5 Homemade Cat Shampoo Ideas You Can Try Today (Vet-Approved)

By Chelsea Mortensen

Updated on Apr 22, 2024

cat bath

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Cats don’t usually love water, but sometimes they need a bath, and that leaves you reaching for the shampoo. Do you only have human shampoo in the house? Does your kitty need a bath right away, and you don’t have time to run to the store? Or do you just want to save a little money? All of these can be good reasons to try a DIY cat shampoo solution, instead of going for store-bought shampoo. These shampoos should only be used occasionally and not on cats with any kind of skin problem. If your cat needs regular bathing or has skin conditions contact your veterinary clinic for advice.

Here are five ideas for cat shampoos made from everyday household items. One of them will be a great fit for your needs! Be sure to keep your cat out of the ingredients and make sure they don’t try to groom off the shampoos.

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The 5 Homemade Cat Shampoo Ideas

1. Basic Cat Shampoo

4.67 from 3 votes

Basic Homemade Cat Shampoo

Here's the simplest way to make cat shampoo at home. All you need are three inexpensive ingredients and a spoon! Let's dive in:

Prep Time3

Active Time2

Total Time5

Keyword: diy cat shampoo, homemade cat shampoo

Cost: $3

Equipment

Bowl or bucket
Spoon

Materials

1 part apple cider vinegar
1 part Dawn dish soap
4 parts water

Instructions

Mix one-part each of apple cider vinegar and dawn dish soap together with four parts water.
You can use this shampoo like regular pet shampoo—wet your cat’s fur first, and then add the cat shampoo.
Rub the shampoo through all layers of your cat’s fur, then rinse well with warm water.
Be sure to keep the soap out of your cat's eyes, ears, nose and mouth.

Notes

Dawn dish soap is safe for pets and will break down oils in your cat’s fur, helping to keep your cat nice and clean.

Image credit: angnokever, Shutterstock

2. Smelly Odor Shampoo Rinse

If you need to get rid of smells but not break down oils, you can try a different method. Mix one to two tablespoons of baking soda with a quarter cup of warm water, then rub it into your cat’s fur. Let it sit for at least 2 minutes (5 minutes is better if your cat’s odor is really strong), and then rinse it out with warm water. The baking soda will neutralize odors without being hard on your kitty’s skin.

3. Gentle Shampoo for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can make even the gentlest store-bought shampoos irritating. This solution is great for sensitive skin. Make sure to use organic products for best results—that way, you can be sure there are no irritating pesticides.

Use a blender or food processor to blend ½ cup of oatmeal to a powder. Add ½ cup of baking soda, 1 tbsp of Dawn dish soap, and 2 cups of warm water to the oatmeal. Mix thoroughly and apply to your pet’s fur. Allow it to soak for just a minute before rinsing. The dish soap and baking soda will help clean your cat’s fur and skin, while the oatmeal moisturizes and hydrates skin and softens fur. This makes the shampoo better for sensitive skin.

wet cat in the bathtub having shower — Image Credit: Vladeep, Shutterstock

4. Dry Cat Shampoo

If bath time is always a battle, consider using dry shampoo instead. You can make an effective dry shampoo by mixing equal parts ground oatmeal and cornmeal. Put the mixture in a 275°F oven for five minutes. After you remove it from the oven and while the mixture is slightly warm but not hot, sprinkle the mixture into your cat’s fur. Let it sit for five minutes, then brush your cat’s fur out until the mixture is fully removed. This is best done outdoors because dry shampoo tends to be messy.

Keeping your pet clean doesn't have to be hard! Our Hepper No Rinse Shampoo gently cleans as it moisturizes and doesn't require any water. The formula is pH-balanced and free of dyes, soaps, gluten, DEA, and phthalates. Plus, you and your cat will love the long-lasting cucumber and aloe scent.

Hepper Waterless No Rinse Dry Shampoo for Dogs,...

Simply Brush - Waterless cat shampoo / dog shampoo means no rinsing required. Forget the bath!...
No Soap - This fresh-smelling dry shampoo for dogs and cats is free from soaps, glutens, dyes, DEA,...

5. Coconut Oil Shampoo

Another alternative to traditional cat shampoos is coconut oil. Coconut oil is safe for cats and can be used to clean and moisturize your cat’s fur and skin. Rub a small amount of coconut oil into your cat’s fur, brushing it out as you go to remove dirt and shed fur.

tabby cat taking a bath — Image Credit: Marie-Claude Lemay, Shutterstock

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Cat Grooming Habits

Cats are usually very clean creatures—they spend hours grooming their fur every day, removing dirt, and brushing it smooth. Most of the time, regular baths are not necessary. But some cats are not up to the task of grooming on their own. Many long-haired cats struggle to keep dirt and mats out of their fur and need regular brushing and bathing to help them manage it.

Older cats or cats recovering from an injury might not have the mobility to clean themselves thoroughly. Finally, sometimes cats might get dirty in a way that leaves you wanting to clean them fully instead of letting them lick themselves clean. Cat baths can be a good alternative if your cat can’t clean itself.