Is your cat due for a bath? Though scheduled baths are not a regular part of a cat’s care routine, your feline companion may need a bath due to a dirty coat, fleas, allergies, skin conditions, and so on. Choosing the right cat shampoo is important as it helps give your cat the best bath experience possible, leaving them feeling fresh, clean, and itch-free.
If you’re looking for the best cat shampoo to use, you’re in the right place! This vet-approved guide by Sploot Vets talks about how to choose a cat shampoo that is aligned with your pet’s needs — whether it's oatmeal shampoo for cats or medicated cat shampoo.
Reminders on Bathing a Cat [When & How]
Most cats do NOT require regular baths. Cats typically only need a bath in the following situations:
- Dirty fur (especially if the fur is contaminated with a substance that isn’t safe to lick off)
- Feline skin conditions that would benefit from medicated cat shampoo (e.g. ringworm in cats, fleas, mange, etc)
- Exposure to environmental or seasonal allergens (e.g. pollen, mold spores), especially during spring and fall.
It is common for cats to dislike baths, even when they need it. For helpful tips on how to bathe a cat, check out our article: Tips on How to Wash a Cat That Hates Water [Step-By-Step Guide]. Once you have feline bathing basics covered, it’s important to choose the right cat shampoo as this contributes to your feline companion’s bath experience.
What Shampoo Can I Use on a Cat?
We recommend using a shampoo that is specifically formulated for cats. Avoid using shampoo for humans or those indicated ONLY for dogs because these are likely NOT compatible with the pH level of a cat’s skin, potentially causing dryness, allergies, or irritation.
Note: In addition, we also do NOT recommend using other cleaning products that are not intended for safely bathing a cat. Dish soap, detergent, body soap for humans, and the like are typically harsh on a cat’s skin and coat.
Which Shampoo is Best for a Cat Bath?
There are different kinds of cat shampoo; choosing the right one depends on your cat’s needs. Here are some options:
a. Oatmeal Shampoo for Cats: General Use & Allergies
Oatmeal shampoo for cats is ideal for general cleaning, as it won't dry out your cat's skin. Oatmeal also soothes irritated skin, making it the best choice for cats with allergies, whether due to food or seasonal allergens.
Note: Oatmeal shampoo for cats is especially useful for gently (but effectively) removing pollen, dust mites, and fungal spores that may cause seasonal spring allergies or fall allergies in some cats.
b. Shed Control Cat Shampoo
Shed control cat shampoo is specially formulated to reduce excessive shedding in cats by keeping your cat’s skin and coat healthy. These products typically contain nourishing and moisturizing ingredients such as antioxidants, oatmeal, shea butter, and so on.
It’s important to remember that these cat shampoos generally only work for shedding caused by dry skin. These may NOT work for seasonal shedding (which is natural for some cat breeds) — as well as hair loss caused by underlying issues like feline allergies, ringworm, and infections.
c. Flea Shampoo for Cats: Is It Effective?
Flea shampoo for cats is formulated to eliminate fleas while being safe for your cat. However, a majority of formulations are not effective for eliminating every life stage of fleas (e.g. eggs, larva).
In most cases, vets would recommend topical solutions or oral medications for cats that have fleas. Flea shampoo for cats may or may not be included in your cat’s treatment plan, depending on the extent of the infestation.
→ Learn more - How to Get Rid of Fleas & Ticks on Dogs & Cats [Vet-Approved]
d. Medicated Cat Shampoo: Will Bathing a Cat Help with Itchy Skin?
Medicated cat shampoos are formulated for specific skin conditions, such as dermatitis, bacterial infection, and fungal infections. Always consult your vet before using medicated shampoos to ensure they are appropriate for your cat's condition.
Best Cat Shampoos for General Use [Vet Picks]
In the following list, we go over a few of the best cat shampoos for general cleaning. Some of these are also great for managing contact allergies in cats.
Important Note: Before using a new cat shampoo, test a small amount on your pet's skin to check for any sensitivity. If any irritation or adverse reactions occur, rinse immediately and consult your vet. In addition, do NOT apply cat shampoo to open wounds or broken skin, as this may cause irritation or worsen the injury.
1. Earthbath 2-in-1 Conditioning Cat Shampoo — Best for Convenient Use
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Cherry-scented cat shampoo; compatible with topical flea applications; cruelty-free
Earthbath’s 2-in-1 Conditioning Cat Shampoo is a coconut-based formulation that includes a cat shampoo and conditioner in one, providing a seamless bath experience for your feline companion. In addition, this product’s formulation is gentle and pH-balanced for cats, making it a great choice for general cleaning.
2. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo for Cats & Dogs — Best for Sensitive Skin
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Oatmeal shampoo for cats; compatible with topical flea applications; & cruelty-free
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo for Cats & Dogs provides the benefits of two powerful natural ingredients. Colloidal oatmeal provides itch relief, soothing, and moisturizing effects; meanwhile, aloe vera adds to the oatmeal’s soothing effect and provides antioxidants to keep your cat’s skin healthy.
This cat shampoo’s formulation makes it perfect for cats that have dry or sensitive skin — however, it’s also a great option for regular use. Its natural formulation leaves your cat’s fur soft, clean, and plush.
3. DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo — Best for Seasonal Allergies & Dry Skin
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store— get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Oatmeal shampoo for cats; soap-free; skin barrier repair
Dermallay Oatmeal Shampoo is packed with beneficial ingredients that nourish and moisturize your cat’s skin skin. It contains a combination of beneficial lipids including ceramides, phytosphingosine, and cholesterol which collectively strengthen the cat’s skin barrier against allergens and irritants.
This oatmeal shampoo for cats also contains hydrolyzed oat protein and safflower seed oil which provide relief for itchy skin and help reduce inflammation. All-in-all, this cat shampoo is the best choice for cats with dry skin and/or environmental allergies, especially during high-pollen seasons like spring and fall.
4. Douxo® S3 Calm Shampoo — Best for Inflamed Skin (Contains Prebiotics)
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Coco- and vanilla-scented; soap-free, skin prebiotic
Douxo® S3 Calm Shampoo has a gentle but effective formulation that helps soothe inflamed skin. This cat shampoo’s main ingredient is Ophytrium, a plant-based skin prebiotic that helps preserve the protective microbial flora (good bacteria) on your cat’s skin, which is beneficial for preventing skin infections and managing environmental allergies to pollen and mold spores.
In addition, this cat shampoo also supports the skin barrier, hydrates the skin, and soothes irritation, making it ideal for inflamed skin due to allergies and irritants.
B. Best Medicated Cat Shampoos
The following medicated cat shampoos are recommended for common skin conditions in cats and should be used only under veterinary guidance.
Note: Skin infections can be aggravated if the medicated cat shampoo is mismatched with the bacteria/fungi causing the infection. In addition, medicated cat shampoos are typically NOT used by themselves. Depending on the extent or cause of the infection, topical ointments and oral tablets may be prescribed.
1. DermaBenSs ® Shampoo — Best for Oily & Scaly Skin
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Medicated cat shampoo; antiseborrheic, antimicrobial, keratolytic, skin prebiotic
DermaBenSs® Cat Shampoo has a unique blend of antiseborrheic, antimicrobial, and keratolytic properties that help address skin infections and conditions that lead to oily skin, clogged follicles, crusting, and excess dander.
This gentle, soap-free shampoo helps cleanse and degrease the skin while clearing up follicles and providing helpful antimicrobial effects. Enriched with ceramides, a topical prebiotic, this cat shampoo also strengthens the skin barrier against infections.
This medicated cat shampoo is a great choice for the following conditions:
- Bacterial skin infections or pyodermas — are associated with symptoms like greasy patches and excess dander, which this cat shampoo can address.
- Demodicosis — leads to scaling and crusting, which this cat shampoo helps minimize as an adjunctive treatment.
- Schnauzer comedo syndrome — leads to comedones (clogged pores), which this cat shampoo can gradually dissolve as an adjunctive treatment.
2. EquiShield® IR Shampoo — Best for Itchy & Inflamed Skin
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Medicated cat shampoo; contains hydrocortisone and pramoxine
EquiShield® IR Shampoo is a medicated cat shampoo that offers anti-inflammatory and mild anesthetic effects. Its main ingredients include hydrocortisone, a compound that helps reduce swelling — and pramoxine, a topical anesthetic that helps relieve itching and irritation.
In addition, this medicated cat shampoo also contains omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your cat’s skin barrier and colloidal oatmeal, which moisturizes and further soothes the skin.
3. KetoChlor® Shampoo — Best for Bacterial & Fungal Infections
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Medicated cat shampoo; contains ketoconazole and chlorhexidine
Ketochlor® is an antiseptic medicated cat shampoo that addresses certain types of bacterial and fungal infections. This product contains ketoconazole, an antifungal ingredient, and chlorhexidine, which has antibacterial effects.
It’s important to note that though this cat shampoo is intended for fungal and bacterial skin infections in cats, it can only address those that respond to ketoconazole and/or chlorhexidine. These include:
- ‘Staphylococcus pseudintermedius’ — a common cause of bacterial skin infections (pyodermas) in cats
- ‘Malassezia dermatitis’ — a common cause of yeast infection or overgrowth in cats, a type of fungal infection.
- ‘Microsporum canis’ — causes ringworm in cats, a type of fungal infection.
Final Thoughts on Choosing The Best Cat Shampoo
By following the above guidelines and using our vets’ picks as a starting point, you’ll be able to find the best shampoo for your cat.
To recap, oatmeal shampoo for cats is an excellent choice for general cleaning, moisturizing during dry weather, and soothing environmental allergies. However, there are other cat shampoo formulations that provide more potent benefits, including itch relief, inflammation control, and even supportive treatment for skin infections. These typically qualify as medicated cat shampoos which are best used under veterinary guidance.
Sploot Vets: Your Go-To Cat Vet for Complete, Fear Free Care
At Sploot Vets, we offer next-level veterinary care, combining the latest techniques in veterinary medicine with a calm, Fear Free experience. Whether you’d like to learn more about choosing the best cat shampoo or other feline health concerns, we’re here to help!
Our vet clinics in Denver and Chicago are fully equipped to provide all-in-one care, encompassing preventative care, urgent care, and emergency vet services! With our dedicated medical team and modern clinic facilities, you can trust that your pet is in good hands.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Ready to take the next step toward your cat’s health and well-being? Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app. With appointment availability 365 days a year, we are always here for you and your feline companion!
