Any pet needs proper and regular grooming. Cats are no exception. These pets need not only proper feeding, but also periodic bathing. Water procedures are performed using special means - suitable shampoos. There are many similar products on sale, and choosing the best option is not difficult. In this article, we will tell you how to choose shampoo for a cat and how to use it correctly.
Why do you need to wash your pets?
Cats are one of the most popular and common pets. They need proper care, because it is he who turns out to be the key to the health of mustached friends. Cats should not only be well fed and given due attention, but also bathed from time to time.
Many people ask why it is necessary to wash these pets who are afraid of water, especially when you consider that they themselves wash themselves perfectly, as soon as the opportunity arises. Despite the fact that cats are independent animals and easily wash themselves, periodic bathing will benefit them. Everyone knows that cats are afraid of water, so they do not wash them so often, especially in comparison with dogs.
Cats should be bathed if necessary.
This procedure is necessary in the following cases.
- Bathing should be done if the cat is dirty. For example, after walking in bad and slushy weather, or after tricks of a small playful child, who painted a clean coat of a pet.
- If the cat is a thoroughbred, then she needs to bathe as a procedure before participating in the exhibition. Moreover, on such occasions animals are washed using special means, and also treated with styling sprays, foams to give the hair a shine.
- If you took the cat for a haircut, you need to wash it at home to get rid of the remaining hairs.
- During molting, bathing and further combing speed up the process of cat hair loss.
- There are times when a cat needs a special therapeutic bath for treatment with antifungal or insecticidal drugs. In the fight against itching, fleas and other similar ailments, shampoo cannot be dispensed with.
- If the cat is long-haired, then for it it is necessary to select a quality shampoo that will improve the condition of long hairs.
From the foregoing, we can conclude that bathing is an important procedure for a cat, despite its natural cleanliness.
You should not neglect washing your pet, especially if applying shampoo is required for medicinal purposes.
Varieties
It was already mentioned above that in the modern market there are many large brands offering a large number of different types of shampoos to the consumer's choice. For a pet, you can choose a product with any effect and action. Let us consider in more detail what types of shampoos for cats exist and what distinguishing characteristics they have.
Specialized
Such detergents often solve a problem. So, special tint formulations are in great demand, designed to enhance the color of cat hair. Such shampoos are applied to exhibition pets. They enhance the intensity of the natural color. White shampoo has a brightening effect and can make dark hair easier.
For cardinal changes in color, such a shampoo can not be used.
No less popular today are shampoos from tinkers. Due to such compositions, cat hair becomes more obedient and combes very easily. In addition, it effectively protects against stalling. These shampoos have an effect on the hair scales, smoothing them along the entire length. In this case, the gaps between the scales always close. As a result, the hair becomes smooth, silky and protected from moisture evaporation.
Special shampoos for dry hair care are also available. The action of such funds is aimed at feeding hairs, removing static. Thanks to these shampoos, the natural moisture of the coat is preserved. At the same time, the negative effect on it is neutralized.
These shampoos contain sebum or sebum. It is in it that overdried wool needs.
In stores you can also find a special whitening shampoo for cats. It is intended for cosmetic whitening of wool, which for some reason has darkened. In addition, bleaching shampoos can get rid of the ugly yellowness of a fur coat.
Shampoos for oily hair are also on sale. They act by removing excess fat and stabilizing the function of the sebaceous glands. Mostly these degreasing compositions contain herbal extracts and vitamins for the most gentle effect on fat production.
For hairless cats, for example, representatives of the Sphynx breed, they produce special shampoos for skin care. Conventional formulations in relation to these pets are useless because they close the pores, which ultimately leads to increased sweating.
Good remedies for sphinxes can be difficult to find, because breeders are advised to use, for example, delicate baby shampoos.
Medical
Special healing shampoos for cats turn out to be very useful and effective.
- From dandruff. Such shampoos are the most popular and effective. Usually they have anti-allergenic composition. They have an antifungal effect, normalize the secretion of sebum.When choosing such products, you need to know exactly what is the direct cause of the onset of the disease. It is advisable to consult with your veterinarian first.
- Antiallergenic. Such varieties of shampoos act as local anti-inflammatory drugs. With the help of these compounds, it is possible to get rid of itching and redness. In most cases, they can be used quite often. The maximum number of positive reviews belongs to Beaphar cat shampoo. It is designed to enhance the protective capabilities of the skin of the animal. Often this shampoo is used as an effective prophylactic or together with a medical complex.
Antiparasitic
Shampoos designed to fight parasites are considered half measures. Of course, as additional measures, it will be necessary to treat the wool with combined preparations, sprays and use a special collar. It is important to consider that the shampoo acts exclusively on fleas, and their eggs can also be on the fur. These products are made on the basis of chemical components or special phytoextracts. Of course, chemical options are more effective, but also more harmful in relation to the pet.
Herbal shampoos act softer and weaker, they can be used even for kittens.
To combat lichen
Special shampoos from lichen are used as additional funds, coupled with the main therapy. Of course, they are only allowed to be used after prior consultation with the veterinarian. This is due to the fact that bathing with the occurrence of microsporia and trichophytosis is prohibited. Such funds contain special antifungal elements - miconazole, enilconazole.
For dry swimming
A special dry shampoo is a powder that must be sprayed, and then rubbed into the animal’s hair and combed or removed with a towel. A similar composition absorbs all excess particles of dirt, and also actively absorbs fat. Such funds can be used in relation to cats, which are either impossible or simply nowhere to bathe.
Dry shampoos deal with unpleasant odors. With their help, it will also be possible to remove individual spots from the wool.
The main disadvantage of dry shampoo for cats is that part of the powder still remains on the fur, after which it inevitably penetrates the stomach at the time of licking.
In addition, such a tool can leave marks on dark furniture in the house.
Rating of the best funds
The range of high-quality and effective shampoos for cats can not but rejoice with its variety. Everyone can choose an effective and safe remedy for a cat. We will analyze a small rating of the best and most popular shampoos used for mustachioed pets.
The best shampoo from tartars is Perfect Coat Shed Control & Hairball of 8 in 1 firm.
The main advantages of this product are:
- a special composition that strengthens the roots of the hairs, acts effectively against molting;
- has healing components designed to care for cat hair;
- gives the coat a healthy look;
- shampoo makes it easy to comb the hair and get rid of the already formed tangles;
- foams well and is easily washed off;
- ideal in value for money.
As for the minuses, they include:
- excessively sugary "tropical" smell;
- liquid consistency;
- not the most economical expense.
The next in the ranking of the best remedies is shampoo "Gentle" from the company "Agrovetzashchita".
Here are its advantages:
- it is hypoallergenic;
- able to eliminate unpleasant odors;
- prevents dandruff;
- does not irritate the skin;
- does not dry the skin;
- perfectly cleanses the skin and coat;
- easy to foam and just as easy to rinse;
- makes the fur shiny;
- promotes trouble-free combing;
- has a neutral aroma;
- consumed sparingly.
But the minus of this product:
- it is necessary to carry out several treatments of the wool if it is very dirty.
Perfect Coat Studio Concentrated Shampoo & Conditioner Tearless Cat 8 in 1 is another highly effective caring product that contains milk proteins.
It can be used for both adults and kittens.
Consider the advantages of this composition:
- has a pleasant smell;
- economically consumed;
- makes wool obedient;
- Suitable for both cats and kittens from 3 months;
- Suitable for animals prone to allergies.
The disadvantage of this quality product is its high cost.
The best dry shampoo is Trixie Trocken Shampoo of the German company TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co KG. It is harmless and collects a lot of positive reviews.
This shampoo has a number of significant advantages:
- It will be the best solution for cats who are panicky afraid of water and do not allow themselves to bathe properly;
- can be used for long-haired pets;
- when using this tool, you can not worry that water will penetrate into the ears of the animal;
- you can even wash your hair without difficulty;
- does not dry out the skin of a cat, does not harm the protective layer of fat cover;
- can be used often.
The disadvantages include the following:
- it is impossible to remove the remains of shampoo from the wool;
- shampoo can get into the stomach;
- the powder will leave marks on furniture and carpets.
The best healing shampoo is "Doctor" from LLC "TD" Goodman ". This is an ideal tool in the fight against skin diseases.
Its main advantages are:
- easily eliminates unpleasant odors;
- effectively solves skin problems;
- removes dandruff;
- It is inexpensive;
- helps to get rid of itching and allergies;
- foams well and rinses off quickly;
- makes the coat silky and smooth.
Of the minuses, it is worth noting the following:
- use shampoo for a long time to see the effect;
- the product must be kept on the skin for several minutes, and this is not easy for pets who especially do not like bathing.
Shampoo closes our small rating from Bioflor.
Its advantages are:
- ease of washing wool;
- effective disinfection;
- it is easily washed off;
- has a pleasant aroma;
- consumed sparingly.
Minuses:
- slightly dries the skin.
Selection recommendations
Choosing the right shampoo for your cat is necessary, Based on the following important criteria.
- The age of the pet. Kittens have more sensitive and vulnerable skin and more fluffy hair, so they need to choose more gentle care products.
- Type of wool. For straight hairs with undercoat, a special shampoo for curly fur or long hair will not work.
- Skin type. Different shampoos are designed to work with dry, normal, oily or damaged skin. Choose a specific option based on what type of skin your cat has.
- The purpose of swimming. Decide in advance why you will bathe the cat: for medicinal purposes, to remove dirt, fleas, warlocks or to reduce molting.
- Brand Buy branded shampoos of high quality.
Terms of use
Consider the main nuances of using shampoos.
- The frequency of bathing the animal in the bathroom depends on the lifestyle and type of hair. Hairless pets in the summer need to be washed a couple of times a month, and in other seasons enough once. Long hair will need to be washed every couple of months. With regular walks, you should bathe the animal every 3 months at room temperature.
- If the water is hard, you need to use more shampoo.
- Wash off the foam thoroughly, otherwise there will be no sense in washing.
- Use a balm at the end to make the coat shiny. This tool should be kept 5 minutes after swimming.
- If there is no special shampoo, and the fluffy pet is not allergic to simple shampoos, then they can also be used. Otherwise, you will need to buy a special tool, especially if there are health problems.
- Before using a treatment shampoo for the first time, you should consult your veterinarian.
In the video below, you can see an overview of the 8in1 Perfect Coat Terless Kitten shampoo for cats.