Cats are notorious for wanting things on their terms. They are solitary creatures that feel they can do everything for themselves, including bathing. Yes, cats are great at keeping themselves groomed. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get baths routinely. This is especially true if you have a kitty that suffers from skin conditions or allergies. While bathing your kitty may not be at the top of your fun things-to-do list, it still needs to be done correctly. This means choosing the best cat shampoo for your cat. When you take a look at all the cat shampoos on the market to choose from, you’ll quickly find the list is as eccentric as your cat. That’s why we’re here. We’ve tossed those angry kitties in the bath, took on the claws, had our eardrums shattered with meows, and came up with our list of the best cat shampoos. Take a look at what we’ve compiled, while we heal from our wounds, so you can choose the one best suited for your kitty.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

The 10 Best Cat Shampoos of 2024

1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall

Our choice for the best cat shampoo of 2024 is Hepper’s Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. This made-in-the-USA pet shampoo combines a moisturizing formula with effective cleaning power to leave your cat looking its best after bathtime. This shampoo is pH balanced for your kitty’s skin and free of sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, and gluten. We also love the refreshing cucumber and aloe scent. No matter the budget you find yourself on, this shampoo can fit in considering it’s quite affordable at the Hepper store.

The only issue we see with this shampoo is that the company does not offer an unscented version. While the scent is subtle, pet parents and pets with sensitivities may not be able to use it.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

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2. Frisco Oatmeal Dog & Cat Shampoo – Best Value

Frisco Oatmeal Dog & Cat Shampoo is our pick for the best cat shampoo for the money. This soothing shampoo hydrates your cat’s skin using coconut and oatmeal to help nourish it as it gently cleans. For cats with dry, irritated, or itchy skin the oats and organic aloe vera in this formula are a great way to help these issues without needed medications. You’ll enjoy the gentle almond scent and the affordable price that makes it such a great value.

The amazing almond scent of this shampoo is the only issue we’ve found. It smells great but doesn’t linger long on your cat.

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3. Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Dog & Cat Shampoo – Premium Choice

For cats with severe skin issues, Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Dog & Cat Shampoo is a perfect choice. This shampoo is often recommended by veterinarians due to its antiseptic and antifungal qualities. Luckily, this shampoo is available for purchase without a prescription. You’ll also love that not only does this kitty shampoo help clear up moderate to severe skin conditions, but it also moisturizes, cleanses, and reduces inflammation.

Of course, with this shampoo coming in as our premium choice, the price is a bit high. However, you will find it is more affordable when buying from Chewy than through your veterinarian. Another issue is that for this shampoo to do what it needs to you may need to follow it with an emulsion spray. It also needs to remain on your cat’s skin for 10 minutes. Anyone with cats knows this can be a bit challenging.

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4. Burt’s Bees Kitten Shampoo – Best for Kittens

For those adorable kittens who need a bath, we recommend Burt’s Bees Kitten Shampoo. This shampoo is pH balanced for a cat’s specific skin needs. It is also a gentle formula made with buttermilk to soothe your kitten’s skin and keep it moisturized. This shampoo is designed to be gentle as it is tear-free so that it can easily be used on even the most rambunctious kittens without any pain.

The only true issue we found with this gentle kitten shampoo is the lathering. You’ll notice the shampoo isn’t overly thick which means it doesn’t produce a rich lather. According to what your kitten has gotten into, this could be an issue.

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5. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo

If your cat is suffering from skin issues, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo is a great bathing option. This medicated shampoo uses its ingredients to help heal skin irritation, dermatitis, and even pyoderma. The recommendation for use is 2x weekly until your cat’s skin condition is under control. When things are improving, you can continue using this treatment once a week to fight flare-ups. The aloe vera and coconut oil cleansers are ideal for moisturizing your kitty’s skin and fur.

Like with other medical shampoos, the biggest issue with this option is that it must be left on for up to 10 minutes to be fully effective. This can be difficult with cats who aren’t big fans of taking a bath.

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6. Zymox Enzymatic Cat Shampoo

Zymox Enzymatic Cat Shampoo is another entry on our list that is great for cats with skin irritation or ailments. This is especially true if those ailments are caused by yeast, bacteria, or fungi. This enzymatic formula is designed to thoroughly clean your kitty while leaving the skin nourished and removing the source of the irritation. There are no antibiotics in this shampoo which means it won’t take multiple treatments to clear away the source of irritation. You’ll also love that it includes vitamin D3 to help condition the skin and fur

While the leave on time of this medicated shampoo isn’t as long as others, it does require a 5-minute window to do its job. It is also suggested that this treatment be followed by Zymox conditioning rinse which means an additional product would need to be purchased.

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7. TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Cat Shampoo

If you have a long-haired cat, TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Cat Shampoo is an excellent choice. This product uses papaya and kiwi to condition and nourish your kitty’s skin. The coconut and mango included in the formula are ideal for aiding with making tangles easier to brush out. You won’t even need to worry about this shampoo affecting your kitty’s flea and tick treatments. Add in the pleasant tropical scent and it is a winning combo.

Unfortunately, you’ll need to use a bit of this product to get a good lather and get your kitty clean and smelling good. You’ll also find that it isn’t a tear-free formula so you must be careful when applying it to your pet.

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8. Pro Pet Works Organic Oatmeal Pet Shampoo

This Pro Pet Works Organic Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a plant-based cleansing formula that utilizes aloe vera and vitamin E to provide your kitty with a beautiful coat. You’ll notice less dry skin, itching, and the restoration of your cat’s natural oils. It’s also made in the USA and is pH balanced to ensure your pet’s needs are met.

This shampoo lathers a lot. When bathing your kitty, make sure you start with a small amount. If not, you’ll find that it is difficult to get all the shampoo rinsed off your pet. Unfortunately, the price of this shampoo is a bit high.

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9. Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoo

For cats that suffer from allergies or skin issues, Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoo is a decent choice. What we like about this shampoo is that it’s veterinarian-recommended. The gentle formula is safe for cats of all ages, including little kittens. This makes it a great option for gently cleansing kitties with skin problems.

The downside of this formula is that it’s difficult to rinse. Small amounts can lather quite a bit. When bathing your cat you should start with small amounts to avoid major issues.

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10. Puracy Natural Cat Shampoo

Up last on our review is Puracy Natural Cat Shampoo. This human-grade shampoo is ideal for cats with sensitive skin and allergies. The ingredients are plant-based to provide a gentle, nice-smelling product. You’ll also be thankful for the reduction in redness and itchiness. It also moisturizes your kitty’s skin after the bath.

This shampoo is not the greatest when it comes to rinsing so be prepared to spend a bit of time taking care of that. You’ll also find that the watermelon and sea salt fragrance isn’t long-lasting. In most instances, it’s gone within a day.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Shampoos

Now that you have seen our favorite cat shampoos of the year, let’s take a look at the criteria we considered while choosing our favorites. This will help you decide which shampoo is best for your cat and your home.

Price

While we want our pets to have the best of things, none of us can deny the rising cost of living. That means paying attention to our budget is a must. If you notice, none of the cat shampoos on our list will break the bank, and this includes our premium choice. While some are a bit more expensive than others, we tried to keep things as affordable as possible. Keep in mind, however, in many situations, you get what you pay for, even in the world of kitty shampoo.

Formulas

Not all cats are the same. This is why we wanted to cover several different formulas. If you notice, we have medicated shampoos on our list, shampoos that are safe for all ages, and hypoallergenic shampoos. You know your kitty better than anyone. You have dealt with their skin issues, tangles, and other situations a good shampoo can help with. You should consider all this when you choose the shampoo you feel is right for your cat’s needs.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of cat shampoos out there to choose from. If you want to make your life easier, you can make your pick from our reviews above. Our overall best cat shampoo pick is Hepper Colloidal Pet Shampoo. This pH-balanced, all-natural shampoo is our favorite when it comes to cleaning and moisturizing your kitty’s skin and coat. If you want a more affordable shampoo, our best value pick is Frisco Oatmeal Shampoo. This soothing and gentle shampoo is a great option when you’re on a tight budget. You’ll find, however, that there are a lot more options on our list to cover your cat’s bathing needs. Look them over, take your pick, and then have the time of your life trying to bathe those frisky felines.

• See also: 10 Best Cat Conditioners – Reviews & Top Picks

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Featured Image Credit: Marie-Claude Lemay, Shutterstock