If they roll in something sticky or smelly, or end up with greasy fur, it might be time to invest in some washing supplies.

Here’s your guide to choosing the best shampoo for your cat.

Who Should Buy Cat Shampoo?

Cats aren’t huge fans of water. Generally, you’ll want to keep them away from liquid as much as possible (besides the water they drink). However, baths can sometimes be necessary. If you have a long-haired cat, or a breed that requires regular grooming, baths may be necessary. 

While your cat has a fantastic grooming system in place naturally, you may find she or he needs a bath when:

If you decide washing is necessary, then it’s crucial to buy cat shampoo. Regular human shampoo, and even many dog shampoos won’t be suitable for your cat’s skin and fur. Cat shampoos are designed specifically for felines, meaning you’re less likely to encounter itchy skin issues or allergy reactions.

Pro tip: If you have mild cat allergies, washing your furry friend regularly will help to reduce the excess fur and dander which could cause those allergies to flare up.

Important Features to Consider

In general, you should be looking for a high-quality cat shampoo deemed safe for your cat. A good shampoo should come with minimal chemicals and toxic ingredients included, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re placing on your cat’s skin. Let’s look at some of the different features you should consider when choosing your shampoo:

If you’re not sure where to start looking, it might be worth talking to your vet or local groomer. These professionals can often give helpful advice on which shampoos work best, and which are most likely to be safe for your cat.

Cat Shampoo FAQ

Q: How often should I bathe my cat?

This depends heavily on your cat. If you’re bathing a cat with long fur, every couple of months might be enough, unless you notice that your cat is getting messy more often. If you’re bathing an older cat, your vet may need to give you advice on frequency.

Q: When should I start bathing my cat?

The earlier you can start bathing your cat, the better. The majority of felines don’t like water, so it’s best to introduce them at an early age to reduce their negative connotations with bathing. If you can start from kittenhood, this usually works best.

Q: How do I apply cat shampoo?

We’d recommend preparing everything you need for your cat’s bath before you pull your kitty into the room. This will help to reduce some of the stress of bathing your cat. Use warm water to fill a couple of inches of the bath, and make sure you have a plastic cup ready to rinse the shampoo away. When your cat is damp, apply the shampoo following the instructions provided by the bottle. Do not get water or shampoo into your cat’s ears, eyes or nose. Lather the shampoo carefully and rinse thoroughly. Speak soothingly to relax your cat as you go through the bathing process.

Q: Do I need to use special cat shampoo?

Yes, it’s important to have a specific cat shampoo for your kitty, otherwise you put them at risk of skin problems and fur issues. In some cases, you can use baby shampoo, but it’s best to avoid this. Do not use human shampoo or dog shampoo that isn’t specifically classified as also being safe for cats.

Q: What do you need to bathe a cat?

Q: Does dry shampoo work?

A dry shampoo formulated especially for your cat can be a good way to get rid of grease and other issues. However, this shampoo option might not be ideal if you need to get dirt or sticky substances out of your cat’s fur or tangles.

Best 7 Cat Shampoos for Cats

Now you know the basics of washing your kitty, it’s time to look at the best available cat shampoos. The good news is that there are plenty of highly recommended options out there. Today, we’re going to look at a wide selection of excellent cat shampoos, appreciated for their natural formula, great results, and fantastic usability.

Finishing Thoughts on Cat Shampoo

The right cat shampoo for your kitty will depend on a range of factors, including any conditions they might have which affect their skin or fur. Unkempt hair can fast become matted which may cause your moggy friend skin irritation and infections.

In general, if you’re worried about your cat’s skin or fur health, it’s best to get your veterinarian's opinion before investing in any specific formula. Your vet can give you some insights into how certain ingredients might affect your kitty and whether there are any specific substances you should be cautious about.

Our favorite product on this list is the TropiClean shampoo collection, capable of addressing a range of issues with a rich lathering performance. Fresh ingredients with no soap or parabens to worry about means that this shampoo is great for all kinds of cats. It’s also made in the USA.

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