Top 5 List: The Best Cat Shampoos You Can Buy in 2018
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 bath your kitty than to let her lick these harmful products off.
So, you’ve to go to brace yourself up and bathe 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 Really 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 the waking hours on 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 which would be harmful if licked off
- Some cats get their own poop stuck on their fur—this is especially true for long-haired cats. So, you need to wash them to make sure that they don’t cause a mess in the house
- 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 what the reason is, sometimes your cat just needs a bath, and there’s no way to get out of it.
Can I Use Human Shampoo for My Cat?
Using human shampoo for your kitty seems like an effective option, right?
Only, it’s not.
Even if the label on your all-natural shampoo says that it’s gentle and for sensitive skin, it doesn’t mean that 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 that yous tick to regular cat shampoo, instead.
Can you use baby shampoo on cats?
Most baby shampoos claim to be gentle and are made keeping 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 pH which is more alkaline while that of humans is acidic. So, even baby shampoo can harm your kitty, dry out her skin and coat, and cause irritation.
Baby shampoos do contain chemicals that are less harmful to cats but, they are perfumed quite strongly. Cats have a very strong 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 to have some side effects.
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, it doesn’t seem like a big deal to use some dog shampoo on the cat. However, there are a few ingredients in these shampoos that are harmful to both the animals.
Since dogs are larger in size, they need a large dose of overexposure so, they are generally safe. However, cats are smaller than dogs in size and require a lower dose to get overexposed and have averse side effects.
Dog shampoos can dry out a cat’s skin and cause dandruff.
Not all dog shampoos are harmful to 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 as well as for your cat.
Ideally, you should start bathing your cat when she’s still a kitten to make her used to the process and avoid the bloodshed that may happen in the future.
In this section of the blog, I’ll share a few tips for cat owners on how 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 as it’ll just irritate the cat. Instead, choose a time when your cat is happy, relaxed, and receptive.
Clip The Claws
Some cats just hate baths and will do anything to make it stop.
You should clip your kitty’s nails to prevent her from scratching you while you’re bathing her. 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, make sure to have all the materials you need ahead of time. Things you’ll need include a brush, towel, a gentle spray or a mug, and someone to help you out.
Start With Brushing
When you brush your cat right before the bath, it successfully removes dead hair, mats, and debris. Mats tend to thicken when they’re wet and, the, shrink which makes them harder to get out of your cat’s fur.
Apply warm water
You should bathe your cat either in the bathtub or in 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 larger 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 in 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, make sure that 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 need to 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. Keep it on the lowest heat setting and don’t blow your cat directly on the face!
Reward You Kitty
Even if your cat has been an absolute nightmare, you need to 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 longer run.
In this section of the blog post, I will share five of the best cat shampoos available on the market. I’ll quickly overview each of these shampoos and go into detail on each of them in the following sections.
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 |
|
4.8 Stars | Check now |
| Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Cat Shampoo and Conditioner |
|
4.7 Stars | Check now |
| Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoo |
|
4.7 Stars | Check now |
| Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo |
|
4.4 Stars | Check now |
| Paws & Pals Natural Pet-Shampoo And Conditioner |
|
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.
The Radiance Naturals All-Natural Pet Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo is one of the best cat shampoos available on the market. 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 and healthy coat.
Let’s take a look at the key features, shall we?
- The effective, 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 gentle, and for animals with skin allergies
- The naturally-derived shampoo contains palm, coconut, aloe vera, and oatmeal
- Safe, nontoxic, and professional-grade quality
Following are the pros and cons of this flea and tick treatment:
| Pros | Cons |
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All in all, the Radiance Naturals All-Natural Pet Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo is one of the best cat shampoos. The all-natural shampoo controls odor, moisturizes the cat’s skin, and leaves the coat soft and shiny.
The Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Cat Shampoo and Conditioner is one of the best options to choose from. The shampoo plus conditioner is made in the United States and 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 a sensitive skin and get allergic reactions
- Free of dangerous ingredients 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 |
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In summary, 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 soap-less and detergent-free solution.
The Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoos is one of the best available on the market. This shampoo is made using highest quality ingredients and is suitable for all kitties.
The all-natural shampoo is made of a 100% safe ingredients and 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 more healthy
- The shampoo 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 |
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In summary, the Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Oatmeal Shampoo is a good pick because it is 100% safe and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that may irritate your cat’s skin or have harmful effects.
This All Natural Pet Shampoo from Earthbath is one of the best cat shampoos available to buy on the market. This shampoo is made using all-natural ingredients, is 100% biodegradable, and a cruelty-free option.
The heavily-scented shampoo masks odors while being gentle, safe, and effective. This shampoo helps relieves dry skin and the dandruff that comes with it. The shampoo is a good choice for cats with a sensitive skin.
Hree are some highlights of the product:
- All-natural, cruelty-free, and 100% biodegradable pet shampoo that leaves the cat with a soft fur
- 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 |
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All in all, 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.
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 and makes it shinier and softer.
Take a look at the key features:
- 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 completely 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 |
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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 to buy 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 is one that meets all of your requirements, is effective, and does more good than harm in the longer run. There are several shampoos advertised for cats which 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.
Tea Tree And Aloe Shampoo is great for cats even though it focuses on dogs. Cats are very hygienic and rarely needs baths, unlike dogs who have a habit of getting dirty so they get all the attention.
David,
Thanks for sharing your experience with these types of shampoo.
Thanks,
IndulgeYourPet