Last updated Apr 12, 2025
The best cat shampoos are gentle yet effective. Here are seven good options. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Your cat’s shampoo should be the least stressful part of bathtime. Cats have sensitive skin that is thinner and less acidic than ours, so it’s important to avoid human shampoo. The best cat shampoos are specifically formulated to meet your feline friend’s unique skin needs, ensuring a clean, healthy coat without irritation.
In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best cat shampoos available, helping you choose the most suitable product for your cat.
At a Glance: The Best Cat Shampoos for Gentle & Effective Cleaning To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Earthbath Hypoallergenic Dog & Cat Shampoo
- Hypoallergenic formula free from harsh chemicals
- Soothing dry, itchy skin
- Won’t wash off topical flea treatments
Burt's Bees Waterless Shampoo for Cats
- Perfect for spot cleaning or between baths
- Free from irritating essential oils, fragrances, and colorants
- Handy for travel
TropiClean Waterless Dander Reducing Cat Shampoo
- Oatmeal and cucumber extracts moisturize dry, flakey skin
- May help with human allergies
- No soap, parabens, or dyes
Davis Degrease Dog & Cat Shampoo
- Effective for oily and dirty coats
- Concentrated formula: a little goes a long way
- Effective for pets with white fur that appears dirty or stained
FURminator FUR deShedding Foaming Cat Shampoo
- Designed to reduce shedding and hairballs
- Free of parabens and dyes
- Easy to apply: no water or rinsing required
MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
- Fast-acting results reported by users
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Contains ceramides to moisturize and repair dry skin
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hypoallergenic Shampoo
- Ideal for pets with allergies or itchy skin
- Free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances
- pH balanced for optimal skin health
Do Cats Really Need Baths?
For the most part, cats do just fine without regular baths. Cats are proficient self-groomers and can usually keep themselves clean with their scratchy tongues and dexterous paws.
However, there are times when a bath might be necessary. For instance, if your cat gets into something sticky or dirty, or if they have certain skin conditions, a bath could help. Additionally, senior cats, overweight cats, and cats with limited mobility might need a helping hand to maintain good hygiene. Finally, certain breeds, like the hairless Sphynx, need more frequent bathing to manage their skin oils.
For times when nothing but a bath will do, you’ll want the right cat shampoo on hand.
Why Trust Cats.com
We evaluated several shampoos to help you choose the best formula for your cat. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Our review process involves careful research and hands-on testing. To find the best cat shampoos, I began by exploring the key differences between cat-specific shampoos and standard human products. This helped me identify the essential features and ingredients to look for.
I then purchased several highly-rated cat shampoos to test at home, focusing on hypoallergenic formulas that were free from harsh chemicals. I chose a range of products that cater to various feline needs, from dander control to allergies. During testing, I evaluated ingredients, scents, and ease of application.
As always, my goal is not to sell you on any particular product but rather to help you navigate the market with confidence.
Top Picks Explained
Since this video was filmed, we’ve updated this article with some new products. However, we still love all of Mallory’s picks.
A variety of factors determines our rankings. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Earthbath Hypoallergenic Dog & Cat Shampoo is our top choice, it may not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right shampoo for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by application method, cat type, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Earthbath Hypoallergenic Dog & Cat Shampoo
This Earthbath Shampoo receives consistently positive reviews and is one of the most widely recommended products on the market. It’s a strong candidate for your all-purpose cat shampoo, ready for dirt, grime, fleas, and anything else that demands a cat bath.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This hypoallergenic shampoo is free from harsh ingredients you want to avoid—no sulfates, parabens, dyes, or artificial fragrances. Because it’s free from these potentially irritating ingredients, this formula is good for most allergic cats, as well as those with respiratory issues and other sensitivities.
This shampoo is made with purified water, extra-mild renewable coconut-based cleansers, aloe vera, xanthan gum, and olive oil squalene, a natural substance used as a preservative. All of these nourishing ingredients are gentle on your cat’s skin.
I found this shampoo made a good lather, and the subtle scent reminded me of blowing bubble solution.
What We Liked:
- Hypoallergenic formula free from harsh chemicals
- Soothes dry, itchy skin
- Won’t wash off topical flea treatments
- Suitable for both cats and dogs over 6 weeks
- Can be diluted for easier use
What We Didn’t Like:
- Though the scent is subtle, some cats may not like it
#2 Best Waterless Shampoo: Burt’s Bees Waterless Shampoo for Cats
If you’ve ever used dry shampoo on your own hair, you’ll understand the ease and convenience of a product you can spray on, rub in, and forget about.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This waterless shampoo from Burt’s Bees is a liquid you spray on your cat’s coat and brush it through. It can be used as a spot cleaner or simply to freshen your cat’s coat between baths. It’s pH-balanced for cats, so it is unlikely to cause skin irritation, and it’s free from artificial fragrances and colorants.
Though it won’t be as effective as a full bath, this could be a useful product for older cats who struggle to groom themselves. Several cat guardians noted this spray makes their cats’ coats nice and soft.
What We Liked:
- Perfect for spot cleaning or between baths
- pH-balanced for cats to reduce irritation
- Free from irritating essential oils, fragrances, and colorants
- Leaves fur nice and soft
- Handy for travel
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not as effective as a full bath
#3 Best for Dander Control: TropiClean Waterless Dander Reducing Cat Shampoo
If cat dander is making your allergies go haywire, this foaming shampoo might help. TropiClean carries a well-loved line of plant-based pet shampoos.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This waterless formula is designed to cut down on dander and leave your cat’s coat smelling fresh and clean. It’s easy to use: just apply a few pumps and massage into your cat’s coat, no water required.
This formula is soap-free, and you won’t find parabens or dyes. It has a distinct coconutty smell, which I find quite nice, but your cat may disagree.
What We Liked:
- No water necessary
- Because it’s soap-free, it won’t remove topical flea & tick treatments
- Made with oatmeal and cucumber extracts to moisturize dry, flakey skin
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited information on some proprietary ingredients
- May require additional brushing for best results
- Not suitable for cats under 12 weeks
#4 Best for Hairless Cats: Davis Degrease Dog & Cat Shampoo
Unlike most cats, hairless breeds need regular baths to remove excess oils on their skin. This shampoo is a little different than the others on this list. It comes in a little tub, and you scoop it out with your fingers. At first, it feels like a creamy paste, but when you mix it with water, it becomes a rich lather.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Many satisfied cat guardians have reported using this shampoo successfully on their Sphynx cats—but you could also use it for any oily-coated or extra dirty pets. It’s a highly concentrated formula that can be used at full strength or diluted if you prefer.
What We Liked:
- Effective for oily and dirty coats
- Mild scent
- Concentrated formula: a little goes a long way
- Recommended by many Sphynx owners on Amazon
- Effective for pets with white fur that appears dirty or stained
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some may prefer a traditional bottle over scooping from a tub
#5 Best Shed Control: FURminator FUR deShedding Foaming Cat Shampoo
Heavy shedders and cats prone to hairballs might benefit from a shampoo that helps manage excess fur. Like the TropiClean formula, this shampoo comes out as a foam, making it super easy to apply—no need for water or rinsing.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Enriched with ingredients like calendula and omega fatty acids, this FURminator shampoo nourishes the skin while keeping shedding down. Plus, it’s free from parabens and chemical dyes.
It has a slightly perfumey smell (my daughter compared it to a bar of soap). And a few people mentioned that it left a sticky residue on their cats’ fur. But others said it helped remove excess hair, and they noticed less shedding and fur around their house after using it.
What We Liked:
- Designed to reduce shedding and hairballs
- Free of parabens and dyes
- No rinsing required
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some users reported a sticky residue
#6 Best Medicated Shampoo: MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
Skin infections can leave your cat’s skin red and scaly—they may even lose patches of hair or develop increased pigmentation of the skin.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This fragrance-free formula contains a 2% concentration of miconazole nitrate and chlorhexidine gluconate. These active ingredients defend against multiple causes of skin infections, including fungus, bacteria, yeast, and ringworm.
This medicated shampoo also contains moisturizing ceramides, which may help rehydrate dry skin to prevent dandruff. Because this formula is fragrance-free, it’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin and noses.
Dozens of satisfied customers report improvements within just a few days when used as directed. It’s best to work the shampoo into a lather and let it sit on your cat’s coat for at least five minutes before rinsing.
This shampoo has a slightly medicinal smell, and it feels pretty concentrated. It made a lot of foam, and a little product should go a long way.
What We Liked:
- Contains ceramides to moisturize and repair dry skin
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Suitable for both cats and dogs
- Fast-acting results reported by users
What We Didn’t Like:
- Pricey compared to regular shampoos
- Slightly medicinal smell
#7 Best for Sensitive Skin: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Designed for both dogs and cats, this gentle shampoo uses coconut-based cleansers for a soothing clean without harsh chemicals. It’s perfect for pets prone to dryness, itching, or irritation.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
We appreciate that it’s free from sulfates, parabens, fragrances, and soap, making it a safe choice for those with skin sensitivities.
This hypoallergenic formula is enriched with Vitamin E to revive dull coats and lactic acid to maintain moisture levels. It makes a rich lather and has a fresh, soapy smell.
What We Liked:
- Ideal for pets with allergies or sensitive skin
- Free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances
- pH balanced for optimal skin health
- Suitable for both dogs and cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some pet parents say it didn’t help their pet
What To Consider When Choosing a Cat Shampoo
Choosing the right cat shampoo doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Cat-specific formulation: Always opt for a shampoo specifically designed for cats. Their skin has a different pH balance compared to humans, so using human shampoos (or those designated as ONLY for dogs) can lead to irritation and dryness.
- Scent: While you might love a fruity fragrance, strong scents can overwhelm your cat’s sensitive nose. Look for unscented or lightly scented options to keep your cat comfortable.
- Gentle, cat-safe ingredients: The best cat shampoo is free from ingredients that could irritate your cat’s skin or make them sick when they groom themselves later. It’s always a good idea to seek out gentle, straightforward formulas featuring vegetable-based cleansers. Avoid shampoos with artificial dyes, parabens, sulfates, and soap, as these can be harsh on your cat’s skin and coat.
- Special needs: Consider any specific issues your cat might have, such as fleas, hairballs, or dandruff. There are specialized shampoos available that can help address these concerns effectively.
- Application type: If your cat isn’t fond of baths, you might want to explore waterless shampoos. They’re designed for easier application without the stress of rinsing!
Hi there, we have a 10 month old Selkirk Rex at home and wondering if you’d have any recommendations for shampoo designated for curly hair breeds?
Hey Rockie, it’s recommended that Selkirk Rex cats are bathed with a thin, lightweight shampoo that won’t get caught in your kitty’s curls. Our number one-recommended shampoo from Earthbath should suit the job well. Cheers!