All cats produce dander, but some cats produce more than others. If you or someone in your house suffers from cat allergies, reducing the amount of symptom-causing dander that your cat produces is the first step to finding relief. While bathing your cat might not be the most pleasant experience, it may be necessary to reduce dander. We reviewed several cat shampoos for dander in this list of the top 10. Some are traditional shampoos, while others are waterless shampoos and sprays. With something for everyone and every cat, you are sure to find one to control your cat’s dander.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Gentle, all natural formula
Hydrates & soothes
Free of soap, gluten, dye, DEA, sulfate, and phthalate
Check Price
Best Value
Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath
No-rinse
Waterless
Anxiety-relieving fragrance
Check Price
Premium Choice
Earthbath Shed Control Cat Shampoo
Eco-friendly
Controls dander and dandruff
Safe for cats over 6 weeks of age
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Burt’s Bees Dander Reducing Cat Spray
pH balanced
Safe for kittens
No bathing needed
Check Price
Vetnique Labs Medicated Cat Shampoo
Hypoallergenic
Use for kittens and adults
Medicated for all skin issues
Check Price
The 11 Best Cat Shampoos for Dander
1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo — Best Overall
Check Latest Price on Hepper
Lifestage: Adult, kitten, senior
Product Form: Liquid
Grooming Feature: Soothing, soap-free, deodorizing
Cat dander can be thing of the past with Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. This shampoo was carefully created with all skin types in mind, and uses only natural ingredients to help aid in dry and irritated skin. Dander is gentle lifted away with a soft lather, leaving your cat with a fluffy, nourished coat.
With a pet-safe ingredient list free of soaps, dyes and sulfates, you can carefully treat your cats dander without exposing them to harsh additives. The best part about this shampoo is that you can continue to use it once your cats skin heals to prevent future irritation and outbreaks.
All in all, we think this is the best shampoo to treat cat dander in todays market.
At PetKeen.com we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Great for all stages or life
Gentle, soothing formula
Mild, cat-friendly scent
pH balanced
Cons
None
This easy-to-use, waterless, no-rinse foam, Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath is the best cat shampoo for dander for the money. It contains vitamin E, neem oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal to help soothe dry skin while leaving their fur soft and clean. Since it’s a leave-on dry shampoo, you won’t have to suffer through bathing your cat, and it gives off a relaxing fragrance to relieve anxiety caused by grooming sessions. Its low price tag and high level of effectiveness make this product a good value.
Great for all stages or life
Gentle, soothing formula
Mild, cat-friendly scent
pH balanced
- Great for all stages or life
- Gentle, soothing formula
- Mild, cat-friendly scent
- pH balanced
None
- None
Lifestage: Adult
Product Form: Dry shampoo
Grooming Feature: Waterless, no-rinse
Check Price on Chewy
Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath can only be used on cats 12 weeks of age or older. This product works great for relieving skin itch and reducing dander, but it’s not the best choice for removing dirt and grime from your cat’s fur. If you need to remove dirt, you will want to pair it with Vet’s Best Cat Shampoo for the best results.
Pros
Waterless
No-rinse
Anxiety-relieving fragrance
Cons
Not for use under 12 weeks old
Doesn’t remove dirt
Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Shampoo contains antioxidants and skin moisturizers to nourish and revitalize your cat’s skin and coat. It does a great job at controlling excessive shedding and dander and relieving dry, itchy skin. This product is 100% biodegradable and leaves your cat smelling clean and fresh.
Waterless
No-rinse
Anxiety-relieving fragrance
- Waterless
- No-rinse
- Anxiety-relieving fragrance
Not for use under 12 weeks old
Doesn’t remove dirt
- Not for use under 12 weeks old
- Doesn’t remove dirt
Lifestage: Adult
Product Form: Liquid
Grooming Feature: Soap-free
Earthbath products are popular for their cruelty-free, all-natural ingredients, but they come with a higher price tag than many other cat shampoos. This product isn’t safe for kittens under 6 weeks of age, but it’s gentle enough to use any time after that. The jury is still out on whether this shampoo reduces shedding as much as it says, but it does do a great job at reducing dander and dandruff. Its efficacy combined with its eco-friendly ingredients makes it worth the extra money.
Pros
Eco-friendly
Controls dander and dandruff
Safe for cats over 6 weeks of age
Fresh smelling
Cons
Expensive
Doesn’t reduce shedding as well as it claims
Burt’s Bees Dander Reducing Cat Spray reduces cat dander, dry skin, and flaking without ever putting your cat into the bath. It’s pH balanced for cat skin and contains no artificial ingredients. For young kittens that get anxious around water, this is a way to get their dander under control without traumatizing them. Since it’s made from gentle ingredients, it’s safe for a kitten’s sensitive skin and coat.
Eco-friendly
Controls dander and dandruff
Safe for cats over 6 weeks of age
Fresh smelling
- Eco-friendly
- Controls dander and dandruff
- Safe for cats over 6 weeks of age
- Fresh smelling
Expensive
Doesn’t reduce shedding as well as it claims
- Expensive
- Doesn’t reduce shedding as well as it claims
Lifestage: Kittens, adults
Product Form: Spray
Grooming Feature: Cruelty-free
There aren’t any downsides worth noting about the product itself, though it is important to be careful where you spray it on your cat. Any surface that comes in contact with the spray becomes slippery, and the product isn’t water-soluble, so it’s not easy to wipe off. But since the product makes a considerable difference in the amount of cat dander produced, it is a small inconvenience to carefully apply it to your cat outdoors or with them standing on a towel.
Pros
pH balanced
No bathing needed
Safe for kittens
Controls dander extremely well
Cons
Makes surfaces slippery
Another cat shampoo for dander is Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Cat Shampoo. Designed as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal shampoo, it helps treat skin issues and provides soothing relief for your cat. Itchy, dry skin sheds more, leading to more dander particles around your house. Chlorhexidine and ketoconazole treat this problem.
pH balanced
No bathing needed
Safe for kittens
Controls dander extremely well
- pH balanced
- No bathing needed
- Safe for kittens
- Controls dander extremely well
Makes surfaces slippery
- Makes surfaces slippery
Lifestage: Adult, kitten, senior
Product Form: Liquid
Grooming Feature: Medicated, soap-free, deodorizing
Vetnique Labs Dermabliss is safe for cats of any age. Even though it’s medicated, it is gentle enough to use on kittens or cats with sensitive skin. It is also hypoallergenic if your cat has allergies to certain soaps.
Pros
Use for kittens and adults
Hypoallergenic
Medicated for all skin issues
Cons
None
- See Also: 10 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoos in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
- Burt’s Bees Waterless Shampoo for Cats
Check Latest Price
Lifestage: Adult
Product Form: Dry shampoo
Grooming Feature: Waterless, rinse-free
The fact that Burt’s Bees Waterless Shampoo for Cats is a dry shampoo that doesn’t require rinsing is a huge plus for most cat owners. Since it’s made by Burt’s Bees, you can be certain that it contains gentle ingredients with no artificial additives. This dry shampoo for cats is easy to apply. Simply spray your cat and rub it in like you would any other shampoo. Then towel-dry your kitty.
Use for kittens and adults
Hypoallergenic
Medicated for all skin issues
- Use for kittens and adults
- Hypoallergenic
- Medicated for all skin issues
Check Latest Price
Lifestage: Adult
Product Form: Dry shampoo
Grooming Feature: Waterless, rinse-free
This dry shampoo does a great job of spot cleaning and freshening your cat’s coat. It’s a good skin moisturizer and naturally reduces dander. As with most dry shampoos for cats, though, it won’t work if your cat is visibly soiled or covered in mud or dirt. In that case, you may have to use water for bathing your cat. Since they are scent free, Burt’s Bees products are ideal for those sensitive to fragrances and perfumes.
Pros
Waterless
Moisturizing
Fragrance-free
Cons
Won’t work for dirt or mud
- Petkin Germ Removal Vanilla Antibacterial Cat Shampoo
Check Latest Price
Lifestage: Kitten, adult, senior
Product Form: Liquid
Grooming Feature: Deodorizing, detangling
Petkin Germ Removal Antibacterial Shampoo removes dirt, grime, and smells and is antibacterial, so it will remove germs. Aloe and vitamin E are added to ensure that your cat maintains healthy skin and fur. As a bonus, this product contains a detangler. If you have a long-haired cat, this will save you the frustration of combing out mats after a bath.
Waterless
Moisturizing
Fragrance-free
- Waterless
- Moisturizing
- Fragrance-free
Won’t work for dirt or mud
- Won’t work for dirt or mud
Lifestage: Kitten, adult, senior
Product Form: Liquid
Grooming Feature: Deodorizing, detangling
The only negative about this product is its vanilla scent. If you are bathing your cat due to allergies, you may find yourself just as bothered by the smell of this shampoo.
Pros
Detangler
Moisturizing
Antibacterial
Cons
Strong vanilla smell
- Arm & Hammer Dander & Odor Control Cat Reducing Foam
Check Latest Price
Lifestage: Adult
Product Form: Foam
Grooming Feature: Dander and odor control, waterless
Arm & Hammer Dander & Odor Control Cat Reducing Foam is designed to remove irritating smells and pesky dander. It contains all-natural ingredients that moisturize your cat’s skin, and it leaves behind a pleasant blueberry and pomegranate smell. The addition of baking soda means it neutralizes odors at the source instead of covering them up. The foam is easy to apply and rub in, and it reduces dander instantly.
Detangler
Moisturizing
Antibacterial
- Detangler
- Moisturizing
- Antibacterial
Strong vanilla smell
- Strong vanilla smell
Lifestage: Adult
Product Form: Foam
Grooming Feature: Dander and odor control, waterless
The biggest complaint about this product is the smell. It’s fruity, so it won’t be loved by everyone. But if you can get over the smell, we highly recommend this product for cat owners with allergies. It significantly reduces allergens from your cat’s fur. While you’ll need to apply the product regularly, it’s a decent solution for anyone who needs relief. Most people see a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms after just one use, and it only takes a small amount to be effective.
Pros
Significant dander reduction
Baking soda odor neutralizer
Relieves allergies
Only requires small amount to be effective
Cons
Fruity smell
TropiClean Waterless Dander Reducing Cat Shampoo keeps dander under control using a waterless, no-rinse formula. This product contains a gentle coconut cleanser to clean and reduce odors while reducing allergy-triggering dander. It is gentle enough to use regularly, and there’s no sticky or oily residue left behind. It also does a great job at reducing odors and dander.
Significant dander reduction
Baking soda odor neutralizer
Relieves allergies
Only requires small amount to be effective
- Significant dander reduction
- Baking soda odor neutralizer
- Relieves allergies
- Only requires small amount to be effective
Fruity smell
- Fruity smell
Lifestage: Adult, senior
Product Form: Dry shampoo
Grooming Feature: No-rinse
While your cat probably won’t love the coconut smell of TropiClean Cat Shampoo, it isn’t strong. The foam spray bottle isn’t high-quality, though, so you may find that it ceases to work after a few times.
Pros
Reduces allergy-triggering dander
Reduces odors
Waterless formula
Cons
Smells like coconut
Spray bottle doesn’t work well
Dead Sea minerals, coconut oil, lemon extract, orange oil, and honey round out the ingredient list in Soos Pets Classic Deep Cleansing Dog & Cat Shampoo. It helps hydrate your cat’s skin and leaves them with a soft, snuggly coat that smells like citrus fruit. The natural ingredients help wash away dander without stripping your cat’s coat of its natural oils.
Reduces allergy-triggering dander
Reduces odors
Waterless formula
- Reduces allergy-triggering dander
- Reduces odors
- Waterless formula
Smells like coconut
Spray bottle doesn’t work well
- Smells like coconut
- Spray bottle doesn’t work well
Lifestage: Adult
Product Form: Liquid
Grooming Feature: Antioxidant, antiseptic, antibacterial
The biggest downside of this cat shampoo is the smell. It works well, but the strong citrus scent that it leaves behind may be offensive to cats and humans alike.
Pros
All-natural ingredients
Hydrating
Doesn’t strip off natural skin oils
Cons
Strong citrus smell
Allerpet Cat Dander Remover is a waterless product, but it comes in a liquid bottle rather than a spray or foam bottle. Like regular shampoo, you wipe it on, rub it in, and dry off your cat. It reduces dander loads by about 50% if you apply it weekly, but the best results are seen with applications every 3–4 days.
All-natural ingredients
Hydrating
Doesn’t strip off natural skin oils
- All-natural ingredients
- Hydrating
- Doesn’t strip off natural skin oils
Strong citrus smell
- Strong citrus smell
Lifestage: Adult
Product Form: Liquid
Grooming Feature: Waterless
Allerpet Cat Dander Remover does a good enough job at reducing the amount of cat dander in your home, but it’s slightly difficult to apply. The product is a thin liquid, so it will run off your cat if you put too much on them. It has to be rubbed in small amounts, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
Pros
Reduces dander load by 50%
Waterless
Cons
Needs frequent re-application
Thin liquid is hard to apply
Reduces dander load by 50%
Waterless
- Reduces dander load by 50%
- Waterless
Needs frequent re-application
Thin liquid is hard to apply
- Needs frequent re-application
- Thin liquid is hard to apply
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Soap Dispenser
Cat Shampoos to Help Humans
The most frequent reason for needing to shampoo a cat has nothing to do with the cat’s needs — it’s to benefit their human owners. For this reason, many cat shampoos are designed to reduce the amount of dander or dead skin cells that a cat sheds. Since dander is what triggers allergic reactions in humans, shampooing your cat reduces the chance of you having a reaction.
The good news is that there are tons of dander-reducing products available that won’t require sticking your cat in the bathtub on a regular basis. Cats are naturally clean animals, so you can usually find a dry shampoo or waterless formula to reduce both dander and the frequency of bathing.
- See Also: 10 Best Cat Soap Dispensers in 2022: Reviews & Top Picks
What to Watch For
Unfortunately, a bottle labeled as “pet shampoo” doesn’t necessarily make it safe to use on your cat. Many pet shampoos are formulated for dogs but not cats, so read the label carefully. Many essential oils are included in dog shampoos, which can poison your cat. Since cats groom themselves frequently, they will ingest things that you put on their skin and coat. So, it’s important to check ingredients carefully and ensure that the product that you are using is safe for use on cats.
When reading shampoo ingredients, watch out for things like:
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Citrus
Rose
Sandalwood
Tea tree
Ylang-ylang
Mint
While these things smell nice, they can be toxic to cats.
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Citrus
Rose
Sandalwood
Tea tree
Ylang-ylang
Mint
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Citrus
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Tea tree
- Ylang-ylang
- Mint
Conclusion
The best overall cat shampoo for cat dander is Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. This is a gentle shampoo that soothes any skin conditions your cat may suffer from while reducing the amount of dander that they produce. The best value for the money is Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath. This no-rinse foam is highly effective at dander removal and is available at an affordable price.
There are several options available to reduce cat dander, so pick the one that’s best for you. A regular cat shampoo may work if you have a rare cat that doesn’t mind baths. However, if bathing causes extreme anxiety for your kitty, opt for a waterless option. You can get your cat clean, relieve skin itch, and reduce your allergy symptoms without ever putting your cat in the tub.
Featured Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock
