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What is the Best Flea Killing Shampoo for Cats?
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  | With two insecticides, coconut conditioners, and a coconut-berry scent, this is our top pick. | Get on Amazon | |
Most Affordable  | This shampoo offers excellent value for money, lathers easily, thus being a trusted anti-flea tool for cat owners. | Get on AmazonGet on Chewy | |
Best for Kittens  | The shampoo is efficient in killing ticks and fleas on contact and safe for use in kittens over 12 weeks of age. | Get on AmazonGet on Chewy | |
Best for Sensitive Skin  | Gentle, pH-balanced shampoo for cats with sensitive skin. Made with insecticides and coconut conditioners. | Get on AmazonGet on Chewy | |
Best Natural  | Gentle and effective flea shampoo for cats, featuring a botanical formula without harsh chemicals. | Get on Amazon |
Do Flea Shampoos Work on Cats?
Yes, the flea shampoo for cats works. Flea shampoos kill fleas (preferably in different life stages) and other pests (ticks or lice) while being easy on the cat’s coat and skin.
The flea shampoo for cats contains insecticides. They can be natural or synthetic. In both cases, they get rid of pests without being harmful to the cat, especially if the shampoo is used correctly.
The Best Flea Shampoo for Cats Reviewed
From waterless flea and tick shampoos for cats to easy-lathering and moisturizing formulas – there are many different options on the market.
To help owners choose the best flea and tick shampoo for cats, we have reviewed some best-sellers available on Amazon and Chewy.
Summary: SENTRY PurrScriptions Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats uses piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins to kill pests, and a gentle coconut extract nourishes the cat’s skin. The formula is easy on the coat and leaves it shiny and lustrous.
Shampoo Scent: Coconut berry
Key Ingredients: Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide
- Two active ingredients
- Rich in coconut conditioners
- Promotes healthy coat and skin
- Conditions and detangles the cat’s fur
- Excellent value for money
- Pyrethrins can be dangerous if misused
Review: Most reviews on Amazon are positive, with owners noting their pets were less irritated by fleas afterward. However, some mention the potentially hazardous nature of the active ingredient.
Summary: Using pyrethrum, a natural insecticide, to kill fleas and ticks and exfoliating and soothing skin while using Veterinary Formula Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats offers a soap-free and paraben-free product to control flea infestations.
Shampoo Scent: Unscented
Key Ingredients: Pyrethrum, piperonyl butoxide, N-octyl bicycloheptene
- Kills fleas and ticks on contact
- Works fast, cleans, and exfoliates
- pH balanced for pets
- Free of parabens and soaps
- Made in the USA
- No information about the scent of the product
Review: Most reviewers on Amazon praised this shampoo for relieving their pets of fleas, with one even calling his cat “plagued” before using the shampoo. On the other hand, some dislike the lack of fragrance.
Summary: Using a blend of pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, and N-octyl bicycloheptene, this cat shampoo kills fleas and ticks on contact. The gentle formula is suitable to use on cats & kittens over the age of 12 weeks.
Shampoo Scent: Unscented
Key Ingredients: Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, and N-octyl bicycloheptene
- With three active ingredients
- Kills both fleas and ticks
- Gentle enough for regular use
- Safe for kittens less than 12 weeks of age
- Unscented formula
- Instructions may not be thorough enough for some people
Review: While most consumers noted positive effects of the Advantage Flea and Tick Treatment Shampoo for Cats, others have stated concern over vague instructions on the label.
Summary: The Zodiac Flea & Tick Shampoo for Cats kills fleas and ticks through contact as it has a rich formula of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide. The formula is made to be used on inflamed and irritated skin. In addition to being gentle, the shampoo deodorizes.
Shampoo Scent: Fresh scent
Key Ingredients: Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide
- With two active ingredients
- Alcohol-free and suitable for sensitive cats
- pH balanced so it won’t irritate your pet’s skin
- Can be used for flea treatment in dogs
- Excellent value for money
- Bottles are prone to breaking and leaking during shipping
Review: Most reviewers rated the Zodiac Flea & Tick Shampoo for Cats highly for managing their flea problems quickly and efficiently. Some pet owners were concerned that the bottles often break and leak during shipping.
Summary: This pet shampoo contains all-natural ingredients to keep your pet healthy and free of fleas without the harmful side effects of harsh chemicals. The botanical formula is easy on the cat’s skin and suitable for use on cats of all ages.
Shampoo Scent: Unscented
Key Ingredients: Sodium lauryl sulfate, cedarwood oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil
- Gentle botanical formula
- Kills fleas on contact
- Free from pyrethrins
- Prevents infestations for one week
- Safe for cats of all ages
- More expensive than similar products
Review: Many consumers noted positive outcomes with the use of the Natural Chemistry Flea Shampoo for Cats. However, some cat owners complained about the scent not being what they expected.
What Should I Look for When Buying Flea Shampoo for Cats?
When looking for the best flea treatment in the form of a shampoo, there are several things you need to consider.
- Active Ingredients. First of all, you need to check the active ingredient. Ideally, the shampoo should contain natural ingredients and be efficient against fleas in different stages of the life cycle (adult fleas, flea larvae, and flea eggs).
- Added Ingredients. In addition to the active ingredient that kills pests, most formulas have hydrating and nourishing ingredients such as aloe, oatmeal, buttermilk, shea butter, tea tree, essential oils, coconut oil, peppermint, etc.
- No Harsh Chemicals. Chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates should not be in the shampoo. The same applies to artificial colorants and fragrances. These ingredients can be hazardous in the long run.
- Efficacy Duration. Depending on the active ingredient, some shampoos achieve immediate flea control while others have residual efficacy – kill fleas that are present at the moment and prevent future infestations for a certain period.
- Scent & Consistency. You should also pay attention to the shampoo’s scent, as most anti-flea treatments have repulsive scents. The consistency matters because it affects the ease of use – a very thick shampoo will not lather easily, and a very thin one can be messy.
- Brand. Always do a brief research on the brand – a reliable brand will be transparent about its ingredients and manufacturing practices. A brand confident in the quality of its products is likely to give money-back guarantees.
- SENTRY PurrScriptions Flea and Tick shampoo for cats kills fleas, ticks and lice.
- Specially formulated for cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older.
- The shampoo has a fresh coconut berry fragrance and contains coconut conditioners.
How Often Should I Bathe My Cat With Fleas?
Vets typically recommend a monthly flea bath to help eliminate fleas, flea larvae, and flea eggs. In cases of severe flea infestations, more frequent baths will be advised.
If bathing does not help, you need to talk to a veterinarian about additional flea treatments such as tick collars, flea and tick sprays, or topical products.
How Long Does Cat Flea Shampoo Take to Work?
It is advisable to leave the shampoo on the cat for about ten minutes to let the active ingredients work. However, you need to read the instructions on the product for more details.
Consult with your vet before using a new flea shampoo for cats, as pets can have negative reactions to certain ingredients commonly found in flea and tick shampoos. Also, talk about preventing future flea infestations by using flea collars, anti-flea chews, or topical treatments.
How Long does Flea Shampoo for Cats Last?
Most flea shampoos are intended for monthly use. Based on the cat’s size and the exact bathing frequency, one shampoo is likely to last for a couple of months.
Concentrated shampoos will last longer – they lather easily and allow using a smaller amount of product per flea bath.
