what to look for in a cat shampoo
For starters, it’s best to consider whether or not your cat really needs a bath. “Cats take great care of their fur and spend a good part of their days in it. for most cats, bathing isn’t really necessary,” says dr. Lautier “However, there are exceptions: for example, when the cat is incapacitated by pain (older cats are susceptible to arthritis) and can no longer groom itself.”
Safety is also a concern when bathing your cat. Bathing your cat can be an “athletic” or even painful experience. With very few exceptions, cats do not like water and the bathing experience is extremely stressful for them, which can trigger aggressive behavior,” adds dr. Lautier “In some extreme cases, it may be necessary for your vet to use mild sedation before bathing.”
dr. Lautier points out that it’s possible to get a cat used to bathing from a young age. “Some owners do this and then bathe their cats regularly with no problem,” she adds.
types of shampoo
There are several ways to keep your cat clean and smelling fresh. Liquid shampoos are the most common, but you’ll also find foam shampoos, some that need rinsing and others that are waterless (no-rinse) and therefore would brush out after a drying period.
“The use of dry shampoos or no-rinse cleansing lotions applied with a cotton pad or absorbent cloth is an interesting alternative to having to completely wet the cat,” explains dr. lautier
Most cat shampoos are only appropriate for cats 12 weeks and older, although burt’s bees says it’s appropriate for all ages. some are specifically designed for kittens or cats that suffer from allergies to food, fleas, or other irritants. check the label before buying if your kitten is less than 12 weeks old.
Several brands of cat shampoo are specifically designed to control fleas and ticks. these will contain pesticide ingredients in addition to the standard shampoo elements. Be sure to carefully use these shampoos as directed to avoid accidental ingestion or eye exposure that could cause more serious side effects.
ingredients
Regardless of the ingredients in the shampoo, avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, and inner ear to prevent pain and irritation. look for natural and organic ingredients that you recognize. many of these contain ingredients that soothe allergies and irritation, such as oats, chamomile, aloe vera, and nourishing vitamins.
Unless soapy lather is really important to you, avoid shampoos that contain surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate because, while they help deep clean, they can also be irritating and are not considered good for the aquatic environment.
specific breed needs
“For long-haired breeds, you should use a shampoo that prevents the formation of knots in the coat and makes brushing easier,” says dr. Lautier “Hairless breeds, such as the sphinx, often have seborrheic skin and require regular bathing. regular bathing is also common for competitive cats.”
Seborrheic dermatitis is a relatively common skin condition caused by an overreaction of the cat’s immune system to yeast that grows naturally on the skin. it can result in scaly patches, red skin, and persistent dandruff. shampoos specifically designed for this type of dermatitis often use antifungal ingredients that control yeast growth.
why trust spruce pets?
the spruce pets extensively researches and recommends a wide range of products. We also draw on a network of experts and testers to help you make smarter purchases.
This article was researched and written by lorraine wilde, who has been a dedicated pet lover and owner of cats and dogs for the past 35 years. Researching each product and brand, Ella Lorraine evaluated the type and quality of each product, customer reviews, the company’s research and development, and its business ethics. Ella Lorraine also has a master’s degree in environmental science. She strongly believes that consumers can make healthy, informed, and environmentally conscious choices to protect their pets and our planet.
jean-pierre lautier, dvm, of the ab7 and alzoo group, has worked with ab7 since 1993, where he has contributed to the research and development of veterinary calming products. throughout his career, dr. Lautier has had a passionate interest in the analysis and management of cat and dog behavior. he earned his veterinary degree from the national veterinary school in toulouse, france.
