8 Best Cat Shampoos – Hypoallergenic and MUCH MORE

Are You Supposed to Give Cats Baths?

Even though cats usually groom themselves, there are incidents when they may need a bath. For instance, if their coat is all sticky or greasy, it would be best to bathe them with the best cat shampoo you can get. Also, there are cat shampoos that are for frequent use, so you could give your cat a bath from time to time.

However, it is probably an open secret that cats don’t like water. This fact makes it almost impossible for you to bathe your cat, but it shouldn’t discourage you! Luckily, this review will make it easier for you to navigate this exciting challenge.

There are numerous benefits associated with bathing your cat. Besides the health benefits, it also gives you a chance to bond with your kitty.   

Based on our review, the best overall cat shampoo is the Earthbath 2-in-1 Conditioning Cat Shampoo. You will also love this cat shampoo because it contains extra gentle conditioning that makes it ideal for kittens and cats. Moreover, it is made of natural ingredients, which make it safe and effective. 

Why You Should Trust Groomer’s Land

You will be glad you visited Groomer’s Land. Our platform offers up-to-date pet grooming tips and tricks provided by professional groomers. 

Moreover, the information we share on our blog is updated regularly to ensure that it contains the latest product reviews and other helpful information for pet owners.

Best Cat Shampoos of this year: At a Glance

• Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath (Best for itchy dry skin).
• Earthbath 2-in-1 Conditioning Cat Shampoo (Best overall).
• Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey (Best water-based shampoo).
• John Paul Pet Oatmeal Conditioning Spray For Dogs and Cats (Best dry shampoo for cats).
• Earth Hypo-Allergenic Cat Shampoo, Fragrance-Free 16 oz (Best Hypoallergenic cat shampoo).
• Hartz Groomer’s Best Hairball Control Cat Shampoo (Best Cat shampoo for cats with hairballs).
• SENTRY PurrScriptions Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats, 12 oz (Best cat shampoo for fleas).
• Arm & Hammer 2-in-1 Deodorizing & Dander Reducing Shampoo (Best cat shampoo for dander).

Your Quick Comparison Guide to Cat Shampoos

Name of Product	Best Used For	Key Features
Earthbath 2-in-1 Conditioning Cat Shampoo	Cats and kittens over six weeks old with itchy, sensitive, dry skin.	Has several scents to choose from.Treats tangled cat fur.Uses natural ingredients.
Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath	Cats aged 12 weeks or older with itchy dry skin and coats.	No-rinse cat shampoo.Uses natural ingredients.Best for cats that hate to get wet.
Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey	All cats with dry or sensitive skin. Softens and conditions dry skin.	Mild shampoo with balanced PH.Made with natural ingredients.Fragrance-free.
John Paul Pet Oatmeal Conditioning Spray For Dogs and Cats	Soothing, conditioning, and moisturizing dry fur and skin.	Comes with 13 conditioning agents.Has a great almond fragrance.Made with botanical sensitive skin formulation.
Earth Hypo-Allergenic Cat Shampoo, Fragrance-Free 16 oz	Cats with sensitive skin and allergies aged six weeks or more.	Fragrance-free.Hypo-Allergenic.Safe for all animals over six weeks old.
Hartz Groomer’s Best Hairball Control Cat Shampoo	Reducing hairballs in cats and kittens of all ages.	Uses a special conditioning formula that reduces hairballs.Has a light and fresh fragrance.Requires you to rinse after applying.
SENTRY PurrScriptions Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats, 12 oz	Killing ticks, fleas, and lice for cats and kittens aged 12 weeks or more.	It is foam-based kitten shampoo.It is specially formulated to kill lice, ticks, and fleas.Comes with a coconut berry scent.
Arm & Hammer 2-in-1 Deodorizing & Dander Reducing Shampoo	Reducing cat dander and removing and controlling cat odors	Specially formulated to minimize cat dander and remove unpleasant odor.It is a foam-based shampoo.It also has a special conditioner that reduces hairballs.

Our Shopping Guide to Cat Shampoos

Whereas all the products listed here are great for your kitty, there are several factors you ought to consider when selecting a cat shampoo for your cat.

Cat Age 

Your cat’s age is perhaps the first thing you must consider when buying a cat shampoo. There are specific shampoos for kittens and senior cats. Also, some cats don’t like going anywhere near water. In such a case, you will have to go for a waterless shampoo for cats.

Cat Breed 

Although most of the kitten shampoos are for general use, others are designed for particular cat breeds. 

For instance, if your feline friend has a long coat, you will have to go for a shampoo that works well with cats with a long coat.

Cat Health Status

If your cat has allergies, you might have to go for hypoallergenic shampoos specially designed for cats with allergies. Likewise, if your cat has sensitive skin, you will also have to get shampoos specially designed for cats with sensitive skin.

Also, if your cat has a pest condition such as fleas, you may have to go for a shampoo that contains appropriate chemicals. Therefore, before you pick a shampoo, please check whether it would be safe for use for your kitten. It would also be best to consult your vet for confirmation.

Quality of Ingredients

Before you buy shampoo, it is best to look at the back of the bottle to find out its ingredients. This is critical because your cat is likely to ingest whatever is on its coat as it grooms itself. Moreover, you should learn to look beyond the marketing language.

Go for a shampoo that contains natural ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, and glycerin.

Ingredients to Avoid

As mentioned earlier, reading a cat shampoo bottle label is critical. In addition, it would help if you avoided shampoos with a heavy fragrance. Several studies have revealed that a rich fragrance could irritate some cats.

Other chemicals you need to avoid include artificial dyes, parabens, petrochemicals, sodium lauryl sulfate, and pyrethroids.

Safe for Use

Above all, the shampoo you use should be safe for use. In this regard, if you are going for a shampoo that contains chemicals to help a cat with a health condition, please get your vet’s approval before buying.

The Best Selling Cat Shampoos on the Market 

Earthbath 2-in-1 Conditioning Cat Shampoo

Ingredients: purified water, coconut-based and renewable plant-derived cleansers, gentle conditioner and detangler, Vitamins A, B, D & E, the botanical fragrance of wild cherry, organic aloe vera, glycerin, and preservative.

Made in: USA

How to use it: shake well before you use it. Ensure your cat has a wet coat and lather it thoroughly with several palm-fulls of Earthbath cat shampoo. Your cat will be smarter and slippery wet, so block all the escape routes!

Work the lather from head to tail and keep it out of your furry friend’s eyes. Leave for 90 seconds to allow organic aloe vera and gentle cleansers to work. You can dilute it ten parts water to one part shampoo if you like. Finally, flush with clean water immediately in case of eye contact.

What is it best used for? Cats and kittens over six weeks old with itchy, sensitive, dry skin.

Does it need to be rinsed? Yes.

Profile: Water-based.

Type: Hypoallergenic.

How it helps humans: This shampoo helps to condition cats with a poor coat.

What do people say about it from their experience? Cat owners are generally optimistic about this product. Some pet owners report that they experienced tremendous results after using this cat shampoo. However, in addition, it’s mostly appreciated that it works well for cats with sensitive skin.

Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath

Ingredients: Neem Oil, Aloe Vera, Oatmeal and Vitamin E, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Natural Fragrance, and Allantoin.

Made in: USA

How to use it: Shake well before use, then apply it gently on your cat’s coat. After that, massage your feline friend gently from head to paw. It is critical that you avoid your pet’s eyes. You don’t need to rinse; let dry, then brush.

What is it best used for? It is purr-fect for cats aged 12 weeks or older with itchy dry skin and coat.

Does it need to be rinsed? No. You don’t need to rinse; let dry, then brush.

Profile: It is a no-rinse foam shampoo.

Type:  Waterless

How it helps humans: It is easy to apply and takes less time.

What do people say about it from their experience? Pet owners love this cat shampoo because it is easy to apply and is safe for their furry friends. Moreover, the majority of customers also love the shampoo’s pleasant subtle scent. However, there are some that feel that the neem oil contained in the shampoo could kill your cat!

Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey

Ingredients: skin moisturizing shea butter and shine-boosting honey.

Made in: USA

How to use it: Apply abundantly to your feline friend’s wet coat. Then, work from head to tail and avoid the eyes. Lastly, rinse and dry with a soft towel.

What is it best used for? It is best for all cats with Dry or Sensitive skin.

Does it need to be rinsed? Yes.

Profile: Water-based.

Type: Hypoallergenic.

How it helps humans: This Burt’s Bees shampoo uses natural ingredients that give pet parents peace of mind and makes their cats happy.

What do people say about it from their experience? Pet owners describe this product as the best cat shampoo for allergies. Most of the users were happy to share the results of their happy kitten after the shampoo gave them a purr-fect coat. The only challenge is that many of the cats didn’t like to bath! 

John Paul Pet Oatmeal Conditioning Spray For Dogs and Cats

Ingredients: Hydrolyzed oat protein, aloe, panthenol, and chamomile.

Made in: USA

How to use it: Lightly spray on wet or dry cat fur. Then, massage into the coat and brush through. Please avoid the eyes and ears. Rinse with clear water and dry with a towel.

What is it best used for? Conditioning and moisturizing dry, itchy coats.

Does it need to be rinsed? Yes. Rinse with cool, clear water.

Profile: Spray.

Type: Hypoallergenic.

How it helps humans: It does not irritate your pet’s skin and leaves it with a gentle scent.

What do people say about it from their experience? There seems to be a unanimous agreement among the users that the kitten shampoo works purr-fectly, making it the best cat shampoo for dry skin. In addition, cats that were previously grooming themselves excessively were more relaxed after the shampoo was used on them.  

Earth Hypo-Allergenic Cat Shampoo, Fragrance-Free 16 oz

Ingredients: Aloe Vera, renewable plant-derived & coconut-based cleansers, Vitamins A, B, D & E, Natural preservatives, and Glycerin.

Made in: USA

How to use it: During your kitten bathing, lather your cat generously on a wet coat with several handfuls of Earthbath cat shampoo. Work the lather from head to tail and ensure to keep it away from your cat’s face. Leave for up to 90 seconds to let the shampoo work on your cat coat.   

What is it best used for? Cats with sensitive skin and allergies aged six weeks or more.

Does it need to be rinsed? Yes. Rinse off and dry thoroughly with a towel.

Profile: Foam.

Type: Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

How it helps humans: The hypoallergenic shampoo comes with natural conditioners and aloe vera. These ingredients soften your cat’s coat and re-moisturize its skin-improving manageability and shine.

What do people say about it from their experience? A notable comment from the users is how being fragrant-free has made it suitable for cats because their noses are usually very sensitive. Generally, the shampoo seems to be getting the job done save for the kitten baths that the feline friends don’t enjoy.

Hartz Groomer’s Best Hairball Control Cat Shampoo

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Acrylate Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Mica, Cellulose, and Mannitol.

Made in: USA

How to use it: First, brush out your feline friend’s coat. Next, saturate it with lukewarm water and massage a small amount of shampoo into the cat’s coat. Then, rinse the cat skin with lukewarm water, dry with a towel, and brush the coat gently.

What is it best used for? Reducing hairballs in cats and kittens of all ages.

Does it need to be rinsed? Yes.

Profile: Water-based.

Type:  Hairball control.

How it helps humans: Pet owners use this shampoo to remove hairballs from their feline friends.

What do people say about it from their experience? Hartz Groomer’s Best Hairball Control Cat Shampoo has the majority of the users stating that the shampoo worked wonders on their cats. It untangles all knots and leaves your furry friend with a soft coat.

SENTRY PurrScriptions Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats, 12 oz

Ingredients: Piperonyl Butoxide, Pyrethrins, and Technical.

Made in: USA

How to use it: Wet your cat’s coat well and pour a small amount of the medicated shampoo into the cup of your hand. Work the lather from your furry friend’s head to the tail. Let it be for five minutes, then rinse with warm water.

What is it best used for? Killing ticks, fleas, and lice for cats and kittens aged 12 weeks or more.

Does it need to be rinsed? Yes

Profile: Foam

Type: Antiparasitic

How it helps humans: This shampoo helps users get rid of fleas and ticks and keep them away for up to 30 days.

What do people say about it from their experience? There are mixed reactions from users that have used this flea shampoo for cats to deal with cat flea issues. While other users got the desired results, some have reported negative results. In this regard, it seems some didn’t follow the instructions well. Nonetheless, if the problem persists, it is best to seek counsel from your veterinarian.

Arm & Hammer 2-in-1 Deodorizing & Dander Reducing Shampoo  

Ingredients: Glycerin, Deionized Water, Chamomile Extract, Sodium Chloride, Wheat Extract, Fragrance, and DMDM Hydantoin, among others.

Made in: USA

How to use it: First, wet your kitten’s coat with warm water. Apply the shampoo and work into a lather from the head to the tail, being careful not to apply it on the eyes and ears. Rinse well with warm water.

What is it best used for? Reducing cat dander and removing and controlling cat odors.

Does it need to be rinsed? Yes.

Profile: Foam.

Type: Medicated.

How it helps humans: Pet owners can use it during cat baths to help get rid of cat dander and foul odor.

What do people say about it from their experience? Generally, they all got the desired results apart from those who had few complaints like not smelling the fragrance. They clearly rate it as the best cat shampoo for dander.

How to Prepare a Bath For Your Cat

To be honest, you don’t need a manual to bathe your kittens. It sounds obvious, right? Anyways, there are several things you should consider when bathing your furry friend to make it effortless. 

Here are helpful tips to help you prepare your cat’s “spa” treat:

Prepare the bathing area

While you can bathe your cat from anywhere, the bathroom would be an ideal location. Alternatively, you can do it in any other place with a closing door to make it easy for you to handle a wet cat. Also, ensure there is nothing around the bathing area that can get wet unless you are using a waterless cat shampoo.

Suppose you are using a bathtub; please line it with a towel for your feline friend to hold on to. In addition, it would help if you offered your cat something to keep its claws occupied as you bathe it.

Once you have sorted everything stated above, fill the bathtub. It is wise to take someone else with you to help you restrain your pet, as it can be challenging to handle a wet cat alone.

Before you begin bathing your cat, brush it gently to remove any excess hair and debris. You can also treat it with a nail trim to minimize the risk of scratches on you and other surfaces.

Make sure you have all you need for the kitten bath before bringing it to the mix. Some of the things you need include:

• Warm water
• Comb or brush
• Non-slip mat
• Washcloth
• Towel
• Plastic cup
• Your preferred cat shampoo

Splash and Lather

When your cat and bathing area are ready, it’s time to take a bath! Pour warm water onto your cat as cold water might not be very comfortable. It is a treat! Remember? All the while, make sure you don’t pour anything into your cat’s eyes, ears, or nose.

Next, apply the shampoo tenderly over your pet’s coat until it lathers up. Then, massage it gently into its coat and skin. Again, it is essential to gauge your cat’s reaction to ensure you don’t go beyond its tolerance.

Rinse, Wipe, Dry

Don’t take too long after applying the shampoo to your cat’s coat. Rinse with warm water the same way you did in the beginning until there is no lather on its body. Then, wipe with a dry, smooth towel and leave it to dry up.

If you have a blow dryer, use it at the lowest heat settings to dry your furry friend. The bottom line is, ensure you adjust the bathing routine to suit what your feline friend enjoys most. If you have more than one cat, don’t use a one-routine-fits-all approach.  

Our Final Verdict

Enough said! By now, you agree that your feline friend needs spa treatment from time to time. Even though the treatment does not happen often, it helps to be prepared in advance. Ensure you have the best cat shampoo for your cat and the appropriate tips shared in this review. The more you do it, the more you will master the art.  

Based on your cat’s skin condition, click on the links on each product reviewed above for the best deals. In case your cat has a severe skin condition, please reach out to a veterinarian near you for more advice. 

However, if you still have trouble choosing a cat shampoo for your furry friend, you can consider going for Earthbath 2-in-1 Conditioning Cat Shampoo. It is the best because you can use it on your cats and kittens. Its natural ingredients make it safe and effective. As a result, it is undoubtedly the best cat shampoo to use.