Anyone who has ever dealt with fleas knows that they don’t just stop with your cat. They can infest your entire home.
It is important to save your cat from the irritation and potential dangers of fleas, but it is also vital to get rid of them before they infest your home as well.
Shampoos are popular choices for flea treatment. They are convenient and easy to use, and most are gentle enough for both you and your pet while killing fleas and other insects like ticks and lice.
We have put together a list of what we believe are the best cat flea shampoos on the market today.
Read on to find the best shampoo products to soothe and ease the irritation and pain fleas are causing your cat.
In a hurry?
We understand that cats can keep you on your toes, and you may not have the time to investigate every flea shampoo out there.
So to make your life that little bit easier, below is a quick link to our favorite cat flea shampoo on Amazon right now and we’ve included a rundown of its key features
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
Available here!
- Effectively kills fleas, ticks, flea eggs, flea larvae, and lice.
- Sensitive skin formula with soothing aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal
- Contains an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to kill and prevent flea development for up to 28 days
- Safe for use on all dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens 12-weeks and older
- A pleasant, fresh scent
- It prevents flea eggs from hatching for 4 weeks as well as cleansing & deodorizing
- Thousands of positive Amazon reviews
1. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor 12 Ounces
Our favorite cat flea shampoo is this one from Adams Plus. It has thousands of 5 star Amazon reviews, so don’t just take our word for it.
It’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to destroying pesky flea infestations as it kills both fleas and ticks of all forms, from eggs to larvae to adults ending the life cycle at every stage and dramatically lessening the risk of re-infestation.
The manufacturer states that this shampoo’s preventative properties are effective for around 28 days after use, making it the perfect shampoo to use as part of a monthly de-fleaing routine.
Besides killing the parasites, it also cleans and deodorizes your pet’s coat. It also helps to feel calm your cat’s irritated skin caused by excessive scratching. It is formulated to be safe for kittens as well as large cats due to its sensitive formula.
The protein used in its constituents keeps the coat soft and shiny and improves groom-ability. The sensitive skin formula with aloe, coconut, and lanolin makes it safe and effective for your cat.
Pros:
- Contains pyrethrin pesticides, effectively killing fleas and ticks at every stage of their life cycle
- Safe for use on both cats and dogs
- Effects will last up to 28 days, perfect for a monthly routine
- Anti-dandruff properties will leave you cat’s coat soft and glossy
- Suitable for use on kittens aged over 12 weeks
Cons:
- Although this shampoo is scented with natural ingredients, some reviewers find it a little too unusual and overwhelming
2. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Waterless Bath Foam for Cats
If your cat hates getting wet, which many do, we recommend considering a waterless option such as this Flea and Tick Waterless Bath Foam made by Vet’s Best.
Their plant-based formula has been specially formulated to require no water. It’s packed full of essential oils such as peppermint oil and eugenol from clove plants, which help to improve the shine of your cat’s coat and leave them smelling fresh.
This shampoo doesn’t require rinsing, you simply work it into your cat’s coat and follow your grooming routine as normal. The Vet’s Best flea shampoo for cats effectively kills fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks on contact.
It can also be used as a repellent for mosquitoes, providing your cat with added protection. This foam shampoo contains no perfumes or harmful chemicals, making it suitable for use on kittens over the age of 12 weeks.
Pros:
- Foam formula doesn’t require rinsing, making it perfect for cats who fear water
- Kills fleas, larvae, eggs, ticks and keeps mosquitoes away
- Plant-based formula made with essential oils
- Suitable for use on kittens from 12 weeks old
Cons:
- The waterless foam formula can become sticky on cats with very long fur
3. Sentry Purrscriptions Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats
Our third addition to this list is the Purrscriptions Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats made by a brand called Sentry.
It uses a simple yet effective formula that helps to get rid of parasites from the cat’s coat and your house. The insecticidal ingredients used in it are rapidly effective against fleas, ticks, and lice.
Its rich coconut conditioner formula adds luster and groom-ability to the cat’s coat. The coconut berry fragrance deodorizes the cat’s coat and will leave them smelling as fresh as a daisy.
As it uses a strong formula that kills the parasites, so it is recommended not to be used more than once in two weeks. It is safe to be used on cats older than 12 weeks.
Pros:
- Kills fleas, ticks, and lice
- Can be used on kittens over the age of 12 weeks
- Contains conditioner as well as a shampoo to leave your cat’s coat shiny and soft
- Lightly scented with natural oils
- Extremely affordable as it’s the cheapest option on this list
Cons:
- Doesn’t prevent re-infestation
4. Zodiac Flea and Tick Shampoo
Next up is this flea and tick shampoo made by Zodiac. This non-irritating formula is made to kill off fleas, ticks, and lice without bothering your pets or harming their skin.
It has a refreshing scent that is not too harsh. Additionally, the coconut conditioner is made to leave your pet’s fur soft, manageable, and clean.
This particular shampoo is alcohol-free and pH balanced, meaning it won’t interfere with your cat’s sensitive skin. Scented or oatmeal versions of this shampoo are also available.
It comes in a bottle in liquid form and requires rinsing with warm water. It’s not suitable for kittens under the age of 12 weeks.
Pros:
- Kills fleas, ticks, and lice
- On-contact killing
- Non-irritating formula
- Fresh scent
- Conditions and cleans
Cons:
- Some reviewers stated that this product is more of a short-term solution rather than a long-term remedy
5. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
Our final addition to this list is still a strong contender. The Clinical Care Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats made by Veterinary Formula are extremely popular among Amazon customers and has thousands of positive reviews, and it’s easy to see why.
This veterinary-grade shampoo is formulated with pyrethrum, a natural insecticide, to kill and control fleas and ticks on-contact, soothe irritated skin while also cleansing and exfoliating.
It’s a liquid shampoo that comes packed in a tall bottle and the formula has to be applied and rinsed with warm water. This Flea and Tick Shampoo is paraben- and soap-free. It contains no harsh soaps or damaging detergents, only naturally derived cleansers specifically formulated for your pet’s skin.
This shampoo is safe for dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses from the age of 12 weeks and older. PH-balanced treatment is ideal for your pet’s sensitive skin. Your pet will be flea and tick free with a soft and lustrous coat that smells fresh and clean.
Pros:
- Kills adult fleas, larvae, and eggs
- Soothing formula
- Kills on contact
- Cleans and conditions coat
- Removes loose dandruff, dirt, and scales
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Fleas can return within a couple of weeks
Best Flea Shampoo For Cats Buyer’s Guide
Before settling on a flea shampoo for cats to purchase, there are a few factors that you should consider first.
You need to take into account its effectiveness, its safety, and its application process.
Here are a few things to look out for:
Effectiveness
More than anything else, you want your cat flea shampoo to be effective at killing fleas. It’s a good idea to look at cat flea shampoos that effectively kill fleas at every level of development, which means eggs and larvae as well as fully-grown adult fleas.
Using a shampoo that leaves eggs in-tact doesn’t break the cycle of infestation and you may have to wash your cat several times to complete the process. However, overusing flea shampoos can damage your cat’s coat and dry out their skin over time, so it’s best to avoid this.
Also try to choose a shampoo that contains a repellant, as this reduces the risk of your cat being re-infested as soon as they leave the bathtub.
Safety
Most cat flea shampoos are made with ingredients called pyrethrins. These can be found naturally in certain plants or they can be sourced from synthesized compounds. Some pyrethrins found in nature include rosemary and chrysanthemums.
While natural pyrethrins are considered safer for your feline, especially if they’re young, synthesized pyrethrins are considered to be more effective at killing fleas, eggs, and larvae and have been proven to provide lasting protection after application.
However, it’s important not to get pyrethrins confused with pyrethroids. The latter is similar to pyrethrins but are inorganic, synthesized compounds, which last longer than pyrethrins and are harder to break down. Do not use a cat flea shampoo which contains pyrethroids because they are unsafe for cats and kittens alike and have a high toxicity.
Type
There are a variety of different cat flea shampoo options to choose from.
Most shampoos come in the liquid variant. There is also a dry variant on the market, for when you are on the road.
Liquid shampoo
This is the most common type of cat flea shampoo, and it is used globally for all cat pets.
Depending upon the product you may end up choosing between a shampoo enriched by synthetic compounds that attack parasites directly, or the all-natural variant that also serves as a repellant.
These are used with mildly hot water and depending upon their recipe used either directly on top of a cat’s skin or diluted with water in a tub.
Dry Shampoo
This shampoo comes in the form of a spray in a can for the most part, and it can also come in different scent varieties, although this serves no purpose apart from being pleasant for the human’s sense of smell.
These are best used if your cat is having severe issues with water or if you are traveling with your cat.
These are quick to use and are usually used as a temporary solution since cats do need to bathe eventually for the sake of their health.
Furthermore, the overuse of these products could make a cat’s fur somewhat sticky, so if your cat has long hair, this might not be the best-case scenario. They are often marketed as waterless shampoos, which means they are anti-traumatic for the cat.
All-Natural Shampoo
This is the type of shampoo that uses only natural materials that do not harm your cat in any imaginable way.
These are safe to use both for washing around the cat’s ears, eyes, and genitalia with ease. They are also used as repellants since their constant use diminishes the flea and tick encounters greatly.
Furthermore, the scents these contain are either made of floral or fruit-like compounds. These are usually best if you have an indoor cat. These are also safe for your cat to groom and lick afterward since they do not have any potentially harmful substances.
Synthetic Compound Shampoo
These shampoos, despite their definition, are entirely safe to use with most cats. They are used only when a specific problem already occurs and they come equipped with different anti-parasitic formulae that directly attack a flea’s nervous system or other vital organs.
In some very rare cases, these can be harmful to a cat over prolonged use, so you should always consult with a veterinarian before using any of these stronger variants of the best cat flea shampoos.
The cat might want to groom themself after a bath, so these could be potentially harmful if not washed down completely. As usual with cats, bathing their head with these stronger variants should be met with extreme care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I safely use dog flea shampoo on my cats?
No. You should only use a flea shampoo that is formulated specifically for cats. Some flea shampoos are safe for use on dogs, cats, and even other small pets.
However, this isn’t always the case so we recommend checking the label or with the manufacturer. Using a shampoo that is not specifically designed for cats could pose potential dangers.
It could be too harsh for their skin or contain harmful chemicals that are toxic to your feline.
How often should I use cat flea shampoo on my cat?
How often you should use flea shampoo will depend on the type of shampoo that you are using and the condition of your cat’s skin and coat.
Some tougher flea shampoos are only designed to be used once a month, whereas others are safe to use every week or even more frequently.
We recommend always reading the label and following the manufacturer’s advice for how often their product can and should be used.
If your cat has sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to leave longer intervals between applications of the flea shampoo as some ingredients can become irritating or drying.
Similar to humans, cats can also be allergic to certain shampoo ingredients. If you begin to notice any indications of an allergic reaction in your cat, such as a skin rash, you should consult with your veterinarian immediately to find an alternative solution.
How old does my cat need to be before I can wash them with flea shampoo?
Most flea shampoos are not suitable for kittens that are younger than 12 weeks old. This is due to the chemicals that are tough on fleas being a little too tough on a kitten’s sensitive skin.
Also, their bodies won’t be properly equipped to metabolize strong chemicals at less than 12 weeks old. This is unfortunate as kittens are particularly vulnerable to flea-related anemia due to their small size.
