Shampoo For Cats: Types (dry, Medicinal And Others), How To Choose The Most Suitable One For Your Pet, How To Apply, Reviews

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Shampoos for cats: choose and apply correctly

Cats are very clean animals: unlike dogs, their tongues are rough, which helps to get rid of dirt and keep the coat clean. However, in some cases, the pet needs additional help. For example, with some dermatological diseases or the appearance of red stains on the coat. It is important to choose the right shampoo so as not to harm the delicate cat's skin.

Content

• 1 Why you need a cat shampoo

• 2 Types of shampoos

  • 2.1 By consistency
  • 2.2 Cosmetic
  • 2.3 Specialized
  • 2.4 Medicinal
  • 2.5 Against fleas and ticks

• 3 How to choose a shampoo for a cat

  3.1 Table: the choice of shampoo tone depending on color

• 4 How often can you bathe your cat with shampoo
• 5 How to bathe a cat

• 6 Features of the use of shampoos

  • 6.1 Healing shampoo
  • 6.2 Dry shampoo
  • 6.3 Anti-flea shampoo
  • 6.4 Tint shampoo

• 7 Review of popular brands

  • 7.1 "Doctor"
  • 7.2 "Celandine"
  • 7.3 "BioVax"
  • 7.4 Elite Professional
  • 7.5 Beaphar
• 8 Pet Owner Reviews

Why you need a cat shampoo

In general, cat shampoo will help cleanse dirt from the pet's coat. This is extremely rare for pets due to the anatomical features and a tendency to cleanliness. Because of the possible side effects and animal dislike for water, they try to bathe them only when strictly necessary.

Mats cause pain and itching in animals, stray hair in the future can lead to scratching, decay of wounds and tissue infection, therefore it is important to deal with the problem in a timely manner

Depending on the type and specialization of the shampoo, it can perform additional functions. For example, antiparasitic drugs can help keep fleas away. When formulated with powerful active ingredients, the shampoo can paralyze or even kill insects. Tackle removers make the coat smoother, help break up existing lumps and prevent new ones from forming. Cosmetic shampoos can be used before an exhibition.

Many pet owners have a question about whether it is possible to replace the cat shampoo with a human one. Despite the fact that in most cases a specialized product is sold in a concentrated form, that is, it is consumed sparingly, the difference in cost is enormous. Unfortunately, cat's skin is more delicate and dry, so human shampoo will cause peeling and increased work of the sebaceous glands. A friend of mine tried to bathe a cat with delicate baby shampoos, but they often cause deterioration in the quality of the coat. As a result, the pet's fur coat began to get dirty faster. The condition of the animal has not yet returned to normal, although the friend refused to use children's shampoos.

Types of shampoos

Shampoos are classified according to consistency and specialization.

By consistency

There are 3 main types of funds:

1. Liquid. The classic version. Liquid shampoos work well to remove dirt from the coat, but bathing is often accompanied by vehement protests from the cat. In addition, this is not the most gentle remedy: with regular procedures, the pet's skin and coat will quickly deteriorate.

   

   The purchase of liquid shampoos in a sachet can be an actual option if only one cat lives in the house: sometimes the owners do not have time to use up the bottle before the expiration date

2. Dry. Powder shampoos are more of an adjunct. They help out in cases where it is necessary to slightly tweak the appearance of the fur coat. Dry shampoo removes excess sebum and makes the coat look fresh and fluffy. Such products are not suitable for thorough washing, since they are not able to remove massive dirt.

   

   Dry shampoos work well for cats with oily hair

3. Sprays. They are an intermediate option. Sprays are better for long-haired cats as they have an anti-static effect. This makes the coat more fluffy. However, you have to use a spray bottle to spray, which most cats don't like.

   

   Spray shampoo does not need to be rinsed off the coat after use

Cosmetic

Cosmetic shampoos are the most widely used classic detergents. They are used to remove dirt and give the coat a fresh look. Shampoos do not possess special properties and differ only by the manufacturer.

Specialized

The formulation of specialized shampoos is developed taking into account the characteristics of the coat and skin of various groups of animals. Among this category, the following main subspecies can be distinguished:

1. Tinted shampoos. With the right choice, the product gives a deeper shade of the coat and emphasizes the beauty of the pet. Most often this is required before exhibitions. If the color is chosen incorrectly, cardinal staining is possible.

   

   Tinted shampoos differ from each other in color

2. Shampoos for kittens. This group is distinguished by the use of softer surfactants. They dry out and irritate the skin less, which prevents dermatological problems in kittens. In some cases, in the presence of individual characteristics, gentle agents can be used when bathing adult animals.

   

   They try to exclude as many potential allergens as possible from the composition of shampoos for kittens, since the immune system of babies has not yet been formed

3. Whitening shampoos. They help to get rid of stains on the paws, abdomen, near the ears and eyes, as well as in the groin and anus area. This is necessary before an exhibition, after an illness or during a long stay of a pet in unfavorable conditions. For example, a cat's coat can be dyed from urine if it is overexposed in a cage, in a hotel, or at a shelter. This gradually goes away on its own, but you can speed up the process.

   

   Prokras near the eyes more often occur in cats with a flattened muzzle (exotic, Persian, Scottish, etc.) due to anatomical features

4. Shampoos for mats. Funds are used to prevent wool from churning into lumps and to eliminate existing tangles. The drug works due to the difference in charge and the presence of conditioning agents in the composition. Due to the anti-static effect, the hairs cling to each other less. Conditioning agents smooth the coat.

   

   Tangle shampoos can be used to help break down clumps by making the coat slippery and reducing the amount of discomfort in the process.

5. Shampoos for dry hair. The composition of the funds includes substances that in structure resemble a natural sebaceous secret. They are evenly distributed over the hairs during washing and partially isolate them from the external environment. This prevents moisture evaporation and protects the coat from UV rays.
6. Shampoos for oily hair. The main task of such a remedy is to curb the work of the sebaceous glands. For this, vitamin supplements, herbal extracts and antibacterial agents are introduced into the composition.

7. Sphynx shampoos. Specialized products are distinguished by the most delicate composition and help to preserve the protective layer of sebum on the skin. Standard shampoos should not be used for bathing sphinxes, as they are overly aggressive and can cause dermatitis.

   

   Sphynx shampoos can also be used for bathing other hairless cats.

Therapeutic

Manufacturers produce the following types of medicinal products:

1. Anti-dandruff shampoo. The drug helps if the cause of skin peeling is infection with third-party fungi or a violation of its own microflora due to a previous illness, stress, etc. The composition contains antifungal active substances that eliminate pathogens or restrain their reproduction. Additionally, manufacturers use additives that improve the work of the sebaceous glands to soften the effects of the drug and prevent dry skin.

   

   Most often, anti-dandruff shampoos help at the same time to destroy fungi and to improve the work of the sebaceous glands, but you need to be careful when using them: active substances can cause a reverse reaction and increase peeling

2. Allergy shampoo. By itself, the remedy does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, but it helps to improve the condition of the pet. The shampoo has a neutral acidity level and does not dry out the skin of the animal. Additionally, anti-inflammatory additives may be present in the composition.

   

   It is important not only to use shampoos, but also to carry out complex therapy, otherwise after the course the symptoms will return again.

3. Anti-lichen shampoo. The drug is used in the complex treatment of the disease. It is allowed to be used only after examination and obtaining permission from a veterinarian.

   

   Lichen shampoos often include climbazole and zinc perition.

4. Antibacterial shampoo. Products in this group contain chlorhexidine - an antiseptic solution. A bactericidal shampoo is required if the animal suffers from dermatological pathologies, which are accompanied by the appearance of shallow wounds. Additionally, treatment can be carried out for prophylaxis with weak immunity. The shampoo helps disinfect wounds and prevents infection.

   

   Antibacterial shampoos are not recommended to be used regularly unnecessarily, as they can dry out the skin

Fleas and ticks

Specialized shampoos can be used to repel or eliminate parasites. The active substances give the products an unpleasant odor, which prevents the pet from becoming infected. Most often it is lavender oil or fragrances. The most powerful shampoos can paralyze or kill parasites, but they can also harm your pet's health.

Before purchasing an insecticidal shampoo, it is important to study the reviews, since there are frequent cases of animal poisoning after using such funds

How to choose a shampoo for your cat

First you need to decide on the main specialization of the shampoo. If this is a remedy, then you need to contact your veterinarian. The specialist will select the best option, taking into account the disease and individual characteristics. If we are talking exclusively about a classic cosmetic product, then you can cope on your own.

Owners of animals with special needs should pay attention to gentle shampoos: in kittens and sphinxes, conventional products can cause adverse reactions. It is not recommended to experiment, because with severe damage, the quality of the coat may deteriorate, the appearance of tangles, the development of dermatological diseases, etc. It is better to make the choice after studying the reviews.

Long-haired cats need a suitable shampoo as regular shampoo will provoke tangled hairs

When buying a parasite shampoo, you need to clarify its specialization. Just because it kills fleas doesn't mean it works just as well with ticks. The effectiveness of the shampoo should depend not only on the degree of threat of infection, but also on the health of the animal.

In the case of kittens, pregnant and sick animals, it is better to refrain from using a specialized product. Shampoos kill insects thanks to toxic active ingredients. The latter negatively affect not only the parasites, but also the cats themselves. In the case of healthy pets, the negative effect is practically not felt, however, weakened animals may experience symptoms of intoxication: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, etc. Cases of death have been known. If strictly necessary, it is better to prefer natural shampoos based on herbal extracts. They do not kill, but only scare off fleas, but they also do not so much affect the health of pets.

Repeller shampoos, if possible, are strongly recommended to be combined with other means, since they only provide prevention

When choosing the consistency of the shampoo, you should build on the characteristics of the pet's character. Most cats do not like sprays, as the spray makes them fearful and aggressive. Powders are easier to use and do not involve the use of water, so they are suitable for travelers and show pet owners. They can also be purchased by owners of overly aggressive pets.

Do not self-medicate! Even dandruff is an excuse to do the examination first, rather than act at random. When my sister's cat began to peel off the skin, she bought a special shampoo on the advice of a seller in a pet store. The remedy didn't help. The problem only got worse. A month later it was painful to look at the cat: his fur began to fall out, the skin itched and came off him in large layers. As a result, I had to go to the vet. It turned out that the cat had a banal food allergy, but against the background of the use of an antifungal shampoo, in addition, the work of the sebaceous glands and natural microflora were disrupted. As a result, the sister was forced not only to change the pet's food, but also to restore the skin condition for a long time. Even after the allergy disappeared, peeling lasted 2-3 months.

Table: choice of shampoo tone depending on color

Shampoo tone	Cat color
White	White, silver marble, chinchilla, sometimes blue, blue-cream or lilac
Red	Red, turtle
Bronze	Red, turtle
The black	Black or dark (smoky)
Purple	Blue, blue-cream, cream

How often can you bathe your cat with shampoo?

Since even the mildest shampoo has a negative effect on the skin and helps to wash off the protective fatty film, they try to avoid hygiene procedures. Cats do a good job of grooming on their own, so in the absence of individual problems, there is no need to draw up a bathing schedule.

Due to too frequent bathing, the cat's skin may begin to peel off; as a result of the activation of the sebaceous glands, the wool becomes dirty even faster

Hygiene procedures are carried out in the following cases:

1. Before the exhibition. Shampoo is used as needed, but they try to avoid too frequent bathing (more than 1 time in 2 weeks), since even protective and restorative agents are not able to completely neutralize the negative effect.
2. With excessive pollution. If the cat gets dirty with something that it cannot get rid of on its own or it is dangerous to health, use liquid shampoos or sprays.
3. For prevention. For example, when there is an increased threat of bacterial infection or during the peak season of parasite activity.
4. When fleas are found. Shampoos are used for treatment if the cat cannot be treated with special drops. Most often, funds are used for prophylaxis, since they are not effective enough. Anti-flea shampoos are allowed to be used every 2 weeks: during this time, the larvae, on which the active substances could not be affected, turn into adults. The treatment is carried out until complete recovery, ie 2-3 months. This is the length of the flea's full life cycle.
5. For treatment. The schedule depends on the indications and appointments of the veterinarian. In most cases, treatment is carried out every 7-14 days until complete recovery.

If there is a need for regular procedures, they are carried out every few months, depending on the pet's lifestyle. For example, animals visiting the street are bathed every 4–6 weeks. Domestic cats get less dirty, so it is enough to wash them once every 3-4 months. Sphynx skin is cared for regularly: gentle shampoos are used every 1-2 weeks, depending on the characteristics of the sebaceous glands.

It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of how often you can bathe your cat. Too many factors affect the schedule: personality, type of shampoo, health status, etc. For example, my cat is accustomed to washing and is calm about hygiene procedures. In the spring, I decided to bathe her with anti-flea shampoo, so as not to use too aggressive products once again. After the first time, the condition was normal. After 2 weeks, I repeated the procedure. The cat was weak all day, slept in her house, and by the evening she began to vomit. After cosmetic shampoos, there was no such reaction, the manufacturer is verified ("Beafar"), so she attributed the events to individual characteristics. I didn't experiment anymore.

How to bathe a cat

Before bathing, prepare your tools and work surface. It is advisable to cover the bath with a terry towel so that the cat does not slip. This will prevent fear. If the pet is not accustomed to bathing, it is better to wash it in a small basin, pouring water from the dishes. A watering can can shock the animal due to the noise and pressure of the jet.

The water should be warm (about + 37 ° C) so that the pet does not experience discomfort. It should be borne in mind that cats have a slightly higher body temperature than humans.

The order of actions during the procedure should be as follows:

1. We comb the cat and remove the tangles, if any. The tangled hairs during washing will become even more tangled, which can cause discomfort and the appearance of negative associations in the pet.

   

   It is advisable to use not a brush or furminator, but a comb with rare teeth

2. We cut our claws. This will help avoid injury in the process.

   

   You can fix the cat with a special loop so that it does not injure itself and does not scratch others

3. We wet the wool.

   

   Liquid shampoo is applied only to damp coat

4. We try to lightly beat the shampoo between our palms so that foam appears, then we distribute the product evenly over the coat. If the animal has a fluffy coat, you need to start from the lower layers in order to process the entire volume completely. For better penetration of the shampoo, we use a massage mitten.

   

   During bathing, care must be taken to ensure that the shampoo does not get into the cat's eyes

5. We wash off the shampoo from the wool. You cannot pour water into your ears. If you need to wash your hair, press the ears with your hand. The coat should "creak" from cleanliness. Poor leaching of active ingredients can cause skin problems.

   

   If the shampoo is not easily washed off the coat and skin, it is better to change the brand, since there is more harm than good from such a product

6. Additionally, you can use a balm or conditioner to protect your skin without sebum.

   

   For dry skin, the use of protective products is mandatory

7. Let the water drain.

   

   A short pause allows the animal to calm down.

8. Carefully remove excess liquid. We do not wipe the cat, but only hold it. Light pressure is acceptable.

   

   Rough actions will cause aggression in the cat, so you cannot actively wipe the pet

9. We replace the towel with a dry one. Blot the wool again. We do this as long as the cat allows it to remove as much water as possible.

   

   After bathing, you must not let the cat out into the street and arrange ventilation, since the animal may catch a cold

All actions should be as natural as possible. It is advisable not to resort to violence, as the resistance of the animal will increase. After washing, you can dry your pet with a hairdryer, but most cats are afraid of technology due to the noise.

Features of the use of shampoos

Features depend on the type of shampoo.

Healing shampoo

It is impossible to single out the features of medicinal shampoos as a whole, since there are many subspecies intended for the treatment of a particular disease. However, manufacturers often recommend keeping the product on the coat for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. This is due to the need for deep penetration of active substances: if you remove the shampoo too early, it simply will not work.

Dry shampoo

Gloves should be worn before the procedure. After removing additional accessories from the animal, the powder is evenly distributed over the dry coat. Then you need to start rubbing the powder into the hairs, moving along the line against the growth. In the process, you should avoid getting powder on mucous membranes. After a few minutes, you need to comb the cat with a brush to get rid of some of the powder and dead hairs. You should not do this too carefully, since it will still not be possible to remove all the powder.

Anti-flea shampoo

When washing, it is important to thoroughly treat all areas of the body. If you do not touch the head and ears, fleas will move there to escape the effects of toxins. This is fraught with a complete lack of efficiency. After the procedure, if there is a confirmed infection, the animal should be combed out in order to remove the remaining insects, dead individuals and part of the larvae.

Tint shampoo

The color should match the shade of the pet's coat. For example, white shampoo is used for bathing white cats or animals with silver marble and chinchilla colors. In the first case, the product is kept on the coat for 2-3 minutes, then washed off. This is necessary for deep whitening. If the color is not completely white, the shampoo is kept for no more than 1 minute.

Sometimes white shampoo is used to lighten lilac, blue-cream and blue coats. The effect is individual, so it's best to trust a professional groomer. As a last resort, you need to experiment between exhibitions. Improper staining may result in a demotion or disqualification.

If the use of shampoo is due to preparation for the exhibition, it is advisable to carry out "training" procedures in advance. Optimally - in a month. This will help to evaluate the result and timely correct the errors. The hair of each cat, as well as the type of skin, differs by individual characteristics, therefore, the appearance of animals, even when using the same product, is often different: for some, the hair gets dirty faster, for others it is slower. It's even more difficult with shades. For example, by experience, I found out that in one of my cats, the hair begins to get dirty after 2 days, in another - on about the fourth day. This helps you plan your schedule.

Review of popular brands

Let's take a look at the most popular shampoos for cats.

Doctor

"Doctor" is a line of shampoos that includes 3 products: a classic remedy, a preparation with climbazole and tar. The composition includes softened water, sodium lauryl sulfate, glycerin, citric acid, a derivative of coconut fatty acids, etc.

Tar shampoo can help with bacterial and fungal infections, as well as malfunctioning of the sebaceous glands, but the reaction is often individual

The classic shampoo has a cosmetic effect and removes dirt. The drug with climbazole destroys pathogenic fungi, suppresses itching and inflammation, and also regulates the work of the sebaceous glands. Tar has an antibacterial effect and moisturizes the skin.

All 3 shampoos are available in 250 ml bottles. The average cost of a package is 265 rubles.

Celandine

"Celandine" is a series of shampoos, sprays and powder for fleas. The detergent contains permethrin, which helps fight insects. "Celandine" can be used for both medicinal and prophylactic purposes.

The improved formula implies the presence of lavender oil in the composition, which ensures not only the destruction of existing insects, but also repels parasites

There are several types of shampoos. These include remedies for kittens, for adult cats, restorative and unraveling preparations, etc. A standard bottle (220 ml) costs 110–120 rubles.

BioVax

The line of shampoos "Biovax" includes both cosmetic and antiparasitic preparations. The first series consists of several formulations that are developed taking into account the age characteristics and type of wool (hard, long, etc.). The composition of shampoos includes herbal ingredients that have a preventive effect. For example, tea tree oil is added to the product for short-haired cats, which has an antibacterial effect.

The line contains a combined remedy that helps get rid of most parasites

Shampoos are available in large bottles (350 ml). The average cost of such a package is 120–160 rubles.

Elite Professional

Elite Professional is a series of professional cosmetic shampoos. The manufacturer claims that the products do not contain ingredients of animal origin. The use of synthetic additives is kept to a minimum. The composition is based on plant extracts and amino acids, which helps to avoid negative reactions from the skin.

The company has developed many formulations taking into account the characteristics of animals, so choosing the right shampoo is not difficult

A small bottle (270 ml) costs 330 rubles. Sometimes on sale you can find large packages (1 L) and cans (5 L), but their purchase is more relevant for groomers.

Beaphar

The Beafar line of shampoos consists of cosmetic and antiparasitic products. There is even a cleaning powder in the series. The shampoos are suitable for animals with sensitive skin and help to get rid of mats. The manufacturer includes herbal supplements (for example, macadamia oil), but in small quantities.

The company is famous for its therapeutic and prophylactic formulations, so shampoos can be used even by those animals that are prone to allergies.

150 g of cleaning powder cost 800 rubles. The average price of shampoos (315 g) is 570 rubles. The high cost is partly due to the popularity of the brand.

Pet owners reviews

Cat shampoos are not a marketing gimmick, but a must. Due to the difference in skin pH levels and increased dryness, human products are not suitable for pets. This is especially true for animals with special needs: sphinxes, kittens, unhealthy cats, etc. When choosing, it is important to take into account the type of coat and skin of the pet, as well as the purpose of the shampoo, so as not to provoke disruption of the sebaceous glands and the development of dermatological diseases.