Best Cat Flea Shampoos

When your feline friend gets fleas, you have fleas.

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.

BEST OVERALL

Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo

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Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor, 12 Ounce

$9.79

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Last update on 2019-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A well-rounded pet shampoo, Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo kills fleas at all stages of life, from egg to adult. Its formula provides you with up to 28 days of protection, meaning you get long-lasting results from just one wash.

At an affordable price, you get more than just flea-killing ingredients. This formula also includes aloe, coconut extract, oatmeal, and lanolin that combine to soothe and relieve your cat from flea bites.

BEST DRY SHAMPOO

Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Waterless Bath for Cats

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Vet's Best Flea and Tick Waterless Bath Foam Dry Shampoo for Cats, 5 oz

$9.99

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Last update on 2019-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Using 100% natural essential oils, the Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Waterless Bath for cats is an excellent solution for any pet owners who own cats that hate water. It’s not always easy to give your cat a bath, but when they have fleas, you have to clean them. Vet’s Best steps in with their dry shampoo.

This natural formula effectively kills fleas, ticks, and eggs without the use of water. The foaming product goes on right out of the can, and all you need to do is comb it through your cat’s fur. It is quick, easy, and effective and has a pleasant smell from the natural products.

BEST FOR CATS AND DOGS

Zodiac Flea & Tick Shampoo

Zodiac Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs & Cats, 18-ounce

$10.37

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Last update on 2019-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you have one pet who has caught fleas, there is a good chance the other pets in your house will get them too. These insects spread fast, so it’s best to treat all of your pets. For dog and cat owners, the Zodiac Flea and Tick Shampoo is the perfect solution.

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.

BEST NON-TOXIC

Wahl Flea & Tick Shampoo

Wahl Dog/Pet Shampoo, Flea and Tick, Rosemary Mint

$16.19

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Last update on 2019-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for a non-toxic, all-natural solution to fleas and ticks, Wahl Flea and Tick Shampoo is the way to go. Using plant-derived ingredients, this shampoo naturally repels these biting insects. With no harsh chemicals, it is extremely safe for both you and your cat.

Along with its natural effectiveness comes a great rosemary and mint smell. The long-lasting smell stays with your cat long after its bath, which is sure to make you happy as a pet owner. It also cleans thoroughly and leaves your cat with a much softer, manageable coat.

Additional Advice

It is widely believed that fleas prefer cats to dogs. While this may be true, this doesn’t mean cats are the only animals to get infestations—it just means they are more likely to get them. If you have found that your cat has fleas, you should take action immediately. Sometimes having a better understanding of these insects can better equip you to get rid of them. Read on to learn more!

About Fleas

Of the more than 2,000 species of fleas in the world, the most common kind is referred to as the “cat flea.” Don’t be misled by the name—cat fleas will inhabit any other animal in addition to cats. However, they are most commonly found on cats.

Adult fleas are about 2.5mm long and are dark in color. They have no legs, but they can jump large distances. This is how they can infest large animals or go from host to host.

The flea life cycle is a unique one. They are normal in that the adults lay eggs, and these eggs hatch into larvae and eventually become adults. However, fleas have the ability to pause their development. Should the conditions they are in not permit them to grow safely, they will slow down their process until the conditions are better.

Females can drink as much as 15 times their body weight and will begin laying eggs within 48 hours of their first feed. They can lay as many as 2,000 eggs in their lifetime with about 40 to 50 per day. This is how flea infestations grow so rapidly and in large amounts.

Why Fleas Are Dangerous

Fleas impose risks on cats and humans alike aside from just irritating bites. They can cause skin rashes. However, they can also transmit diseases. Fleas carry bacteria that can be transmitted to cats and humans.

Additionally, a lot of fleas can carry tapeworms. This is particularly dangerous for cats because cats groom themselves often. If they have fleas, it is likely that they will ingest them. The tapeworms they are carrying can grow within their intestines, giving you yet another issue to resolve.

These tapeworms can also be transmitted to humans—especially children.
Elderly cats, kittens, or cats that are sick are also at risk for anemia if they get fleas. Underdeveloped or weakened immune systems are more susceptible to extreme blood loss. A large infestation on a very small or weak cat can be very serious.

Additional Tips

One of the best ways to eliminate fleas is to catch the problem before it starts. Many experts say you should focus on prevention before you even have a problem. Effective prevention can save you the headache of trying to get rid of an infestation.

Try to limit your cat’s outdoor exposure. For most cats, this shouldn’t be an issue; most house cats prefer to stay indoors anyway. However, some pet owners have outdoor cats. Give them their time outside, but try to keep them inside longer.

Bathe your cat regularly. This can be tough to do, as most cats prefer to stay dry, but it’s a necessary evil—especially if your cat likes to go outside.

Invest in a flea comb. Buying a comb is a simple way to ensure no fleas are hiding in your cat’s fur. Along with bathing, regular combing will help to keep your cat clean. Comb them with a bowl of warm, soapy water nearby so you can kill any fleas you catch.