The first time you brought your furry little friend home, you may have forgotten all about how you’re going to bathe them. Now, since you’re scouring the internet for the best shampoo for cats with allergies, what do you think went wrong?
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
You see, pet parents are of the opinion that cats are pretty low-maintenance animals because they love grooming themselves. However, an occasional bath is vital to resolve the common feline symptoms of dry skin or allergies, unless of course, a vet has recommended using a specific hypoallergenic or organic shampoo for felines.
The 5 Best Shampoos for Cats with Allergies
Remember, the word ‘hypoallergenic’ only means that the respective product’s ingredients are highly unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Still, we’re going to spare you from conducting your own market research, because we have compiled our purr-fect list of 5 best shampoos for cats with allergies.
1. Burt’s Bees for Pets Hypoallergenic Shampoo With Shea Butter and Honey
Burt’s Bees for Pets Hypoallergenic Shampoo is made-up of 99.7% all-natural ingredients, which include honey and shea butter. This recipe was tailored by some well-known names in the pet skincare industry and therefore, is specifically formulated for cats with allergies.
Not only is this shampoo pH-balanced for felines, but it consists of honey to give those thick tufts of fur a natural shine and shea butter, to keep the skin underneath moisturized at all times.
Pros
- 7% all-natural ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Does not consist of essential oils, dyes and sulfates
- No artificial fragrances
- Shea butter and honey show instant results
- Easy to use
Cons
- Premium price-tag
2. Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath
Yes, you read the name right. Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath is a waterless shampoo, quite like our leave-in shampoo and conditioners. You see, your cat isn’t in a hurry but they might have to be wrestled to get into a bath because they hate water so much. Well, this product solves your problem by eliminating the root cause – water.
Not only does this waterless shampoo consist of all-natural ingredients but we specifically love the addition of aloe vera, neem oil, Vitamin E and oatmeal considering their individual benefits against allergies.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Can be used as an additional product while you’re grooming/brushing your cat
- Perfect for cats who hate bath-time
- Completely safe and very effective
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Manufactured by a well-known pet grooming products’brand
Cons
- Consumers were of the opinion that this product was only effective on short-haired dogs
3. Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo for Animals
Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo for Animals is one of those brands that is recommended across the globe and by various pet-related professions. This is because of the fact that it is made up of organic ingredients and an all-natural cleansing formula.
Regardless of your furry little friend’s level of skin sensitivity, you’ll find that this product is well-suited for your purposes. Also, the addition of essential oils in its ingredients offers both, antioxidant and calming effects to users.
Pros
- Natural fragrances
- Essential oils produce natural calming and antioxidant effects
- No-rinsing required
- Organic ingredients
- Cleaning formula makes sure your feline is truly clean
- Safe for all feline skin sensitivities
Cons
- Consumers complained that it left a shiny film on their pet’s fur coat
4. Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Totally Natural Pet Shampoo
The Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Totally Natural Pet Shampoo has been endowed with positive reviews from all over the world. This isn’t much of a surprise considering the fact that it is made of very mild ingredients, such as purified water, aloe Vera, coconut-based cleaners, olive oil squalene and xanthan gum. If you were to research these ingredients individually, you’ll realize the level of nourishment you’re about to bestow upon your beloved fur-ball.
Pros
- All-purpose shampoo
- Safe and effective for sensitive skin
- Coconut-based cleansers provide deep nourishment
- Free from irritants
- Boostscomfort and soothes dry or irritated skin
- Removes and repels fleas, grime, dirt and dead skin cells
Cons
- Many consumers believethat this shampoo did nothing to cure dry skin and simply eased the symptoms
5. DVM Pharmaceuticals Hylyt Shampoo for Pets
DVM Pharmaceuticals’ Hylyt Shampoo for Pets has been specifically formulated to counter flaking and scaling that is caused by seborrhea. This feline skin condition is typically the reason so many cats develop dandruff and hence the highly-moisturizing ingredients in this shampoo help put an end to these annoying symptoms.
The Hylyt Shampoo’s formula has been closely studied by many professionals in the industry and therefore, is believed to be very effective. Some have even gone so far as to say it is the perfect shampoo for Sphynx cats since they don’t have thick fur to protect their sensitive skin.
Pros
- Highly-moisturizing ingredients
- Some chemical ingredients but tested on sensitive feline skin
- The formula is certified by experts
- Effective against dandruff
- Keeps skin hydrated even hours after a bath
- Perfect for Sphynx cats
Cons
- The manufacturer recommended not using this shampoo on cats with broken skin
What to Look for When Picking a Shampoo for a Cat with Allergies
Natural Ingredients
Even though it is possible for a cat to be allergic to some natural ingredients, artificial additives are highly likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Try keeping a lookout for additives such as dyes, perfumes and other chemicals. Typically, shampoos that claim to be hypoallergenic are made of natural ingredients.
Natural Cleansing Agents
Your efforts will be futile if you buy a shampoo that doesn’t have a few natural cleaning agents as well. Don’t specifically look for cleaning agents that are present in human shampoos as well. Moreover, soap is not a healthy cleansing agent for felines because it triggers dry skin problems and makes their skin itchy.
Hydrating and Moisturizing Ingredients
This particular point may seem a little far-fetched and counter-intuitive because this is exactly why you gave your furry little pal a bath. However, moisturizing and hydrating features help build a natural moisture barrier over their skin, even hours after their grumpy bath. Specifically, try looking for ingredients such as coconut extract, oatmeal and aloe Vera.
A Specific Active Ingredient
If you or your vet have spotted allergic reactions or skin problems, then you should look for specific active ingredients or medicated shampoos that counter those symptoms specifically. The products mentioned in this guide may be safe for your cat as well, but they won’t necessarily ease their skin condition.
Our Final Thoughts
Did you know that cats are allergic to just about as many things as human beings? Now that you know, it’s time for you to step into their furry little shoes and opt for one of the 5 best shampoos for cats with allergies reviewed in this post.
Regular use of these products will prevent your feline’s exposure to allergic reactions and will help hydrate and soothe dry skin. Oh and no matter how cute your feline looks while scratching themselves, it’s time you cured that itch (for the most part).
It’s meow or never!
