Selecting Cat Shampoo

Cleaning cats is very necessary in order to maintain their good health and to keep the cats clean. You may notice some strange odor if the cat enters your room or pass nearby you. Cleaning cats with proper shampoo helps to remove the dust, bacteria or other insects from the cat. Selection of the right shampoo and conditioner depends on the cat’s specific needs. Before using the cat shampoo, place cotton in their ears, protect their eyes with mineral oil or eye ointment and then remove it when you are done.

Flea and Tick Control

Fleabites cause allergic reactions that can cause severe irritation and itching to the cat. Most of the flea shampoos contain a mild ingredient, which kills the fleas fast, but are not effective for long time. Many flea products cannot be used on young kittens which are less than 6 weeks of age. Check the warnings written on the products before using them.

Color Enhancers

There are some cat shampoos that provide natural shine and improve the colors of cats. The cats participating in any shows are bathed with color enhancing shampoos. These shampoos do not harm the cats because no dyes are used. They just bring the natural shine and color in the cats.

Cleansing and Deodorizing Shampoo

These shampoos are made to remove the dirt, skin oils and insects from the cat’s body. These shampoos are normally used in cleaning cats on routine basis.

Herbals, Botanicals and Organics

The cat shampoos having natural smell and oils are very useful as they contain organic properties in their ingredients. Papaya and coconut serve as the best moisturizer for dry skin of the cat. For the pleasant scent, kiwi and citrus are used. To prevent the cat’s skin from irritation, use aloe and oatmeal.

Medicated Shampoos

To provide relief to the cat from seasonal allergies or mild skin irritation, clean the cat in a soothing shampoo. The shampoos preventing itching contains oatmeal, aloe or teat tree oil. Other shampoos may contain medicinal ingredients such as coal tar, hydrocortisone or antihistamines.

Waterless Shampoo

If the cat cannot tolerate water, varieties of waterless shampoos are available. These products include dry shampoo, shampoo wipes and foaming mousse. Strong brushing on dry hair will remove the dirt from the skin of the cat.

Tearstain Remover

The tearstain removers help in removing the staining to the fur of the cat which results from chronic tear drainage. It is commonly found in the breeds like the Himalayan or the Persian. This remover is applied by using a cotton ball or wipe which keeps the delicate area of the cat’s body clean.

Conditioners

Conditioners are used for the cats having medium to long coats in order to keep their fur soft and without a twist. If there are mats or meshes in the cat’s fur, they should be removed with proper mat combs or brushes. Conditioners have the scents, oils and natural ingredients like the shampoos. Some types of conditioners are applied in small amount on the smooth silky coat while the others are applied and washed like the shampoos. Gently comb the coat until it is tangle free and dry it gently after applying a conditioning wash.