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15 Best Organicâ Shampoos For Cats

Many cat owners are unaware that bathing their cat is not a myth. Some cats require regular washing, especially as they age.

Cats are exceptionally hygienic creatures that clean themselves with their mouths. However, not all cats are as rigorous about grooming, which might lead to problems as they age.

If your cat has a tendency to stink, you might want to consider giving them a bath to help them along. Bathing your cat, especially if they are young, has numerous advantages.

Furthermore, many pet parents rely heavily on organic products to ensure that the things they use with their animals are safe for eating by animals.

So, here are BestForPets' (bestforpets.org) best organic shampoos for cats available right now!

Reviews

Oatmeal & Aloe Earthbath Dog & Cat Shampoo
 

  • Rinse-Free? No
  • 16 oz (1 gal) bottle
  • Ingredients: Aloe Vera and Oatmeal

The best overall organic cat shampoo was Earthbath’s Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo. This shampoo contains no soap.

You can put it on your cat even if they are on a topical flea and tick treatment such as Advantage or Frontline! Even if it’s a suitable treatment, make sure you follow your flea treatment’s bathing requirements—those, too, respond to water!

Earthbath shampoos can be used on both dogs and cats. So, in a multi-pet household, this shampoo can do double duty! Furthermore, this shampoo is available in 16-ounce and 1-gallon sizes.

So, if you have a dog and a cat, go ahead and splurge on that large bottle and use it for both! Finally, this shampoo contains oatmeal and aloe vera to relieve irritated skin in your cat.

Even if your cat isn’t itching, the oatmeal and aloe will nourish and soften their skin.

Pros

  • The skin is soothed with oatmeal and aloe vera.
  • Topical flea treatments will not be washed away.

Cons

  • It is not rinse-free.

 

Best Value TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Cat Shampoo
 

  • Rinse-Free? No
  • 20 oz, 1 gal, and 2.5 gal bottles
  • Coconut, mango, and papaya scents

TropiClean’s Luxury Papaya Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner is a bargain-bin powerhouse, which is why we chose it as the finest organic cat shampoo for the money.

This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner formula comes in large bottles ranging from 20 ounces to 2.5 gallons! It’s an excellent value for bulk purchasers!

There is no need to purchase a separate pet-safe conditioner because this shampoo is a 2-in-1. This also helps you stick to your budget. It’s ideal for cats who despise the shower yet require a bath since they’re starting to stink.

This is an organic shampoo, however it is not one of TropiClean’s waterless shampoos. However, with a 2.5-gallon bottle, the price is hard to beat!

Pros

  • Because it is soap-free, it will not wash away any flea or tick medicines.
  • Brushes out tangled fur by relaxing it.

Cons

  • It is not rinse-free.

 

Lather + Bathe Organic Cat Shampoo – Premium Choice by M. BARCLAY
 

  • Rinse-Free? No
  • 22-ounce bottle
  • Aloe vera, citronella, and tea tree scents

Later + Bathe Shampoo by BARCLAY is our pick for the best premium organic cat shampoo.

It has an all-natural and organic formula, making it an excellent alternative for pet parents who are particularly concerned about the sourcing of their pet goods.

This pH-balanced shampoo contains delightful scents such as citronella, aloe vera, and green tea, which will have your cat smelling like a fresh field of flowers in no time. All of the aromas and ingredients are natural and sourced sustainably.

After just one bath, your cat’s coat will be lustrous and soft—imagine how it would look if you use this shampoo on a daily basis!

The shampoo revitalizes the coat by utilizing the skin’s natural oils and assisting the body in replenishing those oils while cleaning the dirt and filth from the fur.

Pros

  • Rejuvenates irritated skin
  • Cleanses and hydrates the coat

Cons

  • Expensive

 

Organic Sheabutter & Oatmeal Cat Shampoo by Pawtitas
 

  • Rinse-Free? No
  • 16-ounce bottle
  • Sheabutter and oatmeal scents

This Organic Sheabutter & Oatmeal Cat Shampoo & Conditioner from Pawtitas is another great alternative for pet parents who want to start bathing their cats. This shampoo can rejuvenate your cat’s coat while cleaning away any debris.

This wash is both a shampoo and a conditioner, so it can do double duty in your bathroom. It’s also more pleasant for your cat, who won’t be getting wet all the time.

This wash is not just organic; it is also cruelty-free, which means that no animals were used in the manufacturing of this composition. An wonderful choice for all of our animal-loving cat parents out there!

Pros

  • Made in the United States using certified organic ingredients.
  • There are no parabens or synthetic chemicals.

Cons

  • It is not rinse-free.

 

Hot Spot Relief Tea Tree & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo by Earthbath
 

  • Rinse-Free? No
  • 16-ounce bottle
  • Aloe vera and tea tree oil

Another Earthbath classic that pet parents may add to their cleaning arsenal is this Hot Spot Relief Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo. This one is especially useful for pet parents who have cats who suffer from hot spots.

Hot spots can be irritating for your cat, making them agitated and uncomfortable. So, use Earthbath’s Hot Spot Relief Shampoo to freshen them up while also removing hot spots.

This shampoo, like the others from Earthbath, is soap-free. As a result, you don’t have to be concerned about it washing away your cat’s flea and tick treatment.

Nonetheless, you should follow the directions included with your flea and tick medication because water might reduce the efficacy of some flea and tick medicines.

Pros

  • All-natural
  • While cleansing fur, it soothes hotspots.

Cons

  • It is not rinse-free.

 

Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog & Cat Shampoo by Earthbath

  • Rinse-Free? No
  • 16-ounce bottle
  • Green tea leaf extract, awapuhi, and ginseng are among the ingredients.

This list may appear to be a love letter to Earthbath, and it is in some ways. Earthbath manufactures a large number of organic pet products from which pet parents can pick.

While organic products for people are becoming more prevalent, they are still relatively new in the pet business. It’s wonderful to see firms like Earthbath coming forward to give natural and safe products for our dogs.

This Earthbath shampoo is intended to address shedding as a primary issue. It contains natural substances that wash the skin and renew the coat by providing moisture and omega-6 fatty acids.

This shampoo will make your cat smell good and feel soft. All that tenderness will stay with your kitty instead of spreading all over anything it comes into contact with! If your cat sweats like it’s their favorite hobby, use this shampoo!

Pros

  • Soap-free and pH-balanced
  • Omega-6 fatty acids are present for coat health.

Cons

  • It is not rinse-free.

 

TropiClean Dander Reducing Waterless Cat Shampoo
 

  • Rinse-Free?
  • Yes
  • 7.4 oz bottle size
  • Coconut, oats, and cucumber scents

This TropiClean shampoo is an excellent entry-level alternative for pet parents seeking for a waterless cat shampoo.

This shampoo is safe to leave in your cat’s fur and does not need to be rinsed. So you can give your cat a new coat without exposing them to the bathtub demon!

This is a small bottle, but because you may leave the shampoo in your cat’s fur when you’re through, you’ll be able to go longer between bathing.

As a result, after scrubbing with this shampoo, your cat will smell like a tropical vacation for at least a few days!

This shampoo, in addition to making your cat smell like a lovely vacation, is ideal for cat parents who frequently have allergic guests.

This shampoo targets dander at its source: your cat’s skin, lowering the quantity of dander shed by your cat as they go about their everyday life.

Pros

  • Dander production is reduced.
  • Rinse-free

Cons

  • There are no smells to help your cat smell pleasant.

 

TropiClean Deep Cleaning Waterless Cat Shampoo
 

  • Rinse-Free?
  • Yes
  • 7.4 oz bottle size
  • Coconut and aloe vera scents

TropiClean offers a variety of waterless cat shampoos that you can try. You might also switch them around to mix things up and maintain your house’s fragrance profile from becoming too stale.

This is another rinse-free shampoo that is ideal for pet parents who want to keep water participation to a minimum. It’s intended to deep clean your cat’s fur and then be left in to nourish and moisturize the coat and skin.

This comes in a compact bottle, just as the other TropiClean waterless shampoos. This indicates that pet parents searching for a bulk choice should focus on acclimating their cat to appropriate baths rather of looking to this waterless solution.

Pros

  • No-rinse formula
  • Deodorizes and deep cleans fur

Cons

  • Small bottle, not ideal for multi-pet homes

 

TropiClean Papaya & Coconut Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo
 

  • Rinse-Free?
  • Yes
  • 7.4 oz bottle size
  • Coconut and papaya scents

The last but not least product on our list is TropiClean’s Coconut and Papaya Waterless Shampoo. Because this is yet another rinse-free product, your cat will be comfortable and out of the terrible bathtub.

This shampoo has a tropical smell profile that includes coconut and papaya. After purchasing this shampoo, you will be continuously tempted to take a tropical vacation!

Unfortunately, those same botanical compounds also serve as the shampoo’s cleansing and detangling agents. With just one application of this shampoo, your cat will be as clean as a record!

Then, while it sits in the coat, it will nourish and moisturize the skin, giving your cat’s hair a lustrous, healthy appearance!

Pros

  • Rinse-free!
  • Skin is nourished, and knotted fur is relaxed.

Cons

  • Bottle size

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Organic Cat Shampoo

Is it necessary to bathe my cat?

While many people believe that because cats clean themselves with their tongues, there is no need to intervene or assist them, cats actually benefit from regular bathing.

Bathing is also important for older cats, who may have difficulty grooming themselves due to limited mobility and flexibility.

Even young cats might benefit from regular bathing. Long-haired cats, in particular, can benefit from their owner’s assistance in keeping their coats clean; their tongues aren’t always adequate.

Bathing your cat not only helps your furry buddy keep clean, but it also decreases the dander that your cat creates and sheds throughout your house on a daily basis.

Reducing the amount of dander produced by your cat can make your allergic guests feel more at ease in your house. If you have a friend or family member who is allergic to cats, bathing them on a regular basis can help the two get along better.

Bathing your kitten when they are young might help them become accustomed to the process and sensation of being bathed.

Many cats are terrified of water, yet scientific research indicates that this is due to a lack of exposure to water.

Bathing your cat at a young age will help them get used to the sensation of being wet and ensure an easier transition to bathing in old age.

What Exactly Is Dander?

Many individuals mistakenly believe that cat allergies are caused by fur. The underlying cause of a cat allergy, however, is a material known as dander. While dander can be distributed through shed fur, it is not a natural component of the fur.

Dander is a protein mixture found in the skin cells and saliva of your cat. Dander is dispersed throughout your cat’s coat when they lick themselves to clean up.

As a result, dander is dispersed in their fur when they shed fur, but the fur itself does not contain proteins that cause allergies.

Animal Dander Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of an animal dander allergy might occur minutes to hours after coming into touch with a dander-producing animal. Typical symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • A stuffy or runny nose
  • Face ache
  • Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing
  • Eyes that are watery, red, or itchy
  • Rashes on the skin

In severe situations, an allergic person may have anaphylactic shock when exposed to a dander-producing animal. This is a potentially fatal allergic reaction that causes the airways to shut.

If not treated promptly, the patient may suffer a cardiac arrest due to a shortage of oxygen.

Cat Shampoos of Various Types

Dry shampoos, often known as leave-in shampoos, do not require water to be effective. The majority of these shampoos create a foam or spray that you can apply to a washcloth and rub on your cat.

To ensure that the shampoo penetrates deep into the coat and undercoat, rub your cat both with and against the grain of their fur growth.

Regular Shampoo: Regular shampoos act in the same way that human shampoo does. You’ll need to moisten the cat first, then soap it up with shampoo.

Then, once they’ve been properly lathered, rinse the shampoo out of their fur. If you wish to use this type of shampoo on your cat, it is recommended that you begin bathing them as soon as possible.

This will help them become accustomed to the sensation of being wet when they are young and ensure that they are as comfortable as possible when they need to be bathed in their old age.

How Can I Help My Cat Accustom to Bathing?

Water introduction takes time, especially if your cat is older and used to not being wet. It also aids in understanding why your cat dislikes being wet in the first place.

When we understand the source of our annoyance, we can attack it rather than its effects.

It is unknown why domestic cats dislike water. Their wild relatives do not share this fear and will gladly jump in the water to cool off on hot days. The most likely cause, however, is a lack of exposure.

To find food sources and establish territory, wild cats must traverse rivers and swim through bodies of water. Domestic cats do not share this urge because their owners tend to their basic needs.

Cats have been domesticated for at least 5,000 years before to the common period, so they have spent a long time without needing to go near water except to drink.

The most likely reason your cat dislikes being wet is that it is unpleasant. Furthermore, wet fur is heavier, making them less agile and stealthy. This would make hunting more difficult and your cat more vulnerable to predators in the outdoors.

We can, however, assist our cats overcome their fear of water by providing frequent exposure and good reward.

  • Play with Your Cat in the Bathtub or Sink: Whether you intend to bathe your cat in the tub or the sink, begin by relocating playtime to the bathtub. This acclimates your cat to being in the bathtub without water and teaches them that a bathtub is a pleasurable place to be.
  • Introduce a Little Water: Begin by prewetting a washcloth and rubbing your cat down in the bathtub with it. This allows them to become accustomed to being damp without the frightening and new sounds of flowing water. Avoid getting their faces wet at first; this will make them feel more at ease and secure while wet.
  • Put some water in the bottom of the sink or bathtub to get their feet wet. Then, take your cat to the bathtub for some playtime and get them acclimated to having their feet wet. This will help them to become accustomed to being wet without frightening them by immersing them in water. It will also assist kids in developing good associations between being wet and having fun.
  • Introduce a Cup: Pour some water over your cat’s back with a cup. This will help them get acclimated to having their fur wet without frightening them with flowing water. If your cat reacts negatively, take a step back and give them time to cool down. Then, gradually return to playing with their feet wet. Once your cat has become accustomed to being wet, you should be able to give them a wash using a cat-safe shampoo.

Is it OK to use dog shampoo on cats?

Cats cannot be washed with dog shampoo. Instead, only use shampoos that are specifically promoted for use on cats on cats. Permethrin, a synthetic insecticide used in dog shampoos to help keep your dog bug-free, is found in many.

Permethrin, on the other hand, is toxic to cats, and if your cat has an open wound or accidentally ingests part of the shampoo, it might be fatal.

Conclusion

Bathing your cat offers numerous health benefits that should not be overlooked.

Try Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo for the best overall organic cat shampoo.

Next, pet parents on a budget can consider TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo and Conditioner, our best organic cat shampoo for the money.

Finally, pet parents who want the finest of the best should try M. BARCLAY Lather + Bathe Natural & Organic Conditioning Dog & Cat Shampoo.

After all, we appreciate the fact that you choose BestForPets (bestforpets.org) from among thousands of websites to read reviews of the best organic shampoos for cats.

Hopefully, this article has assisted you in selecting the best product for your pet.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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