Cats are fastidious groomers, spending a good part of their days grooming themselves and other cats. However, your furball will need some grooming help from you, such as hair brushing, tooth brushing, ear cleaning, and the occasional bath. Generally, cats do not need a bath except when they get into something greasy or stinky.

Cats are such sensitive creatures and any product that should be used when bathing them should be mild enough for them. But with so many types of cat shampoos out there, how will you know which one is best for your kitty?

What is the best shampoo for cats?

There are a few things that you should consider when choosing a shampoo for your cat. These include the following:

• Make sure the shampoo is formulated especially for cats.
• Go for products with natural ingredients, unless your pet has been prescribed with a medicated shampoo that contains certain chemicals to treat an existing skin or hair coat issue, such as a flea infestation.
• If your pet has skin allergies, there are shampoos with mild formulas that can soothe the skin and provide moisturizing support to the cat’s skin and hair coat.
• For pets with sensitive skin, look for a shampoo that contains oatmeal for itch-relief. This is also great for cats with skin that is itchy, irritated, has dandruff, or is flaky.

Different Types of Shampoo for Cats

• Traditional cat shampoo -- These are the usual cat shampoo products you can find in pet stores.

• Shampoo-conditioner products -- A shampoo and conditioner combination can keep a cat’s fur coat soft, extra smooth, and manageable. This is great for cats with long hair coats or those that are prone to forming mats and tangles.

• Waterless shampoo -- This works best for cats that hate a bath. Waterless shampoo is available in several forms-- powder, wipes, and spray. It can help keep your cat clean and smelling good without the hassle of giving your pet a traditional bath. An important thing to keep in mind when choosing waterless shampoo products for your cat: steer clear of products that contain essential oils as these have been shown to cause damage to the fur of cats.

Cat Shampoo FAQs

What human shampoo is safe for cats?

Shampoo products are species-specific. There is no shampoo for humans that can be safely used in cats. There is always the risk of adverse reactions if a human shampoo is used in cats. The skin of humans and cats differ in many ways. The most common difference is that the skin of humans is more acidic and has significantly more sweat glands than cats. Also, many human shampoos contain artificial dyes, parabens, petrochemicals, sodium laurel sulfate which can be harmful to cats.

Can I use human shampoo on a cat?

While not all human shampoos can cause adverse reactions when used in cats, using a cat-specific shampoo is a practical and feasible solution in the long run. Certain shampoos can cause problems for pets and rather than wait and see if the human shampoo you’re using on your cat causes reactions so you can have it treated, why not use the right shampoo for your cat?

Do you need special shampoo for cats?

Not necessarily, as long as you’re using a shampoo that’s specially formulated for cats. Rest assured, these products are safe and suitable for the shampooing needs of cats. However, if your cat has a skin and/or hair coat problem that requires the use of medicated shampoos, then be sure to follow the recommendations of your veterinarian regarding its use.