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11 Best Shampoos for Persian Cats – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Persian cat wearing shower cap_

The feature that makes Persian cats so desirable and adorable is also what makes them high-maintenance pets; their long coats need regular brushing and washing to prevent knotting and matting. Keeping your Persian cat’s coat silky and healthy can be challenging!

Persians are, in general, docile cats that naturally spend most of their time indoors, and although this makes maintenance easier, they are still more high-maintenance than most other breeds.

Besides regular brushing to prevent matting and hairballs, Persians need regular bathing too. Human shampoo is not recommended because it can damage the natural oils in their coat and on their skin.

Luckily, there are gentle shampoos made specifically for cats that are formulated to keep their coat shiny and healthy without stripping the natural oils. With so many cat shampoos available, it can be tricky to find the right one for your feline friend. We put together this list of in-depth reviews of our favorite choices to help you narrow down the options and, hopefully, find the best shampoo to suit your needs. Let’s get started!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Safe and natural ingredients
  • Free from harsh chemicals and additives
  • Colloidal oatmeal formula nourishes and soothes dry skin
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Burt's Bees Waterless Cat Shampoo Burt's Bees Waterless Cat Shampoo
  • Inexpensive
  • Waterless application
  • Cruelty-free production
  • Third place
    Earthbath Shed Control Cat Shampoo Earthbath Shed Control Cat Shampoo
  • 100% biodegradable
  • Made with omega-6 fatty acids
  • Contains natural antioxidants and moisturizers
  • Veterinary Formula Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo Veterinary Formula Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo
  • Includes aloe vera
  • 100% paraben-free
  • Antiseptic and antifungal properties
  • FURminator Rinse-Free Foaming Cat Shampoo FURminator Rinse-Free Foaming Cat Shampoo
  • Helps with excess shedding
  • Requires no water and no rinsing
  • Free of parabens and chemical dyes
  • The 11 Best Shampoos for Persian Cats

    1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo — Best Overall

    Hepper Colloidal Shampoo

    Check Price on Hepper
    Weight 16 ounces
    Lifestage: All life stages
    Grooming feature: Nourishes and soothes dry skin

    Choosing the right cat shampoo can be difficult for Persian cat owners. You want a product that is gentle on their sensitive skin and also cleans and nourishes their luscious coats. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a top choice for Persian cat owners looking for a safe and nourishing shampoo. We love its gentle formula and natural ingredients.

    Natural ingredients such as aloe vera and cucumber soothe and moisturize dry, irritated skin. Hepper’s shampoo is safe for Persians since it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or additives like soap, gluten, sulfates, or phthalates. In addition to cleansing and conditioning the coat, the colloidal oatmeal formula helps reduce irritation and prevent scratching after bathing. Its pH-balanced formula makes it safe for all pets, including Persian cats.

    After using the Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo, your kitty will smell fresh and clean. It contains pleasant aloe vera and cucumber scents.

    You might have guessed, this is our own product – but we love it so much we just have to share it, and hope you get to own one too!

    Pros
    • Safe and natural ingredients
    • Free from harsh chemicals and additives
    • Colloidal oatmeal formula nourishes and soothes dry skin
    • pH balanced and safe for all pets
    • Long-lasting aloe vera and cucumber scent
    • Manufactured in the USA
    Cons
    • Only available in one scent (aloe and cucumber)

    2. Burt’s Bees Waterless Shampoo for Cats — Budget Buy

    Burt’s Bees For Cats

    Weight 10 ounces
    Lifestage: Adult
    Grooming feature: Waterless, 99.8% natural ingredients

    The waterless shampoo from Burt’s Bees is the best cat shampoo for Persians for the money. We love that the shampoo contains natural ingredients, like apple, for its nourishing, soothing properties and honey for added shine. Burt’s Bees shampoo is free of sulfates and colorants.

    The shampoo is waterless, and you don’t need to bathe your cat or rinse it off —simply spray and rub it in! It’s specially designed for cats, with a pH balance that won’t harm or irritate their skin, and it is produced cruelty-free with 99.8% natural ingredients.

    Some users report that the shampoo has a strong, unpleasant smell and may become slightly tacky after use. Also, the spray bottle that it comes in leaks and gets clogged easily, keeping this shampoo from the top position on this list.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Waterless application
    • Contains natural ingredients
    • Free from sulfates and colorants
    • Cruelty-free production
    Cons
    • Overwhelming smell
    • Poor-quality spray bottle
    • Gets slightly tacky after use

    3. Earthbath Shed Control Tea & Awapuhi Cat Shampoo

    Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Weight 16 ounces
    Lifestage: 6 weeks and above
    Grooming feature: Soap-free, cruelty-free, 100% biodegradable

    The Shed Control Green Tea and Awapuhi shampoo from Earthbath is ideal for reducing dander and shedding. It is made with natural antioxidants and moisturizers, like fair-trade shea butter, aloe vera, and green tea extract. It also has Awapuhi, the Hawaiian wild ginger plant, and omega-6 fatty acids to help give your cat a healthy and great-looking coat.

    The Shed Control shampoo is 100% biodegradable and free from parabens and phosphates, making it a perfectly safe and effective shedding remedy! Other than the slightly high price, there is little to complain about in this shampoo, though some users report that it didn’t help much with shedding.

    Pros
    • Contains natural antioxidants and moisturizers
    • Made with aloe vera and Awapuhi
    • Made with omega-6 fatty acids
    • 100% biodegradable
    • Free from parabens and phosphates
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • May not help much with shedding

    4. Veterinary Formula Clinical Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo

    Weight 16 ounces
    Lifestage: Adult
    Grooming feature: Antiseptic and antifungal

    If your Persian suffers from skin issues, such as dermatitis or pyoderma, this shampoo from Veterinary Clinical Care may help provide relief. It’s formulated with benzethonium chloride, an odorless, water-soluble synthetic salt that is antiseptic to help eliminate the bacteria that cause skin irritation.

    It also contains ketoconazole, an antifungal medication that helps relieve fungal infections. The shampoo contains aloe vera to soothe the skin and stop the spread of infection. It is 100% paraben-free. However, this shampoo has a strong, chemical odor that your Persian may not enjoy, and it needs to be left on your cat’s coat for 5 to 10 minutes, which can be a challenge.

    Pros
    • Antiseptic and antifungal properties
    • Includes aloe vera
    • 100% paraben-free
    • Ideal for cats with skin issues
    Cons
    • Strong chemical odor
    • Needs to stay on for up to 10 minutes

    5. FURminator deShedding Rinse-Free Foaming Cat Shampoo

    Furminator DeShedding Rinse-Free

    Weight 12 ounces
    Lifestage: Adult
    Grooming feature: Waterless

    As the name suggests, the deShedding Rinse-Free shampoo from FURminator helps your cat get rid of excess hair during shedding, saving you time when brushing and preventing hair from getting all over your home. Since it helps reduce shedding, it indirectly helps prevent hairballs, too!

    It’s great for Persians who don’t enjoy bathing because it requires no rinsing; simply massage it into your feline’s fur. The spray is free of parabens and chemical dyes and is enriched with omega fatty acids and hydrolyzed plant proteins for a healthy, shiny coat.

    The only issue we found with this shampoo is the strong smell. It may be overwhelming for some cats, and if you spray too much, their fur may get sticky, too.

    Pros
    • Helps with excess shedding
    • Requires no water and no rinsing
    • Free of parabens and chemical dyes
    • Enriched with omega fatty acids and hydrolyzed plant proteins
    Cons
    • Pungent odor
    • Can get tacky when applied in excess

    6. Frisco Almond Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe for Cats

    Frisco Oatmeal Shampoo

    Weight 20 ounces
    Lifestage: 6 weeks and older
    Grooming feature: Deodorizing

    This cat shampoo from Frisco is made with oatmeal, which naturally moisturizes and protects your cat’s skin and coat. The shampoo also contains coconut and certified organic aloe vera to hydrate and deodorize your cat’s skin and coat and chamomile to soothe itchy and dry skin.

    Frisco’s shampoo is almond-scented, which adds a fresh and clean smell after washing. It is free from artificial dyes and parabens. Several users report that this shampoo has a watery consistency, and you need to use a large amount to get it to lather sufficiently.

    Pros
    • Made with soothing oatmeal and chamomile
    • Contains coconut and certified organic aloe vera
    • Almond scented
    • Free from artificial dyes and parabens
    Cons
    • Watery consistency
    • Large amount needed for a thorough wash

    7. TropiClean OxyMed Medicated Oatmeal Cat Treatment

    TropiClean OxyMed Medicated Oatmeal Shampoo

    Weight 20 ounces
    Lifestage: Adult
    Grooming feature: Medicated, soap-free

    The TropiClean OxyMed Medicated shampoo contains soothing oatmeal and is formulated to relieve itchy, flaking skin in felines. It also can reduce shedding, which is ideal for Persians, and help reduce hairballs. TropiClean contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which remove the top layers of dead skin, penetrate the lower layers of skin, and clean out the pores to promote firmness and health.

    It is also packed with vitamins A and E and omega fatty acids to help promote a healthy coat and skin. This shampoo is difficult to fault, but some users said it left a strong odor that stayed with their cats for days afterward.

    Pros
    • Made with soothing oatmeal
    • Helps with itchy skin
    • May help reduce shedding
    • Packed with vitamins and omega fatty acids
    Cons
    • Strong odor

    8. John Paul Pet Tearless Shampoo for Kittens

    John Paul Pet Tearless Shampoo

    Weight 16 ounces
    Lifestage: Kitten
    Grooming feature: Tearless

    If you have a new Persian kitten running around your home, this Tearless Shampoo from John Paul Pet is the ideal choice for their first bath. Kittens can be a challenge to bathe at the best of times, and it can be almost impossible to wash their face without getting shampoo into their sensitive eyes.

    Luckily, John Paul Pet’s shampoo is extra gentle and won’t irritate their eyes or ears with its tear-free formula. It contains aloe vera, oats, and chamomile extract for a gentle, soothing, yet efficient wash. It is made in the U.S.A. with cruelty-free manufacturing practices. However, it contains synthetic ingredients and has no anti-shedding properties, so it is not ideal for older cats.

    Pros
    • Great for kittens
    • Gentle, tear-free formula
    • Made with soothing oats, aloe vera, and chamomile
    • Cruelty-free and made in the U.S.A.
    Cons
    • Contains some synthetic ingredients
    • Not ideal for older cats

    9. Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath

    Vet's Best Waterless Cat Bath

    Weight 4 ounces
    Lifestage: 12 weeks and up
    Grooming feature: Waterless

    This waterless cat shampoo from Vet’s Best is veterinarian-formulated to ensure the best ingredients for your Persian. It contains soothing aloe vera, moisturizing neem oil, vitamin E, and oatmeal to help soothe dry skin without irritation and leave your cat’s coat soft and smooth. It is also formulated with a calming fragrance to help your kitty feel relaxed.

    Vet’s Best is ideal for cats that are averse to bathing because no water or rinsing is required. The 4-ounce bottle is enough for eight baths, depending on your cat’s size. Several users mentioned that the odor is strong and smells like perfume. Also, the bottle is not made well, and the pump breaks easily.

    Pros
    • Waterless application
    • Made with aloe vera and neem oil
    • Contains soothing oatmeal
    • Veterinarian formulated
    Cons
    • Pungent perfume odor
    • Poor-quality spray bottle

    10. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor

    Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo

    Weight 12 ounces
    Lifestage: Kitten, adult, senior
    Grooming feature: Tick and flea prevention

    If your Persian is having issues with fleas or ticks, this shampoo from Adams may help solve the problem. It’s formulated for cats with sensitive skin and will help prevent flea infestation for up to 28 days by killing flea eggs and larvae. It also contains soothing ingredients like aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal to soothe your cat’s coat and skin and keep their coat shiny and healthy.

    However, Adams Plus has a pungent perfume odor that many cats will not enjoy. Also, several customers reported that their cats still had fleas after using it, and it dried out their skin and coat.

    Pros
    • Ideal for flea and tick infestations
    • Formulated for sensitive skin
    • Contains soothing aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal
    Cons
    • Pungent odor
    • May dry out your cat’s skin and coat
    • Not for regular use

    11. Bio-Groom Purrfect White Coat Brightener Cat Shampoo

    Bio-Groom Purrfect White Coat Brightener Cat Shampoo

    Weight 8 ounces
    Lifestage: Adult
    Grooming feature: Coat conditioning and brightening

    The Purrfect White Coat Brightener shampoo from Bio-Groom is specially formulated to bring out the brilliance and color in your Persian’s fur while strengthening their coat and hydrating their skin. It’s gentle and non-bleaching, with a coconut oil base to keep your cat’s coat smooth and shiny and control tangling and matting.

    Its neutral pH formula won’t damage or irritate your cat’s skin. The shampoo is also cruelty-free and soap-free. Several users reported that the shampoo was lumpy and had to be watered down before use. Also, it doesn’t foam and is difficult to lather. Customers also reported that it didn’t improve their cat’s coat or make it noticeably softer.

    Pros
    • Enhances your Persian’s coat color
    • Helps strengthen their coat
    • Gentle formula
    • Coconut oil base
    Cons
    • Thick and lumpy consistency
    • Difficult to lather
    • May not work as advertised in some cats

    hepper single cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Shampoo for Persian Cats

    Since grooming is essential to owning and caring for a Persian cat, the shampoo you decide to use on them is an important factor. Many people believe that cats do not need to be bathed because they are such fastidious self-groomers, but bathing can be vital to the health of your cat’s skin and coat, especially with Persians. When choosing the right shampoo for your Persian, several important factors must be considered.

    Ingredients

    The right ingredients are essential when choosing the best shampoo for your Persian. Natural ingredients are best because they are gentle on your cat’s coat and skin. Since your cat licks their coat so much, natural ingredients are less dangerous when ingested. Beneficial natural ingredients to look out for include:

    • Oatmeal
    • Aloe vera
    • Coconut oil
    • Apple
    • Shea butter

    Try to avoid shampoos with artificial ingredients, like parabens, alcohol, sulfates, or dyes, since they are potentially harmful when ingested and may damage the natural oils in your cat’s coat.

    Shedding control

    One of the most significant issues with Persian cats is excessive shedding. This can cause matting and tangling of their coat and cause hairballs due to self-grooming. Many shampoos have formulas that help reduce shedding, and they are best for long-haired breeds like Persians.

    white persian cat_Piqsels
    Image By: Piqsels

    Medicated

    If your Persian has skin issues, like fungal or bacterial overgrowth, using a medicated shampoo will help. Although medicated shampoos may help resolve the issue, you should stop using them once the condition has cleared up.

    How often should you bathe your Persian?

    While many cat owners believe that indoor cats like Persians don’t need bathing, we recommend bathing your Persian once every 2–3 months to reduce excess shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. If your cat has skin issues that need attention, you can increase this to two to three times a month until the condition clears up.

    However, you should always consult your vet if your cat has skin conditions, and you should keep a close eye on their coat and skin to check if they are having any negative reactions after bathing.

    What’s wrong with human shampoos?

    You should always use shampoos specifically designed for felines and avoid using human shampoos on your cat. Human shampoos contain vastly different ingredients that can harm your cat’s sensitive skin and disrupt the natural oils on their coat.

    hepper single cat paw divider

    Conclusion

    The deShedding Rinse-Free shampoo from Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is our top pick for Persian cats. It helps reduce shedding and is free from parabens and chemical dyes. It is also pH-balanced and contains a long-lasting aloe vera and cucumber scent for a fresh, shiny coat!

    The waterless shampoo from Burt’s Bees is the best cat shampoo for Persians for the money. It contains natural ingredients like apple and honey, is waterless, and is free from sulfates and colorants.

    Persians are high-maintenance felines, and regular bathing is essential for keeping their coats beautiful and shiny. Hopefully, our in-depth reviews have narrowed down the available options and helped you find the perfect shampoo for your fluffy feline friend.

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    Featured Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

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