Best Shampoos for Your Cat

Do You Need to Bathe Your Cat? 

Most cats do a great job of cleaning themselves, licking their fur to remove any dirt and dead hair. Cats have tiny, tough projections on their tongues called papillae that help make grooming themselves easier. 

However, there are all sorts of reasons why your cat may need to be bathed. Your cat may need to use shampoo if he goes outside and gets muddy, if he has skin conditions such as dandruff, dermatitis or allergies, if he makes himself dirty in the litter box, or if he accidentally walks in paint or some other substance. 

How Often Does Your Cat Need a Bath? 

Some cats go their entire lives without having a bath, however, sometimes they might need and appreciate a helping hand. Most owners choose to bathe their cat only if they get smelly or dirty, like if their kitty gets themselves into something messy. This could be every couple of weeks or months, it really depends on your cat. 

If you bathe your cat too often you could end up causing more harm than good. By bathing cats too often you risk removing the natural protective oils from his skin and coat which can dry out the skin and quickly lead to itcirhiness and flaking.                            

Some cats need regular baths as they have health issues such as dermatitis, yeast infections, dandruff, skin allergies, or are prone to itchy, dry skin. Some types of cat shampoos are formulated to help with these health issues by reducing skin inflammation, treating infections, reducing itchy skin, and helping to hydrate dry skin. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you how often your cat should be bathed if he has a skin problems. 

Can You Use Human Shampoo on Your Cat? 

It can be very tempting to just use whatever shampoo you have in your bathroom for your cat, but it is not a good idea as you could actually end up causing your cat harm. Even if you have dandruff yourself, do not use your specially formulated dandruff shampoo on your cat.  

The pH level of cat skin is not the same as the pH level of human skin. Human shampoos are usually formulated for use on more acidic skin, pH around 5, while cats tend to have more pH neutral skin with a pH closer to 7. Human shampoos will often dry out your cat’s skin and could potentially cause skin irritations.  

Your cat could also have an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients in human shampoo. Therefore, it is best to use a good quality cat shampoo instead of a human shampoo on your kitty. 

What to Look for in a Cat Shampoo? 

We know it can be tough deciding which shampoo is best for your cat, so here are some important things to consider before making your final choice: 

•        Soap-free 

Soap-free shampoo is a term used to describe shampoos that don’t use chemical soap ingredients as they are more likely to wash off important skin oils and irritate pet skin. Common chemical soap ingredients include sodium cocoate, sodium olivate, sodium castorate, or sodium hydroxide. Instead, soap-free shampoos tend to use plant-based cleansers, which are gentler and safer for your cat s coat and skin. Another bonus of soap-free shampoos is that they usually don’t wash off flea and tick treatments either- we recommend that you always check the small print on the side of the bottle.          

•        Paraben-free 

Parabens are a type of preservative that gives cosmetics like shampoos a longer shelf life and can help prevent harmful bacteria or fungi from growing in the bottle. However, they are also linked to cancer in humans and disrupting the normal hormonal cycle of the body. Therefore, it is best to avoid them altogether. 

•        Moisturizing 

The purpose of shampoo is to remove dirt and grime from the hair and skin. However, sometimes this act of cleansing can dry out your cat s skin and fur and that’s why it is good if a cat shampoo also contains moisturizing agents. This is extra important if your pet suffers from irritated or dry skin or dandruff. Rehydrating the skin can be an important way to help manage these conditions. Oatmeal shampoo is one example of a moisturizing cat shampoo. 

•        Medication 

If your cat has a skin issue such as recurrent infections of the skin, skin allergies, or dermatitis then he might benefit from a medicated shampoo. Medicated shampoos are often formulated with antibacterial or antifungal ingredients to combat bacterial and yeast infections, and emollients to protect and rehydrate the skin. Your veterinarian can advise you if your cat needs this type of shampoo, and which one is best for his problems. You shouldn’t use a medicated shampoo on your cat’s coat if he has normal skin and no underlying problems.   

•        pH balanced 

If a cat shampoo states that it is pH balanced that means it has been specially formulated to suit the pH of a cat s skin. On average cat’s skin has a pH of between 6 and 7. If a shampoo is too acidic or alkaline, it could cause your cat to have irritate, dry itchy skin. 

 How to Shampoo Your Cat? 

If you have a cat that likes being bathed and doesn’t run at the sight of shampoo, then conisder yourself very lucky. We know that bathing your cat is not always easy and that sometimes it can be a stressful experience for both of you. Cats are great escape artists, and when they are wet and slippery it just makes them even better at wriggling free. Plus, the fact that they have claws and may decide to use them when they are in a situation they don’t like makes the whole process much more difficult.  

This is a simple explanation on how to bathe your cat: 

1.      Place your cat in a bathtub, sink, or plastic tub. 

2.      Dampen the fur with luke-warm water using a cloth or sponge. 

3.      Apply shampoo and lather throughout the entire coat, avoiding your cat’s face. 

4.      Rinse your cat thoroughly, using lukewarm water and a sponge. 

5.      Wrap your cat in a soft towel and gently rub dry. 

6.      Keep him warm until he is fully dry. 

7.      Give him some treats during and after the bath. 

 Top Tips to Make Bathing Your Cat Easy 

Luckily for you, we have some great tips on how to make bathing your cat easier and more enjoyable for you both.   

•        Make it a positive experience 

Give your cat treats to reward his good behavior and make bathing a positive experience. Plus, it is important to talk in an encouraging, calm voice to help keep your cat relaxed. If your cat really hates water, then it is best to slowly build up his confidence over a few weeks by rubbing his coat with a damp cloth at first while giving him treats. Over time he will hopefully become more relaxed with being bathed.  

•        Preparation 

You might be bathing your cat in a bathtub, a sink, or a large plastic tub. Wherever you choose to wash your cat just remember to have everything you need ready and within reach before you start: towels, sponge, cloths, shampoo, conditioner (if you use it), brush, and a jug of lukewarm water.      

•        Non-slip mat 

Cats can feel scared and anxious if they are placed on a wet, slippery surface. That’s why they often panic while they are being bathed. Try placing a non-slip mat or just a folded towel under your cat, so he has something to grip.        

•        Escape routes 

Before you start look around the room and close off any escape routes. Close all doors and windows. It can be much easier to bathe your cat in an enclosed bathroom, but we know that isn’t always possible. 

•        Use luke-warm water 

Imagine how you would feel if you were suddenly doused with cold water. Choosing the right water temperature can make the bathing experience much more pleasant for your cat. Water that is too cold or too hot will be very uncomfortable for your cat. While you may prefer hot water, it can burn or damage your cat s skin. 

•        Avoid the eyes 

Keep shampoo away from your cat’s face, and take care that it doesn’t go into your cat’s eyes, ears, or mouth. Many shampoo products can be irritating to the eyes, which will make your cat panic. Instead, it is best to wipe your cat’s face clean with a damp cloth or sponge. 

•        Jug of water vs. shower head 

Many cats don’t like water gushing from the tap or showerhead, and it will make them panic. Most cats will feel more comfortable if you use a jug or bowl of luke-warm water, and use a sponge to rinse their coat. We know this means that it takes longer, but it is more important that your cat is not stressed or afraid. If you wish to use a showerhead, then just make sure the water is turned down low so that it doesn’t have much pressure. 

•        Trim their claws 

Clipping your cat’s claws regularly can help to keep them healthy and prevent ingrown nails. Having your cat’s nails trimmed could also reduce the likelihood of getting scratched while you give your cat a bath. Having itchy skin can make your cat irritable, so choosing the best cat shampoo is all the more important. 

•        Regular brushing 

Brushing your cat is a great way to bond, but it also has some important health benefits for him including helping to clean the coat and remove dead hairs, prevent tangles and also reduce hairballs. Regularly brushing your cat might also mean you don’t need to bathe him as often.   

Hopefully, these tips will be beneficial for you and your kitty, to make shampooing easier and more enjoyable for you both. 

Does Cat Shampoo Eliminate Fleas? 

Fleas can be a real nuisance and cause some serious problems for your cat is not treated promptly. It is best to ask your veterinarian for a good quality flea control treatment that is suitable for your pet. 

Using a cat shampoo can help to control a flea problem by washing away adult fleas from your cat s coat. Some cat flea shampoos also contain certain ingredients to repel adult fleas from your cat s coat to reduce the chance of re-infection. 

However, most cat shampoos are not a permanent solution for cats with a serious flea problem. The shampoo will often need to be used alongside other flea treatments to kill all stages of the flea cycle (adults, eggs, and larvae) that are on your cat s coat and in your home.  To successfully control fleas and prevent future flea problems you need to tackle them using a few different approaches. The most common ways include using a vet-recommended spot on treatment,  using a cat-safe home spray, vacuuming your home, and washing any cat bedding to help kill any flea eggs. 

A cat flea shampoo can be a helpful part of managing and preventing fleas. However, it is important to choose a reputable brand, to ensure that the shampoo is safe and reliable for your cat. 

Does Cat Shampoo Help with Dry Skin and Dandruff? 

Some cat shampoos have been specially formulated to help with dry skin and dandruff. There are a wide variety of moisturizing shampoos available, so it is important to do some research and choose one that really works. 

Dandruff shampoo for cats usually contain moisturizing ingredients that help to soothe and hydrate their flaky and dry itchy skin. Some may contain emollients such as lanolin or allantoin, to prevent excess moisture loss and help repair any damage to the top layer of your cat s skin. 

The best moisturizing shampoos are soap-free and don’t contain harsh cleansing agents- both of which can damage your cat s skin and cause dry skin.   

If you notice your cat has flaky, dry skin or dandruff then you should seek advice from your veterinarian. Most of the time, it is a simple case of dandruff but sometimes it may be a sign of an infection, nutritional imbalance, allergies, or even mites. 

Final Thoughts 

Approaching your cat with shampoo doesn’t have to be stressful, with a little bit of patience, preparation, and some treats your cat can learn to stay calm while being bathed. Selecting the best cat shampoo can be simple if you’ve determined the benefits you are looking for. Skin issues are quite a common problem for cats, for example your cat may need a dandruff shampoo.

So if your cat has skin problems it is best to determine the cause with your veterinarian before trying new cat shampoos. Thankfully there are lots of great medicated shampoos that can help to calm dandruff, dermatitis flare-ups or treat bacterial or yeast infections. If your cat doesn’t have any skin issues it is still important to choose a good quality cat shampoo as it can help to improve your cat’s coat and skin. Your cat will be grateful for having soft, shiny, and tangle-free hair and their skin soothed and hydrated.