The Best Cat Shampoos in 2024

We all love our cats and always try to get the best products for them. You may be a new cat owner or have one with new needs.

When it comes to shampoos, a lot can be done right or wrong. What doesn’t irritate their skin? What conditions their coat? Are there products that may harm your cat instead of helping it?

Fear not! On our top list, we have assembled the best cat shampoos on the market this year!

Our Top 6 List

#	Preview	Product	Our Rating	Link	Price / Value
1		Nootie Shampoo with Soothing Aloe for All Pets	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
2		Pro Pet Works All Natural Organic Oatmeal Pet Shampoo	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
3		Top Performance Fresh Pet Shampoo	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
4		Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Cat Shampoo	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
5		Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9/10
6		Vet's Best Water-less Cat Bath	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9/10

We love that this shampoo is 100 percent natural. From calming your cats skin to making sure they smell good, we highly recommend its use. It is free of chemicals known to harm pets, and it does more than clean your cat.

With its combination of aloe, coconut oil and oatmeal, it helps cats with itchy skin. It also helps with cats that put out unpleasant smells. On top of the aforementioned ingredients it also contains Ordenone, which is noted to help capture bad odors and release more pleasant smells. Your cats will enjoy their new scent, and we know that you will enjoy their less pungent scent, too.

Takeaways

This hypoallergenic concoction is great for cat’s with allergies and easily irritated skin. This shampoo combines organic aloe extracts, almond oil and vitamins A, D & E to make bath time better for your cat. Eyes, skin and other sensitive areas will not be irritated.

It’s not just your cat’s skin that improves. A cherry almond fragrance also addresses unpleasant smells! Your cat will smell, feel and look better. Here’s something for you to also smile about. This product is 100 percent biodegradable, and it is made from recycled products. We love it.

Takeaways

This shampoo works wonders toward helping with tangled up and matted hair. However, that’s not the only great feature of this product. This shampoo works for cats of all ages, even those as young as six weeks old. It also adds condition to your cat’s coat and helps your cat smell better.

We’ve seen it work wonders on cats. You will also see the difference this product provides. It’s ability to match your cat’s PH balance and soften your cat’s is impressive. It also improves the color of your cat’s coat. Cats with tangled up hair, less than vibrant color and less than pleasant smells will benefit.

Takeaways

Through the use of lavender and chamomile this shampoo helps cats smell, look and feel better. It is PEG-80 free, which means it has lower chances of irritating cat allergies. It also means that potential toxic chemicals are not found in the ingredients. Furthermore, this shampoo contains no alcohol or parabens.

One of the defining features of this shampoo loved by us and our cats is that no water has to be used. This product is perfect for cats that hate the water, and it is also perfect for cat owners constantly on the move. It takes less time to clean your cat with this dry shampoo.

Takeaways

This two in one formula shampoos and conditions your cat’s hair, and we love how well it untangles hair. You will appreciate how easily it smooths away your cat’s tangles and mats. Also made in America, this shampoo comes in all types of interesting and pleasant smells. Among the available options are Mango Tango and Mediterranean Magic. A fragrance free option also exist.

You will also appreciate that this shampoo is completely biodegradable. It’s a cruelty free shampoo, too. That is definitely something you and your cat can smile about. We also love that this oatmeal and aloe shampoo helps irritated skin.

Takeaways

This product is another great dry shampoo for cats. Aloe vera, neem oil, oatmeal and vitamin E create a gentle cleaning process. We love that this shampoo requires no rinsing. It’s obviously great for cats that hate the water, and it is another wonderful product for very busy cat owners.

Don’t take our word alone on this product. This shampoo has been approved by veterinarians, and it was actually designed by them! Cats and cat owners enjoy the shampoo’s pleasant fragrance and ability to soften coats. It is safe for cats 12 weeks and older and can be used with flea control products.

Takeaways

Buying Guide

Take a few considerations to figure out which shampoo is best for your cat and also the best means to clean them. We have laid out the benefits of the best shampoos out there and shared our top pick. However, every cat has needs unique to them.

To prevent getting scratched, it’s useful to clip your cat’s nails before you use shampoo on them, just in case it goes wrong.

Dry or Water

Determine if you cat needs a regular shampoo or a dry one. Many cats just cannot tolerate water. You know the frustration. If this is the case, we recommend you choose a dry option. Just because your cat refuses to come in contact with water does not mean you can go without cleaning. There are great dry shampoos suitable for any cat or kitten.

If water does not terrify your cat, you must be sure to know the best way to give them a water shampooing. Some cats do okay in sinks, but be sure to remove any items that can be tossed about or overturned.

The Face Area

Many cats freak out if water comes near their face. In fact, a cat’s face should never be shampooed. To prevent this from happening, have a cloth handy to wipe the face area. This will also come in handy when cleaning other areas. Rubber glove are suggested to help prevent cat scratches and keep the product from getting on your hands. A spray bottle or large pitcher will help with rinsing out shampoos. We also suggest that a large towel be nearby to help with quickly drying your feline friend.

Temperature

Always use lukewarm water and be sure you draw bath water to no more than three inches in depth. Have cotton balls handy. Use them to clean the insides of your cat’s ears. Do not use cotton tips or any other objects that be inserted. This can be dangerous. A blow dryer is also recommended to help dry what your towel could not.

Only Ever Use Cat Shampoo

If you could use human shampoo on cats, shampoos for pets would not have been made! The PH balance of a cat is much different than that of a human. Use of human shampoos on cats and kittens can cause skin irritation, infections, and hair loss. Don’t settle for one off uses of human shampoo on your pet. It is never the right thing to do.

Dog shampoos and shampoos made for other types of animals and pets are not to be used on cats, either. While you may think it is convenient to use your dog’s shampoo on your cat, even just one use can mess up your cat’s skin and coat!

Be Careful When Mixing Products

You may have to use a shampoo against fleas sometimes. If you need to do that (or use any other treatment product like it), make sure that all products work together. Some can limit the impact of flea shampoos. You need to make sure that any products you use on your cat don’t offset products used that provide necessary treatment for a cat’s conditions.

Consider The Cat’s Age

All shampoos are not made for cats of all ages. Before you decide to lather up your kitten for the first time, check if the shampoo is suitable for kittens. There are products out there, some of which are described above, that work perfectly for even the youngest cats.

Experiment

Although we have provided our favorite choices and a top choice, you may want to try different shampoos and see how they work and if there is one that’s best for your  cat.