Cats are notorious self-groomers, and occasionally they might even let you or a friendly hedgehog do it for them. Although it’s cute as all heck, having a hedgehog in the house isn’t possible right now, so instead, we thought we’d go with the tried and trusted route to groom Joey and Oscar…with a brush. And in the process, we discovered the best cat brush options.
If you’re looking to buy one, or are maybe needing to replace an old cat brush, take a look at our reviews of the top 5 cat brushes currently available. We’ve included de-shedding brushes, slicker brushes, as well as glove grooming tools so you’ll find something to suit your needs, your cat’s fur type, and of course, your budget.
Must Read Reviews for the Best Brush for Cats
Although cats spend almost as much time grooming themselves as they do sleeping, it’s still essential that you give him a regular bush. Not only does it help get rid of loose hairs, tangles, and stubborn dirt and dander, it’s also a great way of nipping flea infestations in the bud. And if for nothing else, it’s one of the best ways for you to bond with your furry friend.
One thing you’ll notice when looking for a cat brush is that there are hundreds to choose from. So, we’ve rounded up our top 5, picked through trial and error as well as a fair amount of scratching, hissing and biting. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Overall Winner: Best Cat Hair Brush
In terms of the design, the brush is made with humans and cats in mind. The curved head allows you to get all the way to your cat’s undercoat, so you’re able to remove matted fur. And the handle has a rubberized grip for maximum comfort. What we especially liked is that the Safari Slicker Brush is suitable for all fur types, so you won’t need an assortment of brushes to meet your different cats’ needs.
Scoring an almost perfect 5 out of 5 on Chewy, it’s no wonder this is one of the best cat grooming tools around.
What we like:
- Affordable, quality brush with ergonomic design
- Stainless steel pins remove dead and loose hair, matted fur and everyday dirt
- It has a self-cleaning feature
- Suitable for short and long-haired cats, as well as cats with fine hair
- Great for deshedding
What we don't like:
- Not all cats like the metal pins
- A few customers thought the head of the brush was too big
Runner-Up: Best Brush for Short Hair Cat
This multi-purpose brush for cats is made from medical grade silicone, and it doesn’t only get rid of dead hair, it also massages your cat, which stimulates circulation, as well as joints, and muscles. We like that it helps spread the natural oils, promoting healthy skin and coat. It is particularly good for cats that don’t like the feel of steel pins.
The Furbliss Multi-Purpose Brush is also unique in that It has two sides. The one side is used to brush and deshed your cat, while the other side massages, shampoos, and even removes fur from your furniture and clothing. It can be used as a wet or dry grooming tool, and because it’s made from silicone, the brush is dishwasher safe.
Definitely an excellent choice for the best cat brush for short hair, it’s also great for cats that aren’t too keen on being brushed.
What we like:
- Perfect for short-haired cats
- The silicon pins are ideal for sensitive skin
- Brushes, massages, shampoos and removes fur from clothes and furniture
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Suitable for cats that don't like getting brushed
- Great for short-haired cats
What we don't like:
- It can be tricky to clean
Best Brush for Long Haired Cats
We like that the FURminator is ergonomically designed with you, the groomer in mind. It has a comfort grip handle and features an eject button, which self-cleans the brush. The stainless steel pins don’t cut or pull at your cat’s fur, relieving any associated stresses he might experience when being brushed.
For the best results, we recommended that you brush your long-haired cat a few times a week with this deshedding brush. And remember, it’s specially designed to target the undercoat, so it might not work as well as on cats with short hair.
What we like:
- The ergonomic design means it is an effective grooming tool and comfortable to use
- The stainless steel pins target the undercoat
- Reduces hairballs and removes dead and lose fur
What we don't like:
- It is more expensive than other brushes featured in our review
- Cats with sensitive skin might not enjoy the feel of the metal pins
Best Brush for Cats that Don’t Like Brushes
The gloves are easy to use; simply put them on and stroke your kitty like you usually would. The silicone tips remove loose fur as well as dirt and dander gently, without him even knowing he’s getting brushed. What’s great about the gloves is that you can get to a lot of hard-to-reach areas, including the chest area and under the chin.
When you’re not using them to brush your cat, you can leave the gloves out for your cat to rub himself up against it. It’s also suitable for bath time, allowing you to massage the shampoo into his fur. The only negative is that the gloves are a one size fits all and might be too big for smaller hands.
What we like:
- The grooming glove is ideal for cats that don't like being brushed
- A gentle stroking motion removes loose hair, dirt, and dander
- It's affordable
- Suitable for all kittens and older cats
- It can be used to shampoo your cat
What we don't like:
- The glove won't remove tangled or matted fur
- It's one-size-fits-all and may be too big for smaller hands
The Best Deshedding Tool for Cats
Regular grooming with the Paws & Pals Best In Show de-shedding comb also does a brilliant job at reducing pet odor, while also stimulating the production of your cat’s natural oils.
It’s affordable, easy to use, and the ergonomic design means it fits comfortably in your hand.No more hairballs, no more dander, and no more allergies.
What we like:
- Removes loose hair from the undercoat as well as dirt and dander
- Reduces pet odor and potential allergies
- It is affordable and easy to use
- Regular use eliminates hairballs
What we don't like:
- Some cats might not like the feel of the blade
What Kind of Brush is Best for Cats?
Brushing your cat regularly doesn’t only help reduce shedding, there are loads of other benefits too. However, it’s not just a case of grabbing the first brush or comb you find. There are cat brushes for short, medium and long-haired cats, cats that are sensitive to brushing, and multi-purpose cat brushes. Choosing the right grooming tool for your cat essentials to get the best possible results.
Let’s take a look at the different types available to buy.
Slicker Brushes
The slicker brush is suitable for all coat types. It has fine stainless steel teeth that are placed at different angles. This design gets rid of loose or dead hair and removes allergy-causing dirt and dander. The metal teeth don’t cause cats any discomfort or pain, but they can irritate damaged or sensitive skin. They are ideal for cats that enjoy their grooming sessions but aren’t the best choice if your furry feline skedaddles at the sight of a brush.
Gloves
Let’s be honest, for some cat owners, the idea of brushing their pets conjures up images of hissing, scratching, scrambling, and mad panic (and we haven’t started on the cat’s behavior). If this scenario sounds all too familiar, it’s time you tried a grooming glove.
They have small silicone teeth that allow you to brush your cat while stroking him. It removes loose hair and dirt and massages the coat at the same time. It’s a great way to groom your kitty without causing him any stress. Because the teeth are short, it’s not the best choice for deshedding or removing matted hair from the undercoat.
Deshedding Cat Brushes
Long-haired cats usually have a thick undercoat that some brushes can’t reach. You must get a de-shedding brush that doesn’t only remove dead hair from the top coat but also gets rid of loose hair near the skin. Keep in mind that the stainless steel teeth might be too harsh on cats with sensitive skin. It’s also not the best choice for cats with short hair, or those that don’t like being brushed.
Dematting Tools
Matting is a big problem for long-hair cat breeds. While it’s tempting to reach for a pair of scissors to remove matted fur, it’s best you don’t. Dematting tools are specially designed to gently cut out the mat without causing your cat any harm. Some brushes have two sides, one that effectively gets rid of mats and the other side that combs and desheds.
Flea Comb
Cats, especially those that spend a large portion of their day outdoors, are prone to fleas and other little nasties. It’s worth keeping a shampoo treatment and flea comb in your grooming arsenal. Designed primarily to pick up fleas, their eggs as well as flea poop, the comb has fine teeth that are placed very close together. For the best results, we recommend you dip the comb in soapy water before and during the grooming session.
How Do I Get My Cat to Like Brushing?
The best way to get your cat to like brushing is to start when he’s still a kitten. But if you adopt an older cat that hates the idea, it’s still possible to get him used to it. And with a little patience and a whole lot of love, maybe he’ll even look forward to grooming time.
5 Easy Steps to Get Your Cat Used to Brush
1. Do it when your cat is relaxed
The best time to try brushing your cat is when he’s at his most relaxed. For Oscar and Joey, this is when they’re about to doze off, are napping, or just waking up. This helps them form a positive association with grooming time, rather than a punishment. Do not attempt to brush him when he’s already agitated or hungry. It won’t end well for either of you.
2. Do it gently
Regardless of how tatty your tabby’s looking, start off gently with a glove or rubber brush. Don’t use any pressure while grooming, and only target areas you know your cat doesn’t find threatening. Think about where he likes being scratched, and more importantly, where he doesn’t. Some cats enjoy being tickled behind their ears or under the chin. Others like being petted along the length of their backs. Don’t start brushing hotspots, like his tummy, tail, or paws.
3. Take it slowly
The most important thing to remember is to not rush the process. If your cat is particularly skittish or nervous, use your hand to get him used to be touched. You can then move onto a dry washcloth or grooming glove to simulate brushing. Don’t start out with a slicker brush, de-shedding brush or dematting tool.
4. Use treats and lots of praise
Who doesn’t like a treat and heaps of praise? Even the most aloof of cats can’t resist a tasty morsel or hearing how great they are, Feel free to give your cat a treat during a grooming session or immediately after. This will help him associate brushing with a reward and make the whole experience a lot more pleasant.
5. Create a safe and calm environment
Create a quiet space that feels safe for your cat. If there are other pets in the house or small children, it might be a good idea to keep them out of the room when brushing your cat. There are also some excellent calming aids in the form of drops, chewable tablets, sprays, gels, as well as diffusers. Speak to your vet to find out which would be the best choice for your cat.
Hopefully, you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. And as always, we love hearing from you, so feel free to leave a comment below about the best cat comb or brush you’ve discovered.
