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10 Best Ringworm Shampoos for Cats in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Jordyn Alger

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat bathing in the bathroom

10 Best Ringworm Shampoos for Cats in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

cat bathing in the bathroom

Ringworm is an annoying fungal infection that our cats may develop from time to time, and even worse, it can spread to us. Getting rid of ringworm is vital to stopping its spread, and that’s where ringworm shampoos come in. These are among the most common treatments to free your cat of the pesky fungus. But if you are currently in the market for one, you may not know where to start.

In this article are reviews of our favorite ringworm shampoos for cats. Take a look at the options, and see if any suit your cat’s needs.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Vetoquinol Universal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats Vetoquinol Universal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
  • Combats multiple skin issues
  • Heals dry, irritated skin
  • Deodorizes your cat’s skin and coat
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo
  • Veterinarian recommended
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • Affordable
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Pet MD Antiseptic & Anti-Fungal Medicated Pet Shampoo Pet MD Antiseptic & Anti-Fungal Medicated Pet Shampoo
  • Formed by veterinarians
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • Aloe vera and oatmeal soothe and moisturize irritated skin
  • Best for Kittens
    Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo
  • Useful for cats of all ages
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • Deodorizes your cat’s skin and coat
  • Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Dog & Cat Shampoo Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Dog & Cat Shampoo
  • Free of parabens and dyes
  • Moisturizes and detangles coat
  • Lathers well and smells good
  • The 10 Best Ringworm Shampoos for Cats

    1. Vetoquinol Universal Medicated Shampoo for Cats — Best Overall

    Vetoquinol Universal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

    Included ingredients Chloroxylenol, salicylic acid, sodium thiosulfate
    Size 16 oz.

    The best overall ringworm shampoo for cats is the Vetoquinol Universal Medicated Shampoo for Cats. It combats an array of skin issues your cat may be dealing with, not just ringworm. It is designed to heal flaking and itchy skin and remoisturize any dryness your cat’s skin condition may be causing.

    This shampoo is also helpful in deodorizing your cat’s skin and coat, so if they get into something stinky, you won’t need to purchase a separate shampoo to help them smell nice again. While Vetoquinol is great for attacking ringworm and other skin complications, it is also excellent for regular bathing. Although it is tough on skin conditions, it will not degrade any flea or tick preventatives you’ve placed on your cat.

    Some users complain that Vetoquinol has an overpowering medicinal scent, but if that isn’t a concern for you, this shampoo may have everything you need.

    Pros
    • Combats multiple skin issues
    • Heals dry, irritated skin
    • Deodorizes your cat’s skin and coat
    • Able to use for routine bathing
    • Does not erode flea and tick preventatives
    Cons
    • Strong medicinal smell

    2. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo — Best Value

    Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo

    Included ingredients Coconut oil-based cleansers, aloe vera
    Size 16 oz.

    If you are looking for the best ringworm shampoo for cats for the money, you should check out the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo. This affordable ringworm shampoo is recommended for all your cat’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal needs. It is crafted in the United States and made with a paraben-free formula, so you can rest easy knowing the ingredients are helping rather than hindering.

    Among the ingredients are coconut oil-based cleansers and aloe vera, added to help soothe and remoisturize irritated skin. Washing your cat with this shampoo will help to nourish their skin and coat and repair any damage done by their skin condition.

    To some, the smell of this shampoo may be overwhelming, though this complaint seems to be limited. If you have a sensitive nose, you may want to proceed with caution.

    Pros
    • Veterinarian recommended
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Paraben free
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Scent may be overpowering

    3. Pet MD Antiseptic & Anti-Fungal Medicated Pet Shampoo — Premium Choice

    Pet MD Antiseptic & Anti Fungal Medicated Pet Shampoo

    Included ingredients Oatmeal, aloe vera, peppermint fragrance
    Size 12 oz.

    Pet MD’s Antiseptic & Anti-Fungal Medicated Pet Shampoo is a premium ringworm shampoo. This formula was expertly developed by veterinarians and manufactured in the United States. It is suitable for cats, dogs, and even horses, so if the ringworm has spread throughout your household, this shampoo can tackle the infection in almost all of your pets.

    The aloe vera and oatmeal help to relieve itchy and irritated skin, and the peppermint scent gives your cat a fresh, clean smell. Considering that the size of this ringworm shampoo is 12 fluid ounces, this product is leaning a bit on the pricey side. Although you won’t break the bank on this purchase, cheaper alternatives exist.

    Pros
    • Formed by veterinarians
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Aloe vera and oatmeal soothe and moisturize irritated skin
    Cons
    • Somewhat expensive

    4. Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo Cat Shampoo — Best for Kittens

    Vetnique Labs Dermabliss

    Included ingredients Chlorhexidine, ketoconazole
    Size 16 oz.

    If your kitten has gotten a case of ringworm, you will want to check out this option. The Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Fungal Medicated Cat Shampoo is a great option for cats of all ages, making it especially useful for a mischief-prone kitty.

    This antibacterial and antifungal shampoo was developed in the United States and made with ingredients targeting ringworm and itching. Dermabliss helps to deodorize your kitten, getting foul smells out of their fur and skin so they can smell clean and fresh.

    A notable complaint about this option is that it does not lather well, so it may be challenging to work up to a lather when washing your kitten.

    Pros
    • Useful for cats of all ages
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Deodorizes your cat’s skin and coat
    Cons
    • Does not lather well

    5. Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Cat Shampoo

    Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Included ingredients Ophytrium, chlorhexidine
    Size 16.9 oz.

    Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Cat Shampoo is a cleansing, hydrating ringworm shampoo. It is designed to wash, relieve, and strengthen your cat’s skin.

    Douxo is free from harmful ingredients like parabens and dyes and works to moisturize and detangle your cat’s coat while attacking ringworm. It is easy to lather this formula into your cat’s fur, and it smells good, so you don’t have to worry about an underwhelming or overpowering scent after bath time.

    On the downside, Douxo is expensive. The bottle is slightly larger than the standard ringworm shampoo, but even then, this brand is on the pricey side.

    Pros
    • Free of parabens and dyes
    • Moisturizes and detangles coat
    • Lathers well and smells good
    Cons
    • Expensive

    6. Davis Miconazole Cat Shampoo

    Davis Miconazole Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Included ingredients Miconazole nitrate, oatmeal, sodium lauryl sulfate
    Size 12 oz.

    The Davis Miconazole Cat Shampoo is produced in the United States and is made for cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies. It is designed to lock in moisture, helping to nourish your cat’s damaged skin and coat.

    There are no added dyes to this shampoo, ensuring that you aren’t massaging unnecessary ingredients into your cat’s skin and fur. However, there are also no fragrances added. If a clean, fresh-smelling scent is important to you, you should consider other options.

    Pros
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Built to lock in moisture
    • No added dyes
    Cons
    • Does not have a good smell

    7. MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Cats

    MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

    Included ingredients Miconazole nitrate, chlorhexidine gluconate
    Size 8 oz.

    For cats fighting moderate to severe cases of ringworm, MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Cats is a great option. It is crafted in the United States and includes ingredients that fight against other skin conditions, such as dandruff, yeast, and bacterial infections.

    The ceramides in this shampoo promote the nourishment and reparation of your cat’s damaged skin, helping to relieve the most irritating signs of ringworm. As a bonus, MiconaHex+Triz is great for deodorizing your cat, so you can rest assured knowing your cat will be fresh after bath time.

    For the small size, this shampoo is a bit on the expensive side. Although the price is fairly standard when compared to other ringworm shampoos, MiconaHex+Triz’s bottle is about half the size.

    Pros
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Designed to moisturize and repair damaged skin
    • Effective deodorizer
    Cons
    • Somewhat expensive

    8. Zymox Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Cat Shampoo

    Zymox Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Included ingredients Purified water, sorbitan laurate, sodium trideceth sulfate
    Size 12 oz.

    Next on the list is Zymox Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Cat Shampoo, which is designed to help soothe your cat’s irritated skin. This product was made in the United States and is free from harsh ingredients. Although it is gentle on the skin, it offers fast relief from fungal and bacterial infections.

    A few users have complained that the scent is not great. Some say that it is far too overpowering and describe it as a chemical-like stench, while others say that the fragrance does not last long enough to give their cat a nice scent. If the fragrance is important, this may not be the pick for you.

    Pros
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Quick results
    Cons
    • Inconsistent fragrance

    9. Petkin Germ Removal Vanilla Scented Antibacterial Cat Shampoo

    Petkin Germ Removal Vanilla Scented Antibacterial Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Included ingredients Gentle soap cleanser, aloe vera, vitamin E
    Size 33.8 oz.

    If you are looking for a giant bottle of shampoo, Petkin Germ Removal Vanilla Scented Antibacterial Cat Shampoo has you covered. It comes in a bottle that measures 33.8 fluid ounces, or a quarter of a gallon. With Petkin, you won’t be running out of ringworm shampoo anytime soon.

    There are no parabens or sulfates in the formula, and it is considered a gentle shampoo, as ingredients include aloe vera and vitamin E. Depending on the severity of your cat’s ringworm case, though, this shampoo may not be effective enough to do the trick.

    If your cat only has a minor infection, this could be the perfect choice for you. But if you are looking for something a little more heavy-duty, you may want to set your sights elsewhere.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • No parabens or sulfates
    Cons
    • Possibly less effective

    10. PetSilver Antimicrobial Cat Shampoo

    PetSilver Antimicrobial Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Included ingredients Chelated silver, stannous fluoride
    Size 8 oz.

    PetSilver Antimicrobial Cat Shampoo contains chelated silver, which is designed to destroy infectious bacteria. This shampoo is great for all sorts of skin issues, including fleas, tick bites, insect bites, dermatitis, and more. PetSilver is also designed to minimize any skin inflammation your cat may be struggling with, helping to provide relief from some of the more irritating signs of ringworm infection.

    On the downside, this ringworm shampoo requires a lot of maintenance. For it to be effective, you will need to bathe your cat with it every day until the ringworm signs begin to disappear.

    Pros
    • Chelated silver destroys disease-causing bacteria
    • Reduces inflammation
    Cons
    • Requires daily treatments to be effective

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Ringworm Shampoo for Cats

    Even after reading through these reviews, you may be feeling uncertain about which product to choose. That’s a natural reaction! After all, there are so many options to choose from. So, how can you decide which are the best?

    Other customer reviews can be helpful, and the price tag can play a huge role in determining whether a product is right for you. However, for more detailed advice on how to pick out the best ringworm shampoo for your cat, keep reading.


    What to Look For in a Ringworm Shampoo

    Beyond customer reviews and prices, there are certain qualities to look for in your cat’s ringworm shampoo. When hunting for the right product, consider the following.

    Active Ingredients

    Ingredients play a huge role in how effective a ringworm shampoo will be. Watch out for ingredients like miconazole, ketoconazole, or chlorhexidine. These may sound really scary, but the truth is that they are vital antifungal ingredients. If you see these ingredients in a shampoo, you will know that product can get the job done.

    Product Brand

    It may sound obvious, but you should look into the brand of the product you are considering. If you see overwhelmingly great reviews on their products, you can confidently purchase their shampoo knowing there is a good chance it will suit your needs. But if you see a slew of negative reviews, you will know to stay away.

    Balanced pH

    Your cat’s skin is sensitive on their best days, but ringworm can make the sensitivity more intense. For that reason, you need a shampoo that is pH balanced for a cat.

    cat bath
    Image Credit: Irina Kozorog, Shutterstock

    Stage of Life

    Different ringworm shampoos may not be appropriate for all ages of cats. Kittens under 12 weeks old will likely need a specific shampoo that is safe for their age, so make sure to double-check which life stage each product is suitable for.

    Usable for Multiple Pets

    Some shampoos can be used on dogs and cats alike, while others can only be used on cats or dogs. If you have a multiple-pet household with plenty of ringworm infections, you may want to look for a product that can suit all of your pets’ needs.


    Ingredients to Avoid in Ringworm Shampoos

    Just as there are substances to seek in ringworm shampoos, there are things to avoid. While browsing your options, keep an eye open for any of these red flags.

    • Artificial Additives: Artificial additives can include dyes or fragrances. Some of these may be linked to allergies, organ failure, and certain cancers, so it is best to avoid them.
    • Sulfates: Sulfates are cleaning agents, often included to create a lather. They are rough chemicals that can worsen skin irritation, so it is best to stay away from them.
    • Parabens: Parabens are chemical preservatives included in shampoos to prolong their shelf life. These can be absorbed into your cat’s body and cause health issues.

    Other Factors to Consider

    While in the market for ringworm cat shampoos, there are a few other factors to keep in mind. First, never use human shampoo or dog-only shampoo on your cat. Your cat needs a specific pH balance to maintain healthy skin, and human or dog-only shampoos do not provide that balance.

    Similarly, you will want to consider your cat’s skin sensitivities if they have any. If your cat has particularly sensitive skin, you will want to search for a reliable product that will not irritate their skin further. Some ingredients that may help to soothe their skin include aloe vera and oatmeal.

    Also, think about the scent of a shampoo. Ringworm shampoos can come with or without scents, so it is up to you to decide which option is best for you and your cat. If you are opting for a scented shampoo, look for natural scents rather than artificial fragrances.

    Can You Use Human Shampoo on Cats? What You Must Know! Cats are equipped with all the tools they need to bathe and clean themselves, but there may be times when your cat needs some assistance, possibly after they have walked through or played in something particularly dirty. Besides the fact that your cat will probably hate the experience of being bathed, it is important to remember that regular bathing can cause more harm than good, so it should be reserved solely for emergencies. With that said, there is a good chance that you won’t have cat shampoo laying around in the cupboard. So, can you use human shampoo on your cats? Is it safe? The quick answer is no, you shouldn’t use human shampoo on your cats. We’ll tell you more below. Should You Bathe Your Cat? Your cat has a rough tongue and powerful teeth. He has the tools he requires to effectively keep himself clean most of the time. This is especially true of short-haired cats. As such, it is rare that you will even consider bathing your cats. However, it is also true that cats are incredibly inquisitive. Some might say nosey. They want to investigate every portion of every room. They want to know what you keep grabbing out of the cupboard, and what it is that has such a strong smell in the back of the shed. They rub against things, roll in liquids and substances you don’t want them to, and have a seemingly endless list of ways in which they can cause mischief and end up caked in mud and other nasties. There may, then, be occasion when you feel it is necessary to bathe your cat. Occasional bathing is fine. The same natural oils that help protect your cat’s coat from everyday dirt and grime will recover after a bath. Frequent bathing, though, can strip these oils from the fur. This will leave your cat with dry fur. It can also lead to dry skin, rashes, and other problems that not only leave their fur lacking luster but may actually cause them harm. So, you can bathe your cat, but you should only do so when it is absolutely necessary. If you have ever had to bathe a cat, you likely won’t want to repeat the process too often. It tends to result in a lot of soapy water everywhere except on the cat, and a terrified and angry cat warning you off. It’s a lot of water, claws, and hissing, but not a lot of cleaning. You should make the process quick, be confident, and you should have everything ready before you even consider turning the tap on. Should You Use Human Shampoo? Even the most delicate human shampoo contains chemicals and other ingredients that are harmful to your cat. A lot of shampoos contain perfumes and even essential oils, both of which can prove toxic to your cat. The ingredients are effectively absorbed through the cat’s skin and broken down by the liver, but a cat’s liver is not the same as a human’s and it is not as effective at breaking down the chemicals that are found in human shampoo. Therefore, it is safest to use a shampoo specially designed for cats. Using Specialist Cat Shampoo It is worth having a bottle of cat shampoo in the cupboard, ready for any mud-based emergency. These shampoos are formulated especially for use on cats. They have the right pH balance, so are not usually as acidic as human shampoo, and they do not contain the same essential oils and perfumes as are used in our own shampoo. Cat shampoo won’t dry out your cat’s fur or skin as readily. It will contain some natural odor that will help get rid of the smell of dirt and muck, but it uses natural ingredients that are not damaging to your cat. Is Human Shampoo Safe For Cats? Some human shampoo may prove relatively safe for cats, but the majority of ingredients found in human shampoo can prove dangerous for your filthy feline. Stick to cat shampoo, only bathe when necessary, and be prepared before you grab the cat because the process is likely to get a bit scratchy.
    Image Credit: Olleg, Shutterstock

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    Conclusion

    Ringworm in cats can be annoying, but with the right shampoo, it can be gone in no time. Vetoquinol’s Medicated Shampoo is our best overall pick due to its effectiveness and versatility. For the best value option, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care offers a product with great ingredients at a low price, and the quality ingredients and fresh peppermint scent make Pet MD’s Antiseptic & Anti-Fungal Medicated shampoo a premium choice. We hope that you have found these reviews helpful in narrowing down your search!


    Featured Image Credit: Madhourse, Shutterstock

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