The best flea shampoo for cats works instantly to get rid of fleas. Flea shampoo is efficient because the fleas are removed as the cat is being shampooed. Reapplication is required for ongoing protection.
The actual giving the cat a shampoo part of the process may or may not be tricky, depending on your cat. We have lots of information on this page to assist with cat shampooing and to help you with any silly stubbornness on kitty’s part.
Our top choice is Adams flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor because it works and works straightaway.
It is also a choice of professional pet groomers.
This article will give you all the information you need about different flea shampoos, their pros and cons.
Best Flea Shampoo For Cats
1. Adams Flea & Tick Shampoo – Contains Pyrethrin |
2. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea Shampoo – Contains Pyrethrin |
3. Natural Chemistry – Fast Acting Flea Shampoo |
4. Advantage Flea & Tick Treatment Shampoo – Contains Pyrethrin |
5. Vet’s Best Plant Based Formula Flea Shampoo |
6. PetArmor Flea And Tick Shampoo For Cats |
My Cat Hates Water |
How To Shampoo Your Cat |
1. Adams Flea & Tick Shampoo – Always Reliable
The main ingredients in this well known flea shampoo, continue to kill flea eggs, for 28 days to break the life cycle.
The flea shampoo can be used for cats and kittens over 12 weeks. This shampoo helps to effectively kill adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and lice.
Apply the flea shampoo and lather over the whole cat for 3 to 5 minutes. This may seem a long time in kitty minutes, so some distractions in the form of a toy like a cat wand or treat are a worthwhile standby.
It is recommended that you wash your hands after using this shampoo, although it is okay to use bare hands whilst applying it to your cat.
Pros
Cons
Avoid the eye area of animals and humans. More info is given in the image below.
Specifications Of Adams Flea & Tick Shampoo
If you are intending to apply a topical treatment after using this shampoo, it is recommended that you wait 24–48 hours.
Ingredients: Pyrethrins: 0.15%, S-Methoprene: 0.10%, Piperonyl Butoxide: 1.88%, other ingredients: 97.87%.Keep it out of the reach of children. See the back of the pack and the image below for more information.
2.Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea Shampoo
This flea shampoo provides up to 14 weeks of protection for fleas and ticks. It does not, however, kill the eggs and larvae.
Cats need to be over 12 weeks old to safely use this shampoo.
This shampoo is very effective at killing the fleas and ticks that are already on the animal. Then to give a longer lasting protections against eggs and larvae apply a topical flea treatment.
This product is also safe to use for dogs (read instructions for use with dogs), which makes it a good choice for multi pet households.
One big advantage with cat flea shampoo is that it does work instantly. A flea shampoo is a good solution if there is a flea problem that needs addressing immediately.
Wear gloves when applying this product. For maximum protection, allow the lather to remain on the skin for five to ten minutes before rinsing.
Pros
Aloe and lanolin in this flea shampoo soothes irritated skin.
This flea shampoo has a clean fresh scent.
The shampoo cleanses and gently exfoliates skin and coat.
86% or people recommend this pet flea shampoo.
Cons
This flea shampoo does not kill eggs and larvae.
Take precautions to keep the shampoo out of the reach of children as the product contains Pyrethrin.
Specifications Of Clinical Care Flea Shampoo
The ingredients of this cat flea shampoo are: Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, N-Octyl Bicyclopheptene Dicarboximide.
Do not reapply product for 7 days. Check with your vet before using with senior pets, pets on medication, nursing pets or pets that are otherwise debilitated.
The Seresto Flea Collar is active for 8 months. Now that is set and forget. Put a reminder in your phone for the replacement date.
3. Natural Chemistry – Fast Acting Flea Shampoo
As the name of the cat flea shampoo suggests, this is a natural non toxic product and does not contain any pyrethrins.
The flea shampoo kills fleas and ticks on contact. It is effective for up to seven days and can be used at the same time as spot on flea treatments.
To use this cat flea shampoo, mix one part shampoo with three parts water. Apply this mixture to the dry coat of your cat until it is totally wet. At first, rub into the coat until a lather is built up, and after five minutes, rinse off.
Hint: Have some kitty treats or kitty distraction toys at the ready for the five minute waiting period.
Pros
This cat flea shampoo is safe to use on kittens and adult cats.
Natural ingredients are in this flea shampoo.
This flea shampoo also controls back fly and mosquitos.
80% of people recommend using this product.
Cons
No pyrethrins makes this a natural product for controlling fleas but may not be as effective at controlling fleas compared to a product containing pyrethrins.
May be difficult to lather.
Specifications Of Natural Chemistry Flea Shampoo
The ingredients in this shampoo are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cinnamon Oil, Cedar Wood Oil, Clove Oil, Water, Vanillin (benzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy).
Kittens get fleas too. If the kitten is less than 6-8 weeks old do not use conventional flea treatments. There are other choices for flea control in kittens.
4. Advantage Flea & Tick Treatment
This shampoo for fleas on cats can be used on cats from 12 weeks and older. The shampoo is unscented and designed to kill adult fleas and ticks on contact.
The shampoo can be used once every seven days if needed.
When shampooing, pay special attention to the base of the tail and between the toes and the belly area. Take care when washing the head and ears to avoid getting the product in the cat’s eyes. Leave the lather on the cat for five minutes before rinsing.
Wrap kitty in a towel for a couple minutes to absorb moisture, and it will also mean that dying fleas and ticks can crawl off onto the towel.
Pros
This cat flea shampoo is unscented.
Cons
The shampoo is quite watery.
Specifications Of Advantage Flea & Tick Shampoo
The active ingredients are 0.150% Pyrethrins, 0.300% Piperonyl Butoxide, 0.479% mgk 264 Insecticide Synergist.
Do not use this cat flea shampoo for cats more than once every seven days.
5. Vet’s Best Plant based flea Shampoo
This cat flea shampoo is suitable for cats and kittens over the age of 12 weeks. The shampoo kills fleas, flea larvae and ticks on contact.
This flea treatment is plant based, including both clove oil and cotton seed oil, and does not contain any of the harsher chemicals, which are effective but not suitable for all cats. This is a gentle product.
It is made in the USA. Some of the ingredients are sourced globally.
Pros
This cat flea shampoo is plant based and good for those looking for a natural product.
Cons
78% of people recommend this product.
Specifications Of Plant based flea Shampoo
Active Ingredients:Clove Oil 0.63%, Cottonseed Oil 0.03%. Inert Ingredients: Water, Soap, Glycerin,Sodium Chloride,Myristic Acid,Castor Oil, Vanillin.
The expiration date will be stamped on to each bottle as a reference.
Are you confused about all the different flea treatments available? Who wouldn’t be! Check here for different flea control methods.
6. PetArmor Flea and Tick Shampoo for Cats
This tick shampoo can also be used on cats and kittens 12 weeks and older.
This flea and tick shampoo starts controlling fleas and ticks within 24 hours
The scent of this flea shampoo and conditioner is coconut berry.
Pros
Budget choice
Leaves the fur soft and silky and smelling amazing!
Cons
Mixed reactions as to efficacy of removing fleas.
Specifications Of PetArmor Flea and Tick Shampoo
Active Ingredients: Pyrethins 0.05%, Piperonyl Butoxide Technical (Equivalent to 0.4% (Butylcarbityl) (6-Propylpiperonyl) Ether and 0.1% Related Compounds) 0.50%. Other Ingredients: 99.45%, Total 100.00%.
Wear rubber gloves when using. Wash wands before eating, drinking, chewing or using tobacco.
Our choice For The Most Effective Flea Shampoo For Cats
Adams Flea & Tick – Always Reliable
The main ingredient in the cat flea shampoo continues to kill flea eggs for 28 days to break the life cycle. The shampoo can be used for cats and kittens over 12 weeks.
This shampoo helps to effectively kill adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks and lice.
Adams is a reliable product. Although killing fleas is the main objective, the shampoo also contains ingredients to soothe the skin such as lanolin, aloe, coconut extract and oatmeal.
Use 11/3 tablespoons for every 5 lbs of bodyweight. Apply the shampoo to the back of the cat and then work it into the coat, starting at the head. Take care to avoid the eyes and work back along the body and down to the legs and paws.
Continue to lather for 3 to 5 minutes to give the shampoo time to do its job, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Why Use Cat Flea Shampoo?
Cat flea shampoo is easy to use, has immediate results, and, as a bonus, the shampoo is rinsed out straight away, so there is no chemical residue left behind.
Also, if the infestation is very bad, it is a very quick way to get rid of most fleas. I hesitate to say all fleas, as it can be difficult to kill them all.
If your cat reacts to the chemicals in flea collars or flea drops, shampoo is a good alternative. Try not to get shampoo in your cat’s eyes. We don’t like shampoo in our eyes, and your cat won’t either. Plus, you want to make this a positive experience 🙂 so that it can be repeated when necessary.
Many flea shampoos for cats also contain a conditioner to leave your cat’s fur soft and luxurious.
What Does Cat Flea Shampoo Do?
Some cat flea shampoos will only kill adult fleas.
Although that might give the cat some immediate relief and it might be cheaper, it is better to purchase a shampoo that will kill the fleas and the flea eggs.
You do need to work the shampoo right into the fur. The temperament of your kitty may determine the effectiveness of the method. Because the cat may squirm, an odd flea or two might survive the dunking.
A flea comb is an excellent part of a flea treating regime. Consider your usual method of flea control and a flea comb as ongoing maintenance.
Does Cat Flea Shampoo Work?
Cat flea shampoo works straightaway to get rid of fleas. How long the cat will remain flea free, depends on which cat flea shampoo was chosen.
If you need ‘instant’ results to get rid of fleas, definitely give cat flea shampoo a go, and then you can review your options.
Monitor how well flea shampoo works in your situation. It also depends on how bad the flea infestation is on your cat. If it’s really bad flea infestation, you just want them gone straightaway, and flea shampoo for cats will do that.
For the flea shampoo to work effectively, always start shampooing at the head, avoiding the eyes, and move down the body. This is to try and prevent any fleas from jumping into the neck or head area.
Let the flea shampoo sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing carefully.
How Often To Use Flea Shampoo For Cats?
Mostly cat flea shampoo can be used monthly, but you will need to read the information and directions for the flea shampoo that you purchase.
Some of the methods of flea control that take a less chemical approach and are often termed natural can be used more frequently.
My Cat Hates Water And Doesn’t Want A Bath
Some cats love water, but we don’t usually associate cats and baths in the same way that we associate dogs and baths.
Until you have tried giving your cat a bath, it is impossible to say how the cat will react. We are not talking about a long soak in the bath, short and sweet is the key to success.
The video below gives specific instructions to make bathing the cat easy. We would suggest that bathing the cat, is preferably a two-person job if this is an option for you.
It might not be a walk in the park bathing your cat, or you may be lucky and have a placid kitty cat that doesn’t mind some time at the beauty salon.
How To Shampoo Your Cat
- Use a bath, sink, or container where you can comfortably shampoo the cat.
If the bath is too deep for you to comfortably reach down to shampoo the cat, a laundry sink or bathroom sink will be a better option. You need to have good control of the cat in the bath of your choice. - Place a non slip mat or a folded towel on the bottom of the sink or container, so that your kitty is not slipping around.
If the cat slips in the bath, he is likely to freak out and want to run for the hills.
If the cat is showing signs of aggression, protective gloves are useful for all cat grooming, including trimming nails, bathing etc. - Fill a container with warm water, not too much, several inches is fine.
If you have a helper he/she can use a pitcher to gently wet the cat’s fur so that you can apply the shampoo.
You may find a cat grooming glove helpful to distribute the cat flea shampoo. - Use warm water to rinse the shampoo from the cat. If you have a detachable shower head, that would work really well to wet the cat and rinse the shampoo.
Take care around the cat’s head, to ensure that no shampoo runs into the cat’s eyes. Use the shower head to direct water away from the face. - Have several towels ready to dry the cat as best you can. By this time he may just be wanting to disappear but he will be flea-less, so he should be thanking you. I wouldn’t count on any thanks but you never know.
A portable grooming tub would be super handy if you have a number of pets to groom and shower or if you regularly give the cat a flea shampoo.
Is Cat Flea Shampoo Safe To Use?
Cat flea shampoo does contain chemicals. The plus is that the chemicals from the cat flea shampoo are washed off the skin.
It is generally recommended that cat flea shampoo not be used on kittens under twelve weeks of age and up to one year of age.
So, if you have a kitten under twelve weeks old, purchase a flea shampoo that is specifically for kittens.