11 Best Shampoos for Sphynx Cats in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Bathing your Sphinx is probably not on your list of favorite activities, but it helps keep your cat’s skin hydrated and healthy. Without a bushy protective layer of fur, Sphinx are more vulnerable to skin conditions. There are hundreds of shampoos for cats and dogs, and choosing the right product for a hairless cat can be frustrating. Some products are made for multiple animals, and others are formulated only for cats. Whether you’re looking for an affordable shampoo to treat dry skin or one without any fragrances or artificial ingredients, we’ve made your search a little easier. We’ve developed a detailed list of effective shampoos for Sphynx cats, and we included honest reviews and a handy buyer’s guide.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023

The 11 Best Shampoos for Sphynx Cats

1. Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo – Best Overall

Hepper’s Waterless No-Rinse Pet Shampoo earns 1st place on our list, as it’s the best overall shampoo for Sphynx cats due to its ease of use and skin-nourishing ingredients. Sphynx cats with and without fur require regular bathing to prevent the build-up of oils on their skin, but weekly baths can be traumatic for kitties that dislike water. Hepper’s No-Rinse Shampoo provides all the cleaning power of regular shampoo but in a handy no-rinse foam that allows you to get your pet squeaky clean without the drama of a bath.

Just apply the foam with your hands and wipe it off when you’re done, and you can use a brush to remove anything left over on cats with fur. It’s even powerful enough to clean your cat’s grimy paws, but your pet may need a real bath if they get into something messy.

The pH-balanced formulation cleans without removing the natural moisture from your pet’s skin, ensuring optimal hydration. This incredibly gentle product doesn’t contain harsh products like soap, synthetic dyes, or sulfates. It has a fresh, light cucumber and aloe scent and is safe for cats and dogs. It’s manufactured in the United States in small batches.

At Excitedcats.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!

2. Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo – Budget Buy

Burt’s Bees is well-known for its health and wellness products for humans, but their pet products are also effective and made only with natural ingredients. The best budget shampoo is the Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo. Its all-natural formula is developed without petroleum, phthalates, colorants, fragrances, parabens, or sulfates. It uses shea butter to keep your cat’s skin moisturized and honey to keep the light coat healthy and shiny.

Without a furry topcoat, the Sphynx often struggles with dry skin, but Burt’s Bees hydrates dry skin and prevents cracking and flaking. Your hairless feline will enjoy softer skin and hopefully will not run from its next bath. The shampoo is gentle enough to use on young cats and kittens. The only downside to the product is the inconsistency of the labeling when you order it online.

3. MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

When your Sphynx has problems with fungal infections or dehydrated skin, you can try MiconaHex +Triz Shampoo for a soothing, medicated bath. It’s designed to protect your feline’s skin from fungus, yeast, ringworms, dandruff, and other infections. It has antifungal and antimicrobial ingredients to fight off infections and ceramides to hydrate the skin and repair damage from skin conditions.

Although the shampoo is fragrance-free, it’s not made from all-natural ingredients. If your cat is not allergic to any of the ingredients, the shampoo is safe and effective. However, you’re probably better off using another brand if your Sphinx does not have skin conditions. The shampoo is excellent for treating overly dry skin, and over 95% of the comments we analyzed were positive and pleased with the results. The only negative reviews about the product were about the shampoo’s effect on pets with extreme skin conditions. Before using any new shampoo, you can speak with a vet to ensure it’s safe to use on a cat with skin issues.

4. Four Paws Magic Coat Shampoo for Cats & Kittens Cat Shampoo

Bathing a baby cat for the first time is not usually a pleasant experience. A cat’s first exposure to water can involve loud cries and plenty of frantic splashing. The Four Paws Magic Coat for Cats and Kittens is gentle on the cat’s young skin. Its tearless formula is helpful when your feline is being difficult in the tub. However, the manufacturer still suggests keeping the shampoo out of the animal’s eyes to avoid discomfort.

The shampoo uses lanolin and keratin to moisturize the skin, and it includes a citrus scent that leaves a pleasant aroma on the skin. It’s free of dyes and paraben to prevent a reaction from kitties with sensitive, dry skin. The only drawback to the shampoo is a problem with the bottle’s cap. When it was shipped, some customers noticed the cap loosened and leaked in transit.

5. John Paul Pet Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

Another great shampoo for Sphynx cats is the John Paul Pet Oatmeal Shampoo. It uses chamomile, aloe, and hydrolyzed oatmeal protein to clean your hairless cat gently. The liquid lathers up well, and you don’t have to use much to wash your cat. Compared to similar shampoos, the Oatmeal Shampoo is more concentrated, and it’s available for an incredibly low price. Its botanical formula to designed to soothe itchy skin, and if your Sphynx has skin irritations, this is the shampoo for you.

Like its products for humans, John Paul Pet does not test any of its shampoos or conditioners on animals. Instead, the company tests all its pet brands on humans before deciding they’re safe for pets. Their shampoo is pH balanced for the cat’s skin, and it uses sweet almond oil to leave a pleasant scent. Whenever you purchase a bottle of Oatmeal Shampoo, a portion of the sale goes to wildlife and animal organizations. Our only complaint about the shampoo is that a few customers with long-haired pets noticed the lather bothered the animals’ skin. If you have a long-haired cat and a Sphynx, you may need two shampoos.

6. Richard’s Organics Moisturizing Shampoo, 12-oz bottle

Richard’s Organics Moisturizing Shampoo is another great choice for felines with sensitive skin. It’s loaded with natural ingredients like lavender oil, tea tree oil, shea oil, peppermint oil, sweet almond oil, and green tea extract. It does not contain any harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritations. The shampoo effectively cleans your cat and moisturizes its skin.

The shampoo is not as concentrated as some of its competitors, but it’s not too watery. For such a low price, the soap’s density is less of an issue. Numerous customers who have dogs or cats with skin conditions mentioned that Richards Organics worked better than anything else and made their pet’s coats soft and shiny. For cat owners who prefer scentless shampoo, this product may not be for you. However, several people liked the scent, and some reviewers thought it was too strong.

7. Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Dog & Cat Shampoo

The Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Dog and Cat Shampoo is an all-natural formula that’s ideal for Sphynx cats with sensitive skin. It does not contain dyes, artificial ingredients, or fragrances. It’s 100% biodegradable and free of paraben and phosphates. The soap-free shampoo uses coconut to cleanse and gentle aloe vera to keep skin moisturized, and it’s loaded with vitamins to keep the skin healthy.

The shampoo is gentle enough to use on cats that are at least six weeks old. Unlike most pet shampoos, Earthbath does not wash away a prior flea and tick treatment. That’s an advantage when you have a cat recovering from an insect infestation. Most shampoos require you to reapply the flea treatment that was diluted from the bath. It’s suited for Sphynx cats, but for its price, it’s not very concentrated.

8. Kotomoda Shampoo for Sphynx Cats

Sphynx cats often have problems with blocked pores due to only having a peach fuzz coat. The Kotomoda Shampoo for Sphynx Cats is designed to cleanse pores while removing dirt and secretions. Its probiotic formula is gentle on the skin, and it can prevent cats with sensitive eyes from contracting pink eye. Unlike many of the other brands, the manufacturer recommends adding the shampoo to the bathwater rather than applying it directly on the cat. However, your cat shouldn’t have an adverse reaction by ingesting some of the lather.

The shampoo is scented, but most customers commented that they enjoyed the smell. Although it’s a gentle shampoo for your Sphinx, it does not leave the skin feeling as soft as other brands. Some cat owners suggested using a bit of coconut oil after the bath to retain moisture. The most common complaint about the shampoo was about the different labels on the bottle, but those that received a different label were happy with the shampoo’s results.

9. Breezytail PetO’Cera Cat Shampoo

While several of the brands we reviewed were made for cats and dogs, the Breezytail PetO’Cera Cat Shampoo is pH-balanced just for a cat. The shampoo contains a blend of 11 botanical extracts to provide a relaxing and pleasurable bath. Its hypoallergenic formula is easy on dried skin, and it uses ceramide and allantoin to keep the cat’s skin healthy and hydrated.

It’s not a tearless shampoo, but it’s non-toxic and will not harm your cat if it swallows some in the bathtub. The shampoo is a cruelty-free product that’s tested on humans before being used on cats. It’s an excellent shampoo, but it’s pretty expensive for 10.1 ounces of liquid. Another common problem is the cheap packaging. Several customers complained that the liquid leaked out during delivery.

10. TropiClean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy & Kitten Shampoo

The TropiClean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy and Kitten Shampoo is made for puppies and kittens, but it’s gentle enough to use on adult cats with sensitive skin. It does not contain dyes, soap, or parabens. It’s made with natural ingredients, and 90% of the contents come from coconut, purified water, oats, aloe leaf, and mined salt. If your Sphinx is being treated for fleas and ticks, be sure to read the treatment’s directions to see if you must reapply it after a bath.

Although it’s hypoallergenic and free of chemicals, the coconut fragrance is probably too strong for cat-owners that prefer a scentless brand. The lather isn’t as dense as other products, but the biggest problem is the packaging. It’s not an uncommon problem to have issues with the packaging, but the Tropiclean bottle seems to be more problematic than other shampoos. Several customers complained that the bottle top was broken when they opened the package.

11. Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Sweet Basil & Turmeric Shampoo

The Paws and Pals Oatmeal, Sweet Basil and Turmeric Shampoo is a tearless formula that soothes dry skin and helps heal skin damaged from flea bites. Its vegan recipe uses jojoba, coconut oil, and aloe to soothe dry, cracked skin. The oatmeal and sweet basil act as moisturizers to keep your cat’s skin hydrated after bath time.

It’s fragrance-free and ideal for cat owners who like shampoos without strong scents. Although it’s an effective shampoo, it’s watered down and doesn’t lather up as well as other brands. Once again, the biggest problem is the inadequate packaging. Some reviewers mentioned that half of the liquid had spilled into the box when it was delivered.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Shampoos for Sphynx Cats

All cats secrete natural oils that keep their fur smooth and healthy. Sphinx cats have a light fuzzy coat, but their secretions can be problematic if their pores become blocked. If their skin isn’t at least lightly cleaned every week, the oil secretions can end up on your carpet and furniture. Compared to short-haired cats, the Sphinx requires more frequent bathing. However, bathing your feline too much can deplete the oils and lead to dry, chapped skin.

Tips for Grooming Your Sphynx

Although this article is focused on bathing your Sphinx, some of the tips below also apply to cats of any breed. The only subheading that does not apply to other cats is the frequency of bathing. Depending on your cat’s behavior, habitat (indoor or outdoor), and skin health, you may have to bathe it more or less frequently.

Water Temperature for Baths

Fur insulates cats and protects them from extreme temperatures and minor injuries. Sphinx are more vulnerable to heat and cold, and you have to be careful when adjusting the bathwater temperature. Only use lukewarm water on your kitty. The water will seem too cold for you to bathe, but it’s perfect for your hairless wonder. Your cat is unlikely to enjoy the bath at all, but it may let out a scream if the water is too cold or hot.

Frequency of Bathing

For Sphinx without skin conditions or fungal infections, you should bathe the cat at least once a week. If you miss a week, you can use a cat-friendly no-rinse cleaner and a soft microfiber towel to wipe its skin down and distribute the natural oils. Cats with skin conditions can be bathed every two to three weeks. If you’re unsure if your cat is being cleaned enough, you can consult your vet for advice.

When a Sphinx goes several weeks or months without a bath, its pores can become clogged and eventually develop pimples. Although it’s not a pleasant experience, try to be as calm as possible when you’re cleaning your Sphinx. Baths make some cats anxious, but you can add a little catnip spray or catnip tea to the water to relax the animal.

Ear Cleaning

Sphinx are susceptible to ear infections, but you can keep their ears healthy by cleaning them at least once a week. Some cat shampoos, like the Kotomoda Shampoo we reviewed, are safe to use for ear cleaning, but you can also find ear cleaning solutions online and at pet stores.

After the Bath

When you take your Sphynx out of the bathtub, use a soft towel to pat it dry carefully. Sphynx have tender skin, and you cannot apply too much pressure when you’re drying it off. Avoid using a hairdryer because it can damage the skin and lead to cracking and flaking.

What To Look for in Cat Shampoo

Shopping for cat shampoo isn’t too difficult when you know what to avoid. Since Sphynx cats have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals and brands that contain phthalates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and petroleum. Look for a shampoo with fewer ingredients and brands that use natural extracts and oils.

Natural Ingredients

In addition to effective cleansing, a quality shampoo should also include natural moisturizers such as aloe and oatmeal. Sphynx are susceptible to skin allergies, and even a natural ingredient can produce an allergic reaction. Check with a vet if you’re unsure of how a specific ingredient affects your feline.

Limited Fragrances

Choosing between shampoos with or without a scent depends on what you and your cat prefer. Chemical fragrances are more likely to irritate the cat’s skin, but several shampoos use natural extracts to produce fragrances.

Cruelty-Free Formulas

With so many safe products on the market that were developed without animal testing, using animals as test subjects is no longer necessary. You can show your support for animal rights by purchasing cruelty-free shampoo and pet care products. Our best overall pick, John Paul Pet Oatmeal shampoo, was developed by the same company that created Paul Mitchell hair care products. Since 1980, the company has not tested on animals. When they started the pet care line, they decided to test humans first to ensure the products wouldn’t harm cats or dogs.

Packaging Problems

After reading our reviews, you probably noticed that several shampoo brands were delivered with leaking bottles. The issues were not related to a specific company or delivery service, but they occurred with lower-priced products and premium brands. Unfortunately, pet products are not always handled with the same care as other items. However, almost every company will replace the shampoo or give you a refund for a leaking package.

Conclusion

The Sphynx cat is an exceptional pet, but it can struggle with skin problems without the proper care. Our reviews contain several high-quality shampoos, but our best overall pick is the Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo. It’s affordable, has a gentle lather, and provides plenty of hydration for your cat’s sensitive skin. Burt’s Bees for Cats Hypoallergenic Shampoo was our budget pick, and it impressed us with its abundance of natural ingredients and low price. We’re confident that our reviews and guide can help you find a soothing shampoo for your amazing Sphynx.

Featured Image Credit: David Tadevosian, Shutterstock