Okay, I periodically bath my cats (which they love, ha ha ha ha - OUCH! :) because it helps with dander and shedding. They are getting old and their fur is getting matted and greasy.
I have used whatever pet shampoo was cheap in the past, but based on how they look after a bath now, it's clearly time to up the quality of the cleanser.
Does anyone else who bathes cats have advice about what shampoo to use? Have you ever tried using your baby's shampoo? How did it work out?
I don't want to risk hurting the cats so it has to be something safe for them to swallow - as they still make efforts to groom themselves; they just aren't very good at it anymore.
Turns out that the nastiest cat was sick. She's better now. But I appreciate all of the input - it will help me decide what to use when the bottle of pet shampoo I have runs out!
I have never bathed my cat. I do brush him everyday and this is enough to minimize shedding. I had one cat that I took the groomers at the beginning of summer paying to have someone else do it was worth the hassle to me.
OH - thank you for the laugh!!! I tried bathing cats once, about 20 years ago and have never attempted that again.
We also have dogs - so I have tried lots of pet shampoos. I gave up on them all and now use Johnson's Baby Shampoo on the dogs and will wipe the cats down with a clothe dampened with it and water. It is "no more tears" and actually kills fleas. Plus it is easy on their skin and doesn't dry them out.
Bonus - they smell wonderful!!!!
I use the one from the vets office. It works really well and is PH balanced for their skin. I also use the shower stall to bath my cat, then I can shut the door and she can't get out. She just stands on the floor and I use the hand held sprayer to wash her. I never have any trouble, she actually does seem to enjoy it, she doesn't even try to get out. I had another cat that actually used to swim in the bathtub. Crazy felines!!
I think baby shampoo is a good idea because of the possibility of them getting it in their eyes. You can also call a grooming place/vet for recommendations. Most pet shampoo is medicated or for fleas, etc., so I think that baby shampoo would be much milder.
Hylyt is a great pet shampoo- smells good and is mild. I think they have a conditioner too if you need it.
I used baby shampoo on my cat and it dried her skin out a lot, but she is a sensative cat so I don't know if I would go by me. My mom uses a pet shampoo from petsmat with oatmeal in it and it seems to do a great job on the clumps of greasy hair. My 18yr old cat has this problem too so I comb and cut the clumps out before the bath and it seems to help a lot.
Funny,
I have always, my whole life, bathed cats in my shampoo. I use Original Sprout - it's all natural, safe for babies. I also use conditioner with the especially furry cats. I guess that sounds nutty, but I have never had an issue with dry cat skin or anything. I live in Denver. I don't bathe the cats too often though... I used to have a cat who has stinky fur, and it was because he had an abcessed tooth - it was rotting and made his breath stink. I got the tooth fixed.
I've never had a cat get bad fur due to age, not sure why.
Good luck!!
Don't use any kind of people shampoo on your cats...even baby shampoo. Our skin pH is more acidic than a cats, and it can be very drying to their skin (I promise...I was a vet tech for 9 years). Especially if you are living in Denver where it can be dry anyway. I'd recommend using an oatmeal based product that you can buy at a pet store...try for a more expensive brand to see if it makes their fur look better, but keep in mind that because they are old, their fur just may look icky. If you blow dry them after the bath (I know, I'm sure they will love that :) it can reduce the matting, but older cats have a harder time grooming so that could be why they are having problems too. If all else fails, ask your Veterinarian. They usually have some very good products that they sell that are nice (but they are usually more expensive). Good luck to you!
Just wanted to say God Bless you for bathing cats!
I am not sure where everyone else is responding from but since you live in Denver it is important to find a shampoo that doesn't overdry. Baby shampoo is too drying for some babies, let alone your cat that has a different skin pH. Over the counter shampoos like Sargent's are usually too drying as well.
Look for something that is oatmeal based and specifically for animals to avoid overdrying.
I have bathed my cats and they look so much better afterward. The only concern I had to watch for was excessive grooming and resultant hair balls.
Best wishes.
I always liked Fur so Fresh but can't find it anymore. It smelled really nice and left the cats soft and clean. Now I think I use the only thing I can find in the store, Sergeants Gold Flea and Tick shampoo. It seems to be fine. My cat actually is better for baths if I keep the water running and hold the scruff of his neck (not hold him by it, but just keep a firm hand on it) and he is easier to rinse under the running water than by submerging body parts. I've never tried the sink, but I have also tried washing him in the shower with me and, oddly enough, I think he took that the best of all. I, on the other hand, do not like risking so much of my body to his flailing claws. Good luck with your cats! :)
We used to get a shampoo from the vet called Allegroom (?). It is very gentle and worked good for cats and dogs.
I have always bathed my cats using our shampoo. If it is safe for us, it is safe for them. I have never had any problem with our shampoos, I also blow dry our cats so that it will help them to get their fur dry faster.
Google Dry Cat Shampoo - here's one link:
http://www.amazon.com/SHAMPOO-MAGIC-COAT-POWDER-CATS/dp/B...
It may be more enjoyable for both you and the cat!
There are also oil supplements that you can feed the cat to help with shedding.
