Best Cat Shampoo… 2023 Year End Review.

Top 5 List: The Best Cat Shampoos You Can Buy in 2023

Cats are good at keeping themselves clean, and their teeth and tongue are designed in a way that can handle their hair. Cats are also flexible enough to reach almost every inch of their bodies and spend a lot of time grooming.   However, some circumstances call for a bath.

If your cat has been in contact with specific household products such as oil, honey, toxic plants, glue, etc., it’s safer to bathe your kitty than to let her lick these harmful products off.   So, you’ve got to brace yourself up and clean your kitty.

In this blog post, I will share five of the best cat shampoos available on the market that are effective, along with a few things that you should know.

Let’s begin.

Do You Need To Bathe Your Cat?

Cats hate baths as much as humans hate giving it to them. While cats don’t need a regular wash as they keep themselves meticulously clean, veterinarian Dr. Cynthia McManis observes that cats spend about 50% of their waking hours grooming themselves.

There are a few exceptional circumstances when you need to bathe your cat. These include the following:

• Outdoor cats that come into contact with chemicals and pollutants that would be harmful if licked off
• Some cats get their poop stuck on their fur- especially for long-haired cats. So, washing them to ensure they don’t cause a mess in the house would be best.
• A few shampoos are made to reduce allergens (dander) on the cat
• Shampooing can sometimes reduce shedding and hairballs
• Older cats stop grooming, and the fur, which causes their coat to be oily and dirt, as well as bacteria, get trapped, which can lead to infection
• Some shampoos remove fleas, matting, mites, and fungal infection

No matter the reason, sometimes your cat needs a bath, and there’s no way to escape it.

Can I Use Human Shampoo for My Cat?

Using human shampoo for your kitty seems like a practical option. Only, it’s not.

Even if the label on your all-natural shampoo says it’s gentle and for sensitive skin, it doesn’t mean it’s for your kitty. Human shampoos contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to cats, such as sulfates, dyes, parabens, petrochemicals, etc.   So, it is safer to stick to regular cat shampoo instead.

Can you use baby shampoo on cats?

Most baby shampoos claim to be gentle and are made to keep the baby’s sensitive skin in mind. However, these shampoos are still designed to be used by humans and aren’t necessarily a good pick for cats.

Cats have fewer layers of skin than humans and a more alkaline pH, while humans are acidic. So, even baby shampoo can harm your kitty, dry out her skin and coat, and cause irritation.   Baby shampoos contain less harmful chemicals to cats but are perfumed quite intensely. Cats have a powerful smell of smell, and bathing your cat using strongly perfumed baby shampoo is cruel.

You can use baby shampoo for your cat in case of an emergency. However, it is not recommended and can cause your cat some side effects.

I am moving on.

Can you use dog shampoo on cats?

Cats and dogs are two of the most common household pets.   However, cats and dogs have different needs and different furs. To most, using dog shampoo on the cat doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, there are a few ingredients in these shampoos that are harmful to both the animals.

Since dogs are more significant, they need a hefty dose of overexposure and are generally safe. However, cats are smaller than dogs, requiring a lower amount to get overexposed and have opposing side effects.   Dog shampoos can dry out a cat’s skin and cause dandruff.

Not all dog shampoos harm your cat, but you should still steer clear of them just to be safe.

Preparing to Bathe Your Cat

Bathing your cat can be stressful for you and your cat. Ideally, it would be best if you started cleaning your cat when she’s still a kitten to keep her used to the process and avoid the bloodshed that may happen.

In this blog section, I’ll share a few tips for cat owners to bathe a cat.

Let’s begin.

Right Timing Matters

You need to find the Goldilocks zone and choose a time when your kitty is more mellow. Don’t interrupt your cat’s hunt or playtime; it’ll irritate the cat. Instead, decide when your cat is happy, relaxed, and receptive.

Clip The Claws

Some cats hate baths and will do anything to make it stop.

WouClippingkitty’s nails would be best to prevent her from scratching you while bathing. Nail caps are also a good idea if you prefer your arms and hands to be scratchless.

Prepare Everything You Need

If you want your cat’s bath time to go smoothly, have all the materials you need ahead of time. You’ll need a brush, towel, gentle spray or mug, and someone to help you.

Start With Brushing

Brushing your cat right before the bath successfully removes dead hair, mats, and debris. Carpets tend to thicken when wet and shrink, making them harder to get out of your cat’s fur.

Apply warm water

It would be best to bathe your cat in the bathtub or the sink. Since bathrooms are generally small, you can quickly close the door if your cat decides to bolt.

• Sinks are an excellent choice for smaller cats and kittens
• Bathtubs are ideal for more giant cats

Use warm water on your cat—water that’s either too hot or too cold can cause your cat to be uncomfortable, and she may even use her claws on you!  

Go slow

Don’t try to rush the bath! Cats prefer a gentle approach as it is more soothing and comfortable for your kitty.

Add Some Shampoo

Gently pour some shampoo into your hand and begin to lather it. Start by applying it to your cat’s neck in the direction of the hair, and work your way to the tail. Don’t wash your cat’s face and ears. Some shampoos can irritate your cat’s eyes, so ensure you don’t get any around that area.

Rinse

Rinse the shampoo away using some warm water and go slow. This is when most cats use their cool, so beware. You must remove all the shampoo during this stage, or your cat might lick off the residue later, which can be very harmful.

Pat dry

Make sure to dry your kitty thoroughly. Gently pat and rub your cat with a towel. You may even use a hair dryer if your cat doesn’t have problems with it. Please keep it on the lowest heat setting, and don’t blow your cat directly in the face!

Reward You Kitty

Even if your cat has been an absolute nightmare, you must reward her with a treat and affection after a bath. Baths are hard for cats to endure, and maybe your cat will remember the reward the next time she needs a bath!

Top 5 Picks for the Best Cat Shampoo

A good cat shampoo addresses all the needs and does more good than harm in the long run.   In this blog post section, I will share five of the best cat shampoos available. I’ll quickly overview each of these shampoos and go into detail in the following areas.

Let’s take a look, shall we?

Best Dog Shampoo	Key Features	Our Rating	Price
Radiance Naturals All Natural Pet Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo Plus Conditioner For Dogs, Cats, Puppies	The practical, all-inclusive pet wash is gentle, cleanses the coat well, and moisturizes the cat’s skin. The shampoo is formulated for sensitive skin, is gentle, and for animals with skin allergies. The naturally derived shampoo contains palm, coconut, aloe vera, and oatmeal. Safe, non-toxic, and professional-grade quality	4.8 Stars	Check now
Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Cat Shampoo and Conditioner	Made in the US using high-quality ingredients The shampoo is pH-balanced for cats with sensitive skin Free of alcohol, sulfates, harsh chemicals, added colors, etc. Made from natural and organic ingredients for dry and itchy skin	4.7 Stars	Check now
Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoo	All-natural shampoo for hypoallergenic cats Softens, smoothes, and conditions the cat’s coat It can be used regularly and is a safe option for cats with sensitive skin The pH-balanced mild shampoo is safe for cats of all ages	4.7 Stars	Check now
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo	All-natural, cruelty-free, and 100% biodegradable pet shampoo It is free of soaps and is gentle, safe, and effective It comes in a Vanilla scent, which makes the dog smell amazing A good choice for cats with sensitive skin	4.4 Stars	Check now
Paws & Pals Natural Pet Shampoo And Conditioner	It contains all-natural and safe ingredients for cats A premium skin and coat treatment that contains essential oils Vegan and organic Features a tear-free soapless formula that’s safe and effective for cats	4.3 Stars	Check now

Now that we’ve reviewed each of these products and shared their highlights, it is time to take a closer look at all the products.

Let’s begin.

Radiance Naturals All Natural Pet Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo Plus Conditioner For Dogs, Cats, Puppies

The Radiance Naturals All-Natural Pet Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo is one of the best cat shampoos available. The shampoo is of professional-grade quality and is made from all-natural premium ingredients. The shampoo is made in the US and meets all the safety standards. The smoothing and hydrating cat shampoo leaves your furry friend with a soft, healthy coat.

Let’s take a look at the key features, shall we?

• The practical, all-inclusive pet wash is gentle, cleanses the coat well, and moisturizes the cat’s skin effectively
• The shampoo is formulated for sensitive skin, is mild, and for animals with skin allergies
• The naturally-derived shampoo contains palm, coconut, aloe vera, and oatmeal
• Safe, non-toxic, and professional-grade quality

Following are the pros and cons of this flea and tick treatment:

Pros	Cons
Practical and all-inclusive solution naturally-derived shampoo contains palm, coconut, aloe vera It is formulated for sensitive skin and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients	This may cause the dog’s skin to dry

The Radiance Naturals All-Natural Pet Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo is one of the best cat shampoos. The all-natural shampoo controls odor, moisturizing the cat’s skin and leaving the coat soft and shiny.

Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Cat Shampoo + Conditioner

The Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Cat Shampoo and Conditioner is one of the best options. The shampoo plus Conditioner is made in the United States and is an excellent choice for pets allergic to grass, food, and flea bites. The pH-balanced formula relieves dry skin and is free of sulfates, added colors, alcohol, etc. The aloe-enriched shampoo is soap-less, detergent-free, and keeps the dog smelling fresh.

Take a look at the key features:

• Made in the US using high-quality ingredients for the best and most effective results
• The shampoo is pH-balanced for cats that have sensitive skin and get allergic reactions
• Free of dangerous components, alcohol, sulfates, harsh chemicals, added colors, etc.
• Made from natural and organic ingredients for dry and itchy skin

Following are the pros and cons of this flea and tick treatment:

Pros	Cons
Made in the US pH-balanced for dogs with sensitive skin Alcohol, sulfates, and harsh chemicals are not used	It has a weird smell

The Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a good pick. The product is made in the United States and is a soapless, detergent-free solution.

Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoo

The Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoos is one of the best available. This shampoo is made using the highest quality ingredients and is suitable for all kitties.

The all-natural shampoo is made of 100% safe ingredients, is effective in relieving itching, and has a pleasant smell. It doesn’t contain sulfates, harsh chemicals, or colorants.

Following are some key things:

• All-natural shampoo is one of the best choices for hypoallergenic cats
• The shampoo softens, smoothes, and conditions the cat’s coat, making it look healthy
• The shampoo can be used regularly and is a safe option for cats that have sensitive skin
• The pH-balanced mild shampoo is safe for cats of all ages

Pros	Cons
pH-balanced mild shampoo Softens, smoothes, and conditions High-quality all-natural ingredients	It may cause skin rashes in some dogs

The Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Oatmeal Shampoo is a good pick because it is 100% safe and contains no harsh chemicals that may irritate your cat’s skin or have harmful effects.

Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo

This Natural Pet Shampoo from Earthbath is one of the best cat shampoos available. This shampoo is made using all-natural ingredients, is 100% biodegradable, and is a cruelty-free option. The heavily scented shampoo masks odors while being gentle, safe, and effective. This shampoo helps relieve dry skin and the dandruff that comes with it. The shampoo is a good choice for cats with sensitive skin.

Here are some highlights of the product:

• All-natural, cruelty-free, and 100% biodegradable pet shampoo that leaves the cat with a soft fur
• It is free of soaps and is gentle, safe, and effective
• The shampoo comes in a Vanilla scent, which makes the cat smell amazing
• A good choice for cats that have sensitive skin

Take a look at the following pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
All-natural and cruelty-free 100% biodegradable Free of soaps It comes in a Vanilla scent	It may cause excessive shedding in some dogs The smell may be overwhelming for some

The Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is one of the best picks because it is gentle, safe, and effective. The cruelty-free shampoo is also good at relieving dry skin and itchiness in some cats.

Paws & Pals Natural Pet Shampoo And Conditioner

The Paws and Pals Natural Pet Shampoo and Conditioner is one of the best you can buy. This shampoo contains all-natural ingredients and is one of the most effective natural shampoos available.

This cruelty-free and vegan shampoo contains premium ingredients and is gentle on your cat’s coat. It helps smoothen your furry friend’s coat, making it shinier and softer.  

Take a look at the key features:

• It is made of all-natural and safe ingredients for dogs
• A premium skin and coat treatment that contains essential oils
• The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, organic, and entirely safe for your kitty
• Features a tear-free and soapless formula that’s safe as well as effective for cats

Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?

Pros	Cons
Premium skin and coat treatment All-natural and safe ingredients One of the most effective natural shampoos Cats like the smell	May cause allergic reactions

To summarize, the Paws and Pals Natural Pet Shampoo and Conditioner is one of the best cat shampoos as it is one of the most effective natural options available and is made of safe ingredients.

Final Words: Top 5 Picks: The Best Cat Shampoos You Can Buy in 2018

You can find a lot of cat shampoos on the shelves. However, a good cat shampoo meets all of your requirements, is effective, and does more good than harm in the long run. Several shampoos advertised for cats have harmful effects, so you need to pick a shampoo for your cat wisely.

In this blog post, we went through the best cat shampoos for your kitty available to buy on the market. I hope you found the right one for your furry friend!

Do you have questions? If so, leave them in the comments, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.