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10 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoos of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

tabby cat taking a bath

10 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoos of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just like us, our cats can have sensitive skin. If your cats can’t handle all the chemicals and fragrances that lots of companies use in their products, you might be on the search for something much more natural. Luckily, there are tons of products on the market that keep your cat’s coat and skin looking and feeling good. We checked out lots of different products available online, and we found a few we can’t wait to tell you about. Let’s take a look at these reviews.

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A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Gentle, hydrating formula pH balanced for cats
  • Aloe and oatmeal soothe your cat's skin
  • Surprisingly affordable
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Pawtitas Organic Shea Butter & Oatmeal Cat Shampoo Pawtitas Organic Shea Butter & Oatmeal Cat Shampoo
  • Affordable
  • Subtle, clean scent
  • Leaves coat and skin incredibly soft
  • Third place
    HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo
  • Gallon sized bottle
  • Favorable ingredients
  • Can use in collaboration with HyLyt cream rinse
  • Earthbath Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo Earthbath Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo
  • Loaded with vitamins
  • Biodegradable formula
  • Soothes skin and softens coat
  • Frisco Hypoallergenic Shampoo Frisco Hypoallergenic Shampoo
  • Suitable for sensitive adults
  • Formulated for kittens’ needs
  • Contains skin-nourishing vitamins
  • The 10 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoos

    1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Cat Shampoo — Best Overall

    Hepper shampoo - Chartreux cat with towels

    Type: Moisturizing
    Scent: Cucumber and aloe
    Amount: 16 ounces

    We think Hepper’s Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is the best overall hypoallergenic cat shampoo on the market this year. This pH-balanced shampoo features moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera to reduce irritation, dandruff, and dander. The aloe and cucumber scent is very pleasant and long-lasting, and the shampoo is free of irritants like phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, and soaps.

    All that and this shampoo is still affordable! We love how gentle but effective this formula is, and our cats seem to love it, too.

    All in all, this is the best hypoallergenic cat shampoo we’ve tried this year. The simple, soothing ingredients prevent irritation even for cats with especially sensitive skin.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Gentle, hydrating formula pH balanced for cats
    • Aloe and oatmeal soothe your cat’s skin
    • Surprisingly affordable
    • Pleasant cucumber & aloe scent
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Not fragrance-free

    2. Pawtitas Organic Shea Butter & Oatmeal Cat Shampoo – Budget Buy

    Pawtitas Organic Shea Butter & Oatmeal Cat Shampoo

    Type: Itch relief
    Scent: Shea butter, moringa
    Amount: 16 ounces

    If you’re looking for the best hypoallergenic cat shampoo for the money, you can check out Pawtitas Organic Shea Butter & Oatmeal Cat Shampoo.

    The one thing that we will rave about is that this made our cat’s coats so incredibly soft. The shea butter works in the coat to keep it tangle-free and satin-like after they dry. The scent is soft and subtle, not smelling of any type of chemicals or intense fragrance.

    This shampoo has an incredible lather. It’s a clean you can feel, working up bubbles in seconds. The formula soothes inflamed skin and works to repair damage from dryness or dehydration.

    This shampoo and conditioner combo is completely approved by veterinarians, specifically formulated to meet the pH requirements of felines.

    One thing that we can point out about this shampoo that might not be the best is that it does contain neem. This is deemed safe by some veterinarians, but there has been a little bit of conflict about the potential toxicity of neem oil for pets, as well as for humans. We encourage you to do your own research or ask a veterinary professional their opinion before purchasing.

    Pros
    • Leaves coat and skin incredibly soft
    • Subtle, clean scent
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Contains neem

    3. HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo

    HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo

    Type: Moisturizing
    Scent: Clean & fresh
    Amount: 1 gallons

    If you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars for an extremely quality product, we recommend HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo. You can buy a powerful formula in bulk so you don’t have to replace it anytime soon. The mixture is precisely engineered for cats with sensitive skin and imperfections.

    We really love the value of this product in comparison to the quality. Yes, it is a lot upfront, but you won’t have to replace it for quite some time since it comes in a gallon size bottle. All it takes is a dime size portion to create a rich lather. Long-haired cats might require a bit more.

    This shampoo does not contain any harsh alcohols or animal-fat-based soaps that strip the coat. So, it leaves skin and fur feeling fresh and smooth. The formula is considered a hydrating shampoo, which means that it locks moisture, nourishes, and protects the exterior.

    It also has a cream rinse that you can buy in addition to give your pet an ultra-smooth finish, if you choose. We highly recommend both, permitting it is in your budget.

    Pros
    • Gallon sized bottle
    • Can use in collaboration with HyLyt cream rinse
    • Favorable ingredients
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Earthbath Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo

    Earthbath Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo

     

    Type: Tear-free
    Scent: Fragrance-free
    Amount: 16 ounces

    Another great hypoallergenic cat shampoo is Earthbath Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo. We loved the formula, lather, and ingredient list of this product. It also comes at a very middle-of-the-road price, making it compatible with the majority of budgets.

    In addition to being hypoallergenic, the formula is also tear-free, making it suitable for cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors. The entire concoction is soap-free, so you don’t have to worry about residues or harmful additives.

    If your kitty has any skin allergies, this formula will soothe bites and skin irritation. It is 100% biodegradable without parabens or phosphates. Instead, there are soothing ingredients like coconut-based cleansers, aloe, and vitamins A, B, D, and E for optimal skin health.

    We really think this product is a fantastic choice for allergy sufferers and normal kitties alike. But it might not be suitable for extreme skin issues.

    Pros
    • Biodegradable formula
    • Loaded with vitamins
    • Soothes skin and softens coat
    Cons
    • Not for extreme skin issues

    5. Frisco Hypoallergenic Shampoo

    Frisco Hypoallergenic Shampoo

    Type: Kitten formula
    Scent: Fragrance-free
    Amount: 20 ounces

    If you want your kitten to feel fresh after a bath instead of itchy and irritated, why not start with Frisco Hypoallergenic Shampoo? We think it’s the best kitten formula on the market—fit to take care of the sensitive needs of our tiny companions.

    This formula contains certified organic aloe vera juice, which nourishes the skin to create a protective layer of moisture. It is completely tear-free, so it won’t irritate your kitten’s eyes or sensitive areas.

    This shampoo also has added pro-vitamin B5, A, and E for additional skin support—everything is totally plant-based. Because it is so irritant-free, it would work just as well for adult cats, so you can continue to use this long after your kitten is grown.

    The only drawback we could find here is that it doesn’t have a super significant lather.

    Pros
    • Formulated for kittens’ needs
    • Suitable for sensitive adults
    • Contains skin-nourishing vitamins
    Cons
    • Lacks rich lather

    6. Hyponic Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo

    Hyponic Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo

    Type: All natural
    Scent: Fragrance-free
    Amount: 10.1 ounces

    Introducing Hyponic Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo—we really love and appreciate the company’s aim to keep this product as natural as possible while making it extremely efficient.

    This product does just that, with all of its ingredients approved by the Environmental Working Group (EWG)—a non-profit environmental organization. So, there’s a guarantee that the product is void of silicone, parabens, and sulfates.

    It smells lovely, creates a rich lather, and leaves the fur feeling fresh and soft. We think that it is an excellent option for cats that have sensitive skin.

    The company boasts that the shampoo makes your cat’s coat so soft you don’t need conditioner—and we have to agree. But it is a little pricey in comparison to competing products.

    Pros
    • EWG-approved
    • Incredible lather and smell
    • Creates a soft coat
    Cons
    • Pricey

    7. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care

    Veterinary Formula Clinical Care

    Type: Veterinary formula
    Scent: Fragrance-free
    Amount: 16 ounces

    If you’re looking for a veterinarian-grade shampoo that is completely hypoallergenic, you might want to look at Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo. It is totally vet-approved with suitable ingredients to soothe even the most irritated skin.

    This formula is both tearless and compatible with flea and tick treatments. So, you can use this to soothe your cat’s skin without washing away medication or burning their sensitive areas.

    Though this veterinary formula doesn’t treat serious issues related to mange and other infections, it does soothe abrasions and hot spots related to skin allergies. We recommend this, especially for cats that are already suffering from skin-related ailments.

    However, this product is only formulated to work on adult cats and dogs. You should not use this product on your kittens.

    Pros
    • For tough skin irritation
    • Formed by vets
    • Great for allergy sufferers
    Cons
    • Not for use on kittens

    8. Wondercide Aloe & Coconut Oil Shampoo Bar

    Wondercide Aloe & Coconut Oil Shampoo Bar

    Type: Bar
    Scent: Aloe, coconut oil
    Amount: 4 ounces

    Wondercide Aloe & Coconut Oil Shampoo puts a unique spin on bath time. It is something you can hold in your hand to scrub your cat or place it onto a rag or cloth for cleaning. We think it’s a pretty nifty bathing product to check out—lots of portion control possibilities.

    The smell is outstanding and the bar itself seems like it’ll stretch quite far. It has a very fresh, clean scent that isn’t too overwhelming. For being a bar of soap, it works out a really nice lather to ensure you’re getting all of your pet’s sensitive areas.

    The entire product is designed to gently heal hotspots and skin allergy irritation. It is scented with natural and safe essential oils as opposed to artificial fragrances and dyes. It has no harsh or harmful additives that would further irritate your pet’s already sore skin.

    We highly recommend this product for cats that have a flea allergy to soothe the irritation. However, this particular Wondercide bar does not protect against fleas and ticks. So, if you have an indoor/outdoor cat and you are looking for some added protection, this isn’t the type of Wondercide you need.

    As an added perk with your order, you get a cedar wood soap holder—just for your kitty.

    Pros
    • Optimal cleaning
    • No artificial additives
    • Perfect for dogs with flea allergies
    Cons
    • Doesn’t repel pests

    9. Tropiclean Hypoallergenic Oatmeal Shampoo

    Tropiclean Hypoallergenic Oatmeal Shampoo

    Type: Gentle
    Scent: Fragrance-free
    Amount: 20 ounces

    Tropiclean Hypoallergenic Gentle Coconut is a terrific product that worked very well on our cats. It is technically unscented, but it does have a very soft, pleasing scent. It isn’t overwhelming by any means and shouldn’t irritate any eyes, ears, or otherwise.

    We think it smells fantastic and leaves the coat so fresh, leaving fur soft to the touch. Fortified with vitamin E, this shampoo works while it cleans to moisturize the skin.

    If you try out the 20 ounces and decide that this product works very well for your cat, they also have a much larger size, available up to a 2.5-gallon bottle.

    This company makes additional hypoallergenic conditioners as well for skin therapy and coat health. So, if you want to opt for both, your cat might really stay in good shape—allergies and all.

    Pros
    • Additional products available
    • Oatmeal and vitamin E for skin and coat health
    • Soft, clean scent
    Cons
    • Adult cats only

    10. Professional Pet Products Salon

    Professional Pet Products Salon

    Type: Everyday clean
    Scent: Pina colada
    Amount: 13.5 ounces

    We couldn’t go without mentioning Professional Pet Products Salon Cat Shampoo. If you’re looking for a quick clean for your cat, this is just the shampoo to do it. There are no special features, bells, or whistles. It’s a straightforward formula that won’t irritate your cat’s skin.

    We loved the rich piña colada scent. It smells very tropical, but it’s not going to be for everyone. If you’re not a fan of summer-inspired tropical scents, you might want to skip this one. However, if you’re a fan, this product smells absolutely amazing long after a bath.

    The shampoo had a decent lather, but it was nothing to brag about. It did the job, but you do have to use a bit more than some other competing products. While it is a hypoallergenic shampoo, there are quite a few artificial dyes in the formula. So, make sure to do a quick sweep of the ingredients to ensure it’s safe for your sensitive pet. For this reason, it wasn’t our favorite, but it does the trick.

    Pros
    • Great for general cleaning
    • Long-lasting scent
    Cons
    • Contains artificial dyes
    • Scent might be too strong to some

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    Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo

    Your cat does not have to have allergies to benefit from hypoallergenic shampoo. Quite honestly, your cat doesn’t need to encounter half of the chemicals they do daily, so any feline benefits from cleaner products.

    Reducing chemicals at bath time can lead to better skin and coat quality and overall healthfulness. But it also helps with skin-related allergy symptoms like hotspots, hair loss, and itchy dry skin.

    What Does Soap-Free Mean?

    You might see soap-free on product labels and wonder what exactly that means. After all, is not soap what we use to wash our hands and get things clean?

    Essentially there are two types of soap. There is the synthetic type and the type derived from animal fat. Often, animal fat is a bit too much for cats as it strips the natural oils from their fur.

    Soap-free products are made with an alkaline solution.

    Bubble bath a small gray stray cat
    Photo Credit by: 135pixels, Shutterstock

    Regular

    Regular shampoo is a liquid that works up into a lather when it gets wet and motion is applied.

    Shampoo & Conditioner

    Shampoo and conditioner mixtures work together to deep clean and condition the skin and coat.

    Dry Shampoo

    Dry shampoo is a suitable option between baths to keep your cat smelling and feeling their best. It is not a substitute for routine bathing.

    Beware of Drying Agents

    If your cat requires hypoallergenic shampoo, the last thing you’re going to want is to buy a product that will further dry out their already irritated skin. Be sure to buy a product with no drying agents, like alcohol, to ensure that your cat is protected and moisturized.

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    Other Grooming Products to Consider

    If you want to prolong that dreamy just just-washed scent and prevent pesky tangles or tame out-of-control static, these two products by Hepper are gamer changers. Incorporating them into your grooming routine will ensure your cat's coat will remain silky smooth, their skin moisturized, and of course, best of all, smelling light and fresh. Hepper's Pet Conditioner is a great way of rehydrating your cat's skin and coat before taking them out of the bath. It may also make the drying process a little quicker and painful tangles a thing of the past. The Hepper Pet Cologne is a pet-safe deodorizer that you can spritz on a brush or on their coat directly. Work the cologne through fur for a just left-the-kitty-salon scent and smooth, static-free finish. 

    Hepper Pet Conditioner and Moisturizer small Pet-Cologne-ListingB_01-300x300
    Hepper Pet Conditioner Hepper Pet Cologne
    Great for between washes
    Great for between washes :
    Great for between washes :
    Reduces static
    Reduces static :
    Reduces static :
    Long lasting scent
    Long lasting scent :
    Long lasting scent :
    Smooths & prevents tangles
    Smooths & prevents tangles :
    Smooths & prevents tangles :
    Does not require a rinse
    Does not require a rinse :
    Does not require a rinse :
    Pet safe ingredients
    Pet safe ingredients :
    Pet safe ingredients :
    Vet recommended
    Vet recommended :
    Vet recommended :
    Hydrates coat & nourishes skin
    Hydrates coat & nourishes skin:
    Hydrates coat & nourishes skin:

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    3 cat face divider

    Final Verdict

    We stand by our number one choice, Hepper’s Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. It’s perfect for cats at any age and it is affordable on most budgets. It worked very well for our cats on all sorts of fur types. We think you’ll love it too!

    If savings are what you’re looking for, we think that you would like Pawtitas Organic Shea Butter & Oatmeal Cat Shampoo. It is a very gentle formula at a very favorable price.

    No matter which one you choose, we’re sure that you won’t be disappointed. Hopefully, our reviews helped you make a clear and concise decision on the best hypoallergenic cat shampoo for your feline.


    Featured Image Credit: Marie-Claude Lemay, Shutterstock

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