How to choose and use a shampoo for cats?

Every pet needs proper and regular care. Cats are no exception. These pets need not only proper feeding, but also periodic bathing. Water treatments are performed using special products - suitable shampoos. There are many similar products on the market, and choosing the best one is not difficult. In this article, we will tell you how to choose a shampoo for your cat and how to use it correctly.

Cats are one of the most popular and common pets. They need proper care, because it is he who is the key to the health of mustachioed 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 wash themselves easily, periodic bathing will do them good... Everyone knows that cats are afraid of water, so they do not wash them as often, especially in comparison with dogs.

This procedure is necessary in the following cases.

• Bathing should be done if the cat gets dirty. For example, after walking in bad and slushy weather, or after the tricks of a small child who has played around, having decorated the clean fur of a pet.
• If the cat is purebred, then bathing is necessary for her as a procedure before participating in the exhibition. Moreover, for such reasons, animals are washed using special products, and also treated with styling sprays, foams to give the fur a shine.
• If you took your cat to a haircut, you need to wash it at home to get rid of the remaining hairs.
• During shedding, bathing and brushing further accelerates the cat's 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, you cannot do without the use of shampoo.
• If the cat is long-haired, then it is necessary to choose a high-quality shampoo for it, which will improve the condition of long hairs.

From all of the above, we can conclude that bathing is an important procedure for a cat, despite its natural cleanliness.

It was already mentioned above that there are many large brands on the modern market that offer a large number of different types of shampoos for the consumer to choose from. For a pet, you can pick up a product with any effect and effect. Let's take a closer look at what types of shampoos for cats exist and what distinctive characteristics they have.

These detergents often solve a problem. So, special tint compositions are in great demand, designed to enhance the color of the cat's hair. These shampoos are used for show pets. They enhance the intensity of the natural color. White shampoo has a lightening effect and can lighten dark coats.

Shampoos from mats are no less popular today. Due to such compositions, the cat's hair becomes more obedient and combed very easily. In addition, it effectively prevents the wool from falling off. These shampoos work on the hair scales, smoothing them along their entire length. In this case, the gaps between the scales are always closed. As a result, the wool becomes smooth, silky and protected from moisture evaporation.

Special shampoos for dry hair care are also produced. The action of such funds is aimed at nourishing the hairs, relieving statics. Thanks to these shampoos, the natural moisture content of the wool is preserved. In this case, the negative impact on it is neutralized.

In stores, you can also find a special whitening shampoo for cats. It is intended for cosmetic bleaching of wool that has darkened for some reason. In addition, whitening shampoos will be able to get rid of the ugly yellowness of the fur coat.

There are also shampoos for oily fur on sale. They work by removing excess fat and stabilizing the function of the sebaceous glands. Mostly, these degreasing formulations contain herbal extracts and vitamins for the most gentle effect on fat production.

For hairless cats, for example, representatives of the Sphynx breed, special shampoos for skin care are produced. Conventional formulations for these pets are useless because they close the pores, which ultimately leads to increased sweating.

Special medicated shampoos for cats are very useful and effective.

• Dandruff These shampoos are the most popular and effective. They are usually anti-allergenic.They have antifungal effect, normalize sebum secretion. When choosing such products, you need to know exactly what the direct cause of the disease is. It is advisable to first consult with your veterinarian.

• Antiallergenic. These types of shampoos act as topical anti-inflammatory agents. With the help of these formulations, 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 the Beaphar cat shampoo. It is designed to increase the protective capabilities of the animal's skin. Often this shampoo is used as an effective prophylactic agent or together with a therapeutic complex.

Shampoos designed to fight parasites are considered a half measure. Of course, as additional measures, you will need to process the wool with combined preparations, sprays and use a special collar. It is important to take into account that the shampoo affects only fleas, and their eggs may be on the coat. These products are made on the basis of chemical components or special phytoextracts. Of course, chemical options are more effective, but also more harmful to the pet.

Special shampoos for lichen are used as additional agents in conjunction with the main therapy. Of course, they are allowed to use only after prior consultation with a veterinarian. This is due to the fact that bathing with emerging microsporia and trichophytosis is prohibited. Such agents contain special antifungal elements - miconazole, enilconazole.

A special dry shampoo is a powder that must be sprayed and then rubbed into the fur of the animal and combed out or removed with a towel. Such a composition absorbs all excess dirt particles, and also actively absorbs fat. Such remedies can be used on cats that either cannot or simply have nowhere to bathe.

The main disadvantage of dry shampoo for cats is that some of the powder still remains on the fur, after which it inevitably penetrates the stomach at the time of licking.

The range of high-quality and effective shampoos for cats cannot but please with its diversity. Everyone can find an effective and safe remedy for a cat. Let's take a look at a small rating of the best and most popular shampoos used for baleen pets.

The best shampoo for mats is Perfect Coat Shed Control & Hairball from 8 in 1.

The main advantages of this product are:

• a special composition that strengthens the roots of the hairs, acts effectively against shedding;
• has healing components designed to care for cat hair;
• gives the coat a healthy look;
• shampoo makes it easy to comb the coat and get rid of the already formed tangles;
• foams well and rinses off easily;
• ideal in terms of price and quality.

As for the cons, these include:

• overly sugary "tropical" smell;
• liquid consistency;
• not the most economical expense.

The next in the ranking of the best products is shampoo "Gentle" from the firm "Agrovetzashchita".

Here are its pros:

• it is hypoallergenic;
• able to eliminate unpleasant odors;
• prevents dandruff;
• does not irritate the skin;
• does not dry the skin;
• perfectly cleanses both the skin and the fur;
• foams easily and rinses off just as easily;
• makes the fur shiny;
• promotes problem-free combing;
• has a neutral scent;
• is spent sparingly.

But the minus of this product:

• it is necessary to carry out several treatments of wool if it is heavily soiled.

Perfect Coat Studio Concentrated Shampoo & Conditioner Tearless Cat manufactured by "8 in 1" - this is another highly effective care product containing milk proteins.

Consider the advantages of this composition:

• has a pleasant smell;
• economically consumed;
• makes the coat docile;
• 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 from 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 benefits:

• will be the best solution for cats who are terrified of water and do not allow themselves to be bathed normally;
• can be used for long-haired pets;
• when using this tool, you do not have to worry that water will penetrate into the ears of the animal;
• even your hair can be easily washed;
• does not dry out the skin of the cat, does not harm the protective layer of the fatty cover;
• can be used often.

The disadvantages include the following:

• it is impossible to remove the remnants of shampoo from the wool;
• shampoo may enter the stomach;
• the powder will leave marks on furniture and carpets.

The best medicated shampoo is "Doctor" from LLC "TD Goodman"... It is ideal for treating skin conditions.

Its main advantages are:

• easily removes unpleasant odors;
• effectively solves problems with the skin;
• removes dandruff;
• 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:

• shampoo must be used for a long time to see the effect;
• the product must be kept on the skin for a few minutes, and this is not just for pets, who especially do not like bathing.

Our small rating closes with a disinfecting shampoo from "Bioflor".

Its advantages are:

• ease of washing the fur;
• effective disinfection;
• it is easily washed off;
• has a pleasant aroma;
• is spent sparingly.

Minuses:

• slightly dries the skin.

Choosing the right shampoo for your cat is necessary, starting from the following important criteria.

• The age of the pet. Kittens have more sensitive and vulnerable skin and fluffier fur, so they need to choose more gentle grooming products.
• Wool type. For straight hairs with an undercoat, special shampoo for curly fur or long hair is not suitable.
• Skin type. Various shampoos are designed to work on dry, normal, oily or damaged skin. Choose a specific option based on what type of skin your cat has.
• The purpose of bathing. Decide in advance why you will bathe your cat: for medicinal purposes, to remove dirt, fleas, mats, or to reduce shedding.
• Brand. Buy high quality branded shampoos.

Let's consider the main nuances of using shampoos.

• The frequency of bathing an animal in the bathroom depends on the lifestyle and type of coat. Hairless pets in the summer need to be washed a couple of times a month, and in other seasons, once is enough. 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, use more shampoo.
• Rinse off the foam thoroughly, otherwise there will be no sense from washing.
• Use a balm at the end to keep the coat shiny. This product should be kept for 5 minutes after bathing.
• If there is no special shampoo, and the furry pet is not allergic to simple shampoos, then they can also be used. Otherwise, you will need to buy a special product, especially if you have health problems.
• Before using a medicated shampoo for the first time, you should consult your veterinarian.

Watch the video below for a review of 8in1 Perfect Coat Terless Kitten Cat Shampoo.