Best Flea Cat Shampoo 2023 Reviews
Fleas and ticks are one of the most common infestations that bother both cats and dogs, especially if you have an interior cat door installed so your pet goes out whenever they want.
They cause a lot of discomfort and health problems for your cat, so the faster you provide a good-quality flea treatment for cats, the better! For this reason, you should know what the best flea cat shampoo is so you can choose the most effective option available.
That’s why we’ve looked at good flea cat shampoo options for you to choose from. These are some of the best on the market and they’re readily available. Not to mention, each of these shampoo options are highly effective and super affordable.
Best Flea Cat Shampoos Compared
| Name | Weight | Pet | Scented | Waterless |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo | 12 Oz | Cats & Dogs | Yes | No |
| 2. Bayer Advantage Treatment Shampoo for Cats | 8 Oz | Cats | No | No |
| 3. Vet's Best Flea and Tick Waterless Bath Foam for Cats | 5 Oz | Cats | No | Yes |
| 4. Zodiac Pet Products Flea and Tick Shampoo | 12 Oz | Cats & Dogs | No | No |
| 5. Paws & Pals Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner Combo | 2 x 20 Oz | Cats & Dogs | Yes | No |
| 6. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats | 16 Oz | Cats & Dogs | No | No |
| 7. Lambert Kay Fresh 'n Clean Flea and Tick Small Pet Conditioning Shampoo | 18 Oz | Cats & Dogs | Yes | No |
7 Best Flea Cat Shampoo Options
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo Treatment For Pets
This affordable flea and tick shampoo comes from Adams and is quite effective when it comes to killing not only fleas and ticks, but also flea eggs and larvae as well as lice. The formula contains Aloe Vera, coconut extract, oatmeal and lanolin, making it natural and perfect for sensitive skin.
Another great thing about the Adams Cat Flea shampoo is that it contains an insect growth regulator, which will continue killing flea development and preventing it for up 28 days after its use. It’s safe to use not only on cats and dogs but also on kittens and puppies that are 12 weeks or older.
This cat flea shampoo offers a fresh scent so your pets will smell incredible after every time you use it. Adams has been trusted by veterinarians since 1975, and they truly care about your pets. That’s why they provide a formula that’s not only natural but also highly effective so your cats and dogs can receive the relief they desperately need and not have to deal with this issue again!
Bayer Advantage Treatment Shampoos for Cats
Our second option comes from Bayer, a popular pet care line that offers great formulas that will kill fleas and ticks on contact. This is perfect for many pet owners because fleas and ticks are actually very insidious. They will try their best to hide in your pet’s fur, which makes it quite difficult for people to manage to treat them. That’s what the best cat flea shampoos are for.
This cat flea shampoo can be used on kittens of 12 weeks or older and on cats of any age. It should be used only once every 7 days and it’s recommended that you not only treat your cats but also your home. Fleas and ticks can hide all over your home, so keep that in mind when you’re treating them.
When it comes to treating your pets, the Bayer Advantage treatment shampoo for cats makes for a great option. It’s not only affordable; it’s incredibly effective and you won’t need any other products to provide your pets with the relief and comfort they’re craving.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Waterless Bath Foam for Cats
Vet’s Waterless Flea and Tick Bath Foam is a great option to consider because it will kill fleas, ticks and flea eggs upon contact. What’s more, their formula also repels mosquitoes, which is an additional bonus. If your cats truly hate water and you simply can’t get them to take a bath, this waterless solution is perfect for you. It will make cleaning your cat quick and easy since you won’t need to rinse this cat flea shampoo out.
Their formula contains natural essential oils and it contains no added perfumes. It will effectively cleanse and deodorize your cat’s coat and leave a pleasant smell behind. It works best when you massage the product into your cat’s coat all the way into the skin. Be thorough and remember fleas and ticks are great at hiding!
The application is also extremely gentle, so if your cat has a sensitive coat and fur, they will benefit greatly from this cat flea shampoo. Overall, this option is one of the best cat flea shampoos you’ll find on the market and at a highly affordable price. The formula will not only provide relief but will also take care of your cat’s skin in the process.
Zodiac Pet Products Flea and Tick Shampoo For Cats
If you’re on a tight budget but you still want to take care of your cats, the Zodiac Pet Products Flea and Tick shampoo for cats and dogs could be the right choice for you. It’s incredibly affordable, but that doesn’t make the product any less effective than others. It’s actually one of the best cat flea shampoos on the market and it’s very effective.
It contains coconut conditioner, making it gentle on your cat’s fur and skin. It will effectively kill fleas and ticks and also provide relief. The formula is soothing and it’s as easy to apply as any other cat shampoo or waterless cat shampoos.
Overall, the Zodiac Pet Products flea and tick shampoo is the perfect option for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot, but still wants a product that actually works and can help their pets feel like themselves again. There are other products on this list that offer additional benefits, but this one will get the job done nonetheless.
Paws & Pals Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner Combo
This is the first combination set on the list and it comes from Paws & Pals. These two products work together to provide a complete treatment for any and all symptoms of flea infestations on cats and dogs. This is a premium product at an affordable price that will do wonders for your cat’s skin and fur. This formula offers a balance of vitamins and will leave your cat’s coat conditioned and deodorized.
The shampoo on this set contains oatmeal, which helps soothe itchy and dry skin and will combat the symptoms of a flea and tick infestation. It also contains Aloe Vera and pro-vitamin B5, which helps keep your cat’s skin hydrated and will promote healing. It will also deodorize them, so if your cat’s a bit inflamed from their flea infestation or skin allergies, they won’t be anymore!
The conditioner contains shea butter, which is widely known for softening the skin. It also aids the balance of natural oils. It will provide moisture and will also soothe itchy skin. Both formulas are tear-free and they won’t irritate or inflame your cat’s nose or eyes. This will make bath time a little bit more comfortable for everyone. Overall, this is a great product that will help you bring your cat 100% relief at all times.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea and Tick Shampoo for Pets
Another budget option, the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care flea and tick shampoo is one of the top performing options for cats and dogs. The formula is highly effective in spite of being so inexpensive because it contains pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that doesn’t only kill fleas and ticks but also soothes irritated skin. The Clinical Care is also cleansing and exfoliating as well.
Another great thing about this formula is that it doesn’t contain parabens or soaps, so there are no damaging ingredients here. This cat flea shampoo is gentle because it contains natural ingredients and is super safe for pets. You can use it on cats, dogs, and all kinds of animals from ferrets to horses.
Overall, this is a premium product at a very affordable price that will be 100% effective on your cat’s flea infestation. It won’t only get rid of the infestation, but it will also provide relief and will take care of your cat’s skin.
Lambert Kay Fresh ‘n Clean Flea and Tick Pet Conditioning Shampoo
One final quality shampoo comes from Fresh ‘n Clean and serves as an effective flea and tick conditioning shampoo that will get rid of your pet’s infestation and still condition your pet’s coat and skin. That’s what’s so great about this affordable cat flea shampoo; even though it’s not a kit and it doesn’t come with a conditioner, it will still do that for your pet.
The Fresh ‘n Clean formula contains natural pyrethrins, the natural anti-insect reason that creates highly effective solutions to killing fleas and ticks. There are no harsh chemicals involved, so you don’t have to worry about the health of your pet’s coat. There’s nothing in this formula that will be harsh on your pet’s skin, which is wonderful!
Once you wash your cat’s coat with this flea and tick shampoo, you will get rid of both the flea and tick infestation and provide your cat with a clean and pleasant-smelling coat that will last up to two weeks. The fragrance is light so you won’t have to worry about it being too overpowering. Overall, this is a great product for the price that won’t only get the job done, but also provide a few extra benefits.
Benefits of Using the Best Flea Cat Shampoo
Using the best flea cat shampoos to treat your cat’s flea infestation provides a ton of benefits that other alternatives don’t. For one, each of these products treat the skin and hair a lot more thoroughly than flea spray or powder solutions.
Another great thing about flea shampoo is that if you find a mild one, you will be able to use it regularly to treat a serious infestation. This will provide relief to your furry friend without risking their skin or coat.
Cat flea shampoo can also be used to prevent fleas and ticks, not only to get rid of them. If you want your cat to never experience this annoyance again, but you want to let them be free to go out through the cat flap, you can use a mild flea shampoo regularly and avoid any infestations from sneaking their way in. In fact, some flea shampoos will repel fleas for weeks after you use them on your cat or dog, which is a great addition.
In addition to killing the fleas and ticks, a good flea shampoo for cats will soothe the irritated skin as well. This will provide comfort and relief to both your pet and your household, which is ultimately what you’re looking for. Even though there are many benefits to flea shampoos, you should keep in mind they won’t work as a cure-all for fleas.
Fleas and ticks are resilient and have been known to still survive by hiding around your home and in your pet’s body. They’re also known to lay eggs on the skin of pets, but since these eggs are not sticky, they fall off into your house where they can survive for up to 6 months. This means they can return easily. To avoid this, you need to treat not only your pet for fleas but also your home with the best vacuums and disinfecting soaps to help remove all sources of a flea infestation.
How to Give Your Cat a Flea Bath with the Best Cat Flea Shampoo
Any of the options on this list will help effectively treat and target flea infestations because they’re all highly effective, no matter the price point. Going through the list will help you choose the flea treatment that suits both your pet’s needs and your budget at the moment.
Before the Bath
Once you’ve selected your flea product, the first step is to confirm that you’re aware of where all the fleas are. Not every itchy cat has fleas; sometimes itchiness is just a symptom of dry skin and we’ve included a shampoo for that on the list, so check it out.
To make sure your pet has fleas, you want to start by checking their bedding to see if you find black grains. Black grains are flea dirt, and they’re a sign of active fleas. Another way to make sure your pet has fleas is by getting right in their coat. Part their fur and look closely. If they have fleas or ticks, you’ll be able to see them moving on your cat’s skin.
Now that you’ve confirmed your cat has fleas or ticks or both, you can start treatment using the best cat flea shampoo. It’s also recommended that you start a treatment plan for your home as well because fleas and ticks are known for hiding. If you get rid of them on your cat, but they’re still in your home, they will keep popping up and causing your pet discomfort and pain.
If you couldn’t find fleas or ticks, make an appointment with your veterinarian to see what the itching and scratching is all about so your pet can be treated and find some relief for their skin condition.
What You’ll Need for the Bath
Next you’ll need to prepare your home and sink for your pet’s bath. First, choose an area where there’s enough space. Whether that’s your bathroom, the backyard, or your sink, just make sure there’s enough room for your cat and enough space for you to be thorough in your cleaning. For cats, the best choice is often a sink because you have enough room but you also have control of your pet.
You’ll also need a water source. A hose or sprayer are recommended, but you can work with what you have. You’ll need a cat flea shampoo to suit your needs and plenty of towels. You can allow your cat to dry on their own or you can speed the process with a blow-drier if they’ll let you; it’s up to you.
Because we’re bathing a cat, which is not something they’re all open to doing, it’s important that you make sure the water temperature is pleasant. It should be slightly warm or a bit cool, nothing too extreme. Last but not least, make sure you have your towels nearby and readily available.
Washing Technique
Now that you have everything you need, you’re ready to give your cat a bath. The first thing you need to do is get your cat wet. Do this gently and start with the neck, making sure you wet their skin really well. Apply shampoo and thoroughly spread it while massaging it into the skin or using a cat brush. This will prevent the fleas from hiding in the face, where it’s more difficult to wash.
Once you do that, you can get the rest of their body wet and apply a good amount of shampoo. Be thorough and let the cat flea shampoo act for a few minutes before you rinse it out very well.
Do keep in mind that flea shampoo can be drying on your cat’s coat and skin, so make sure you consult with your veterinarian if your pet has any existing skin conditions. Discuss the cat flea shampoo options presented above, which includes conditioning or moisturizing conditioners as well.
If your pet doesn’t have any existing skin problems, use a conditioner. It can be a flea control conditioner or a regular one; it’s up to you. This will make sure the skin gains back some of its moisture and will make their coat look better. Rise it out very well and then dry off your pet.
Expect them to shake off some of the water, but if you don’t want a mess, get enough towels to reduce the amount of water your pet can spread around the house. You can also attempt to blow-dry them out a bit, but if they’re too stressed about it, just let them air dry. If you do try to use a blow drier, make sure you keep it at a safe distance from their coat and pick a setting that’s not too hot. If it’s too hot for your palm, it’s too hot for their coat.
How to Prevent Fleas from Bothering Your Pet Again
When it comes to getting rid of fleas and ticks permanently, you can’t rely only on the best cat flea shampoo. Giving your cats flea treatment is only one step of the process. Why? Because if your home is infested, they’ll keep coming back. If your cat has fleas, it’s likely that they’ve already made a home in your house.
There are actually many flea control products you can use, from powders and sprays to cat flea collars, wipes, cat flea drops, and so much more. We have an article about these products as well, so be sure to check it out, but also consult with your vet for more information.
If your flea infestation is too great, you might actually need environmental insecticides, such as yard spray, and sometimes even medication for your pet is required, which is why it’s very important to speak with your vet about this flea problem. If you suffer from pet allergies, consider buying a remedy for cat allergies to get rid of annoying symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing.
Bath Time Precautions
Before you apply any flea treatment products on your cat’s skin, be sure to read the warnings and instructions. Use the recommended amount of product, nothing more. If you do, it could cause harm to your and your pet’s skin. Wash your hand thoroughly once you’re done bathing your cat and keep the products away from the reach of children, as usual.
If your cat is a bit anxious about bath time, it’s a good idea to wrap them in a towel and spend some time cuddling them and relaxing them. You don’t want the bath to be a forced experience, so do your best to calm them down. Believe it or not, baths can be frightening for them because they’re not natural experiences.
You can employ the help of someone as well because having an extra pair of hands will help you have more control of a nervous cat. Make sure the space is enclosed because if your cat does wriggle away, you don’t want them running through the house all wet and covered in soap.
Final Words On The Best Cat Flea Shampoo
The bottom line today is that purchasing the best cat flea shampoo is a great decision. It will help you provide your pets relief and it’s the first step to getting rid of this annoying infestation! With a good cat flea treatment, you can provide long-term, lasting relief to them that will treat all fleas and prevent anything from hanging around when you don’t want them to.
