Best Cat Shampoos

Updated September 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Dog & Cat Shampoo
Douxo
Chlorhexidine PS Dog & Cat Shampoo
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Expert Recommended
Bottom Line

The best shampoo we found to achieve and maintain healthy skin and fur.

Pros

This antiseptic shampoo helps combat harmful bacteria, fungi, and dry skin. It effectively clears up ringworm on cats as well. Results are quick and long lasting. Shampoo leaves fur soft and shiny. Available in 6.8 ounce or 16.9 ounce bottles.

Cons

More expensive than similar shampoos, but users love it.

Best Bang for the Buck
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo
Earthbath
Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Perfect for keeping cats clean and smelling sweet for long periods of time.

Pros

Vanilla almond scented shampoo provides quick relief for dry, itchy skin. Shampoo lathers beautifully, leaving your cat's fur soft and shiny. Gentle, soothing formula works well on hairless cats as well. A little product goes a long way.

Cons

Long-lasting scent may not appeal to all cat owners.

Burt's Bees Waterless Shampoo for Cats
Burt's Bees
Waterless Shampoo for Cats
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

The fastest and easiest way to get your water-hating cats shampooed.

Pros

Uses natural ingredients like apple and honey to give your cat a healthy coat. Waterless spray shampoo formula is fast, easy, and efficient for both you and your cat. Apple and honey scent is subtle and pleasant.

Cons

Spray bottle can be scary to some cats – if so, try spraying on your hands and then rubbing into fur.

Malaseb Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
Malaseb
Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
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Most Soothing
Bottom Line

A gentle, scent-free shampoo that soothes irritated skin quickly.

Pros

Medicated shampoo is fragrance-free. Effectively cleans and heals irritated skin while remaining gentle. Works well for clearing up ringworm. Thick formula can be watered down to make the shampoo easier to lather and to make it last longer.

Cons

Shampoo must be left on for 10 minutes, and some cats may not be that patient.

Veterinary Formula Solutions Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
Veterinary Formula Solutions
Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
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Best for White Cats
Bottom Line

The best choice for white-haired cats who love to get messy.

Pros

Shampoo lathers well and is easy to rinse out. Effectively cleans and brightens white fur. Noticeable results after just one wash. Gentle formula leaves fur conditioned and shiny. Affordable price point.

Cons

Strong citrus scent may be overpowering for some cats and owners.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

20 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
380 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Cats, for the most part, keep themselves quite clean. However, every once in a while they get into something that slef-grooming alone will not clean up, and that’s where cat shampoo comes into play. It is important to always use a cat-friendly shampoo, as human shampoos and soaps typically have a higher pH level and can severely dry out your cat's skin. There are a range of medicated and non-medicated shampoos to choose from, scented or unscented, medicated or not. Always remember to consult your vet before using any new products on your cat.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Strawfield Pets
Chlorhexidine Medicated Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
Pro Pet Works
Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo + Conditioner
Wahl
Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo for Animals
John Paul Pet
Lavender Mint Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
Vet's Best
Waterless Cat Bath
The team that worked on this review
  • Amber
    Amber
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Earthbath

Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo

Earthbath

Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo

Perfect for keeping cats clean and smelling sweet for long periods of time.
$16
×

Douxo

Chlorhexidine PS Dog & Cat Shampoo

Douxo

Chlorhexidine PS Dog & Cat Shampoo

The best shampoo we found to achieve and maintain healthy skin and fur.
$39
×

Burt's Bees

Waterless Shampoo for Cats

Burt's Bees

Waterless Shampoo for Cats

The fastest and easiest way to get your water-hating cats shampooed.
$6
×

Veterinary Formula Solutions

Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

Veterinary Formula Solutions

Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

The best choice for white-haired cats who love to get messy.
$4

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