What Is The BEST Cat Brush? We Review 10 Cat Grooming Tools
Anyone who owns a cat knows they’ll need a cat brush for their feline friends. And looking for the right brush may seem easy at first, but it can be overwhelming real quick given all the options on the market.
As a pet owner, the connection you get with your cat is really irreplaceable. Your furry friend gets to hold such a special place in your heart that it ultimately doesn’t matter what you need to do in order to provide for it and ensure it has the best possible life.
However, there are some nuisances to cat ownership.
One of them is the fact that cats shed their hair, regardless of how long or short it is. Not only this, but you usually need to brush their hair regularly in order to keep it healthy and luscious looking.
In order to do this properly, you will need to choose the best cat brush that actually matches your cat’s specific needs. With so many options to choose from, it’s sometimes difficult to figure out which product will do the job right.
In this article, I’ll share with you everything you need to know to choose the right brush for your cat and the top 10 best cat grooming tools on the market.
If you’ve been in the market for the best cat brush but feel overwhelmed by the options, this guide will teach you everything you need to buy the right brush.
What Kind of Brush Is Best for Cats?
Here are 5 things to consider, when selecting the ideal best cat brush for your kitty.
1. The Length and Thickness of Your Pet’s Hair
The length and thickness of your cat’s hair are essential factors that will determine the tools you’ll require.
Cat’s coats could have:
- Short hair
- Medium hair
- Long hair.
If you’re a Ragdoll cat owner, you have the pleasure of owning a beautiful long-haired feline.
You can typically get away with one of the three primary grooming alternatives if they have shorter hair. Every week or so, you’d probably only need a:
- Grooming glove
- Shedding comb
- Slicker cat brush.
If your kitty has short hair, you’ll only need to use the slicker brush once a day. However, a slicker brush and shedding comb are required daily for a long-haired cat.
2. Convenience
Brushing time is a pleasurable experience for many cats. It’s like a full-body massage where they’re getting the whole treatment.
You may need to experiment with a few different cat grooming tools to discover what your cat enjoys the most.
If your cat is from a bigger breed, cat brush gloves are a good idea, as they have a substantially larger surface area. A brush mitten would be great for the tiny fellas instead, as it isn’t as forceful.
3. Complete Control
As a pet owner, you should always pick a cat brush that’s comfortable for you to use.
Opt for a cat brush with a sling that can be handled in your hand. They provide you with a great deal of control and are the most comfortable to hold for owners.
Handheld straps also make it much easier to go through the movements.
4. Responsiveness
Brushing your cat should be a pleasant and relaxing procedure for your furry companion. It’s a wonderful time to use as a bonding experience between a new cat and its new human family.
If your cat’s skin is delicate, go for a brush with rubber-coated nylon pins. It will keep the coat from becoming irritated or uncomfortable.
These pins are frequently found on brushes with a narrower head. They’re best for cats with short to medium hair, and not so much for lengthy hair cats.
5. Brush Cleaning and Pet Hair Disposal
You have thoroughly brushed your cat’s coat and you ended up with hairballs large enough to fill a big pillow. With a cat’s delicate and thin hairs, you need to use the right brush, so you don’t end up with your floor and clothes covered in fur. We want to keep it on the brush.
Fortunately, there are various choices available to keep you from having to clean up a mess. Consider using a retractable cat brush that pulls the pins back to wipe away the hair. Brushes with massive teeth may handle far more hair than regular brushes.
Why Use a Cat Brush?
When it comes to cat grooming, a good cat brush is absolutely invaluable. Using a cat comb or brush on your cat’s fur not only helps de-mat and keep the fur from becoming tangled but also helps remove dirt and dander.
There are several good reasons why you should brush your cats’ coats. Brushing your cats’ coats helps distribute natural oil from their skins to their coats, which promotes healthy skin and coat.
Brushing your cat regularly also prevents matting. And if you brush your cat, you can look for and remove parasites like ticks and fleas from its coat before they become a big issue.
And that’s not all! The time you spend together while grooming strengthens your bond with your beloved pet. The more you brush his coat, the less hair will fall out and get all over your house.
Should I Brush My Cat Every Day?
Domestic cats require frequent brushing to prevent their hair from becoming snarled or knotted, especially, if they have long or curly fur. When grooming your cat, always pay special attention to the:
- Temples
- Pits
- Down the back of the legs.
Cats with short hair coats may need to be brushed less frequently. Regular brushing is beneficial to all cats.
Long-hair and medium-hair cats have higher brushing and trimming needs. These needs increase during shedding season when cats lose more hair than usual.
Long-haired and medium-haired cats should be groomed regularly, while short-haired cats could be brushed once per week.
How Do I Choose the Right Cat Brush?
The first thing you should do when selecting a brush for your cat is to think about why you want to brush them in the first place. Then you can choose the right brush for the job.
The specific characteristics and personal preferences of your cat will also influence the choice of brush that is best for her. If you have a cat with long hair, you’re going to want to use a different brush than you would on a short-haired cat.
You might also learn that your cat has a preference for certain types of bristles or has sensitive skin that gets irritated by other kinds.
If you have specific reasons for wanting to brush your cat, for instance trying to deal with matted fur or remove fleas, then that will also affect which brush is right for your cat.
Some brushes are otherwise meant to pick up extra loose fur while you use the brush while petting them.
To understand this better, let’s look at the different types of cat brushes we can choose from.
Types of Cat Brushes
Slicker Brushes
These brushes have fine wires set on various angles. Because the wire combs through your cat’s coat from multiple angles, these tools are very effective for cleaning out loose hairs as well as debris and dandruff
The thin metal tine isn’t painful for any cat but can cause irritation if your pet has sensitive skin. For those who are worried about scratching themselves during brushing, consider choosing a rubber brush or a grooming glove instead
This type of brush is ideal for all coat types and especially for cats who like being brushed.
Bristle Brushes
A bristle brush tames and enhances the hair’s appearance making it appear smoother. They’re popular on show cats when you’re trying to make sure your car looks its best. They’re also great to use as a finishing brush on all sorts of cat coats.
Rubber Brushes
Rubber brushes come with large rubber teeth that slide gently through the fur to remove tangles and loose hair. The rubber teeth also give your cat a gentle massage, which helps improve circulation and skin health. They are more suitable for sensitive cats who can’t tolerate metal brushes.
Silicone Brushes
Silicone brushes are another good alternative for cats who don’t like regular bristle brushes. These types of brushes are sometimes called “massage combs.”
With its short, rounded bristles, this cat grooming tool works well for cats with short fur. By stroking your cat with the tool, the short flexible bristled massage its skin.
Dematting Tools
If you have a cat with long hair that’s prone to matting, you know the struggle. If you’ve ever found yourself trying to reach for a pair of scissors to cut out a mat, stop right there!
You could end up injuring your cat if you ever accidentally cut its skin instead of the matted fur. If this is something you’ve been struggling with, consider getting a de-matting tool instead.
They come with sharp blades that have rounded tips. These tools work to scoop underneath your cat’s matted fur and cut it gently without injuring the skin.
And so, this type of brush is ideal for long hair cats that are prone to matting.
Brush Gloves
Although grooming gloves aren’t technically brushes, they’re definitely a tool that fits on this list!
The great thing about grooming gloves is that they aren’t brushes. They’re glove with small rubber nub and bristles all over the palms that gently massage your pet’s fur and draws out loose hairs.
Plus, instead of being weird on your pet’s body, the feel of a gloved hand feels both comforting and natural. And it works as a de-shedding tool too!
It’s the perfect type of tool for cats that have sensitive skin or short hair, and when you’re looking for something that ensures comfort for both you and your pet.
Deshedding Tools
Deshedding tools are great for cats with thick undercoats. It’s important to know that your cat has three layers of fur. Most cats have three types of hair on their bodies: guard hairs, awn hairs, and down hairs.
The down or undercoat, which is at the base of the coat and closest to the skin, is the densest and thickest layer.
Long, thick undercoats on cats make them more likely to get tangled and matted, and also shed a lot. During hot weather, the undercoat can sometimes keep a cat too warm.
Deshedding tools go down through your cat’s coat layers to reach the soft, dense undercoat. When used on a cat with a dense undercoat, de-shedding tools can produce impressive mounds of downy hair while leaving the cat’s coat silky and smooth.
Pin Brushes
A pin cat brush is comparable to a slicker brush but has more widely spaced teeth and is gentler in comparison. The plastic balls on the ends of the pins massage your cat’s skin and spread its natural oils through its fur. It’s a great kind of brush for medium to long-haired cats.
Top 10 Best Cat Brushes (For All Types of Cats)
Here are the top ten best cat grooming tools we’ve reviewed below (in no particular order) In fact, I would say I use 7, 5, and 10 the most.
1. JW Pet GripSoft Soft Slicker Brush
Regardless of your cat’s coat type, you’ll find this brush, the JW Pet GripSoft Soft Slicker Brush, handles brushing pretty well.
The rubber sheathed handle is specially designed to give you a better grip on the brush while you’re using it on your cat, without the risk of it slipping away from your fingers.
The brush also has angled pins that are great for brushing and also reduce hairballs, while also decreasing shedding, making it a good option if you’re looking for the best cat brush for shedding.
The brush is particularly soft when it comes to the pins, so it’s especially beneficial for cats with sensitive skin. This brush also comes with a 3-year guarantee.
2. Shedding Blade
The Shedding Blade is a pet hair removal tool that will help you effectively manage hair issues in cats with longer hair. Its unique design features a circular blade, with small teeth, that will prevent the coat from matting and will help when it comes to hairballs.
Since this blade removes quite a lot of hair, it’s recommended that you perform this activity outside. The Shedding Blade will reach even the most inaccessible parts of the fur, so you will gradually have less and less trouble with fur matting.
The easy-grip handle will allow you to brush your cat with much ease and dexterity, which in turn will make them feel comfortable as well.
3. JW Grip Soft Cat Comb For Combing
Floppycats reviewed the JW Grip Soft Cat Comb, a comb that’s designed in much the same way regular combs are designed for people. The cats reacted well to being groomed with this comb, so it’s really the best cat comb you can find.
The comb is meant to prevent hair from matting and hairballs from appearing. It’s also great if you want to remove any residue from your cats’ behinds.
Ultimately, this comb simply gives an entirely different appearance to your cats’ hair, making it look less unruly and healthier, at the same time.
4. Pixikko Stainless Steel Cat Shedding Comb with Non-Slip Grip Handle
This comb is designed in a combination of long and short teeth, 17 long teeth and 32 short teeth, to be precise. The long ones are meant to go deeper into the fur, while the short ones will collect any excess hair building up to the surface.
This combination is very effective in getting rid of mats and promoting healthy, shiny hair. The non-slip grip on the Pixikko Stainless Steel Cat Shedding Comb makes it easier for you to groom your cat, regardless if it has short or long hair.
I prefer the Safari Cat Shedding Comb below – but the handle on the Pixikko will last longer.
5. Safari Cat Shedding Comb
The Safari Cat Shedding Comb works perfectly on both short- and long-haired cats, making it an ideal candidate if you’re looking to find the best cat brush for short/long hair. The rounded teeth it comes with ensure that even your kitty won’t feel a thing while you brush them.
This brush has two different sets of teeth, which makes it ideal if you want to remove as much hair as possible, both from the deeper layers of the fur and the more superficial ones.
The Safari Cat Shedding Comb has a small size, which makes it perfect for traveling, as you can easily fit it into a bag or even into your pocket.
6. Dritz 665 Seam-Fix Seam Ripper
Normally this is a tool that’s meant to quickly cut threads and it can also efficiently be used on your cat’s hair. The package contains one seam-fix seam ripper.
The Dritz 665 Seam-Fix Seam Ripper has a design that makes it comfortable to control with your hands. Of course, do not get too close to the cat’s skin, since it can cut it and cause unpleasant injuries.
A reader suggested it long ago when we were having a discussion about removing cat mats – I use it often in the Spring when Charlie gets big mats – I cut them out by “ripping” through them with this. YOU HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO “RIP THROUGH” THEIR SKIN.
With this tool, you’ll manage to easily remove any excess matted hair that may form on your cat’s coat. I talk about how I use it on Charlie’s mats here.
7. The EquiGroomer Grooming Tool
This brush was initially designed to be used on horses, but it’s become really popular among cat owners too. Its design sets it apart from other brushes too – it has a very small saw blade that’s encased in a colorful five-inch piece of wood.
The way this works is that it pulls out all the dead coat that are trapped underneath the hair, without actually cutting the healthy hair too. The EquiGroomer Grooming Tool is ideal for cats that don’t particularly enjoy being groomed, since it doesn’t pull at their hair like other combs or brushes.
8. Rakom Cat Grooming Tool
This brush has a wooden handle and a total of 35 teeth that are positioned in three separate rows. The teeth are made of heat-treated carbon steel and nickel plated in order to ensure a smoother brushing process that’s comfortable for both you and the cat.
This 3-row design is particularly effective in removing excess hair from the undercoat. The Rakom Cat Grooming Tool doesn’t so much focus on the quantity of removed hair, but rather on the quality of the process.
9. Four Paws Magic Coat Instant Mat Removing Comb
This is the best cat comb to be used by both right- and left-handed people since its blades are reversible.
I bought this one after a reader ranted and raved about it for getting through mats without torturing the cat. Charlie would still say it’s like torture – but it does get through the mats and pulls them out.
The Four Paws Magic Coat Instant Mat Removing Comb is great at detangling the cat’s hair, while also effectively dealing with matting.
Its straightforward and classic design allows for a smooth brushing process that will leave your cat looking and feeling fresh. It covers all basic grooming needs you will come across as a pet owner.
10. Safari Double-Sided Flea Comb by Coastal Pet Products
This comb is specially designed to brush the finer-haired areas of your cat’s body, such as the forehead, the face, and the neck area. It’s a double-sided product, with different-spaced tines for combing.
The design makes the Safari Double-Sided Flea Comb easy to use and to hold while you’re brushing your cat’s hair.
I really love using it on Chiggy’s zits under his chin and on both of my cats’ manes.
When Should I Take My Cat to a Professional Groomer?
If your cat has become really matted and has to be shaved, you should take him or her to a professional groomer. Since cat skin is easy to cut, it’s best to let an expert handle it.
If you’re worried about getting hurt or have a cat that dislikes being brushed, don’t hesitate to contact a groomer to take care of the basics.
FAQs
Is it wrong to brush a cat too much?
Brushing a cat is essential for their health, but don’t overdo it.
Cleaning your cat too regularly or for too long daily might have negative consequences.
Brushing your cat too often might:
Make its skin more sensitive.
Cause rashes and irritations.
Cause bald spots.
Always use a quality cat brush and use it when needed.
Is it good to brush your cat every day?
Grooming should be done often, daily for cats with longer fur. Just be careful not to overdo it.
Brushing your cat too much might cause a burning sensation or thinness of hair, even if you use a good cat brush. However, these signs are more likely to be caused by over-grooming than brushing.
How long should I brush my cat?
Long-haired and medium-haired cats have higher brushing needs, which rise throughout shedding months when cats lose excess fur.
Long and medium-haired cats should be groomed regularly, while short-haired cats could be brushed once a week.
If your cat likes brushing, I recommend brushing for at least 5 minutes with a gentle cat brush. The frequency would be determined by your routine and the amount of fuzz your kitty has.
Can you use a regular hairbrush on cats?
Isn’t it true that a brush is a brush? However, it may seem different for sensitive cats as the type of brush’s pins might hurt them. For such cats, a rubber brush can be a better idea.
Although a human hairbrush is unlikely to injure your cat, it may be ineffective. Human hairbrushes barely brush the protective coating of a cat’s thick coat, and they don’t go into the cat’s hair closest to the body.
To minimize clumping in long-haired cats, eliminate the dead undercoat adjacent to the skin.
However, there’s another reason for keeping the cat brush to yourself: It’s conceivable that if your cat has a skin problem like ringworms, fungus, or parasites infection, you might get infected from the brush.
One of the great cat products on the market is Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. It’s perfect for felines with loose hair.
Do brushes hurt cats?
Overbrushing your cat’s hair daily might cause her to acquire bald spots or itchy rashes. Before combing the brush over your cat’s coat, make sure there are no sores or blemishes on her body. To avoid injuring your pet, be gentle, especially when they have mats or knots.
Gentle strokes are usually very safe and allow you to groom your cat at different angles.
Cats can groom themselves, but brush helps them in the difficult task of getting their coat clean, too. Brushing your cat is a great way to bond and connect with them while maintaining their hair and skin in good shape. Doing so regularly helps to eliminate grime and excess natural oils.
But make sure to use the cat brush gently and smoothly, including palms. If you’re using a bristle brush for your kitten, be careful not to cause skin irritations. To maintain a high level of smoothness, you can combine the cat brush with the de-shedding tool.
What happens if you don’t brush your cat?
Even if your cat grooms themselves, that doesn’t mean you can’t assist them. You don’t have to brush your cat with a brush regularly but doing so has a lot of advantages for both of you.
When you do not brush your cat regularly, it can be a source of many viral and bacterial infections that may spread rapidly. So, focusing on the cat’s cleanliness should be your priority. Do not hesitate to use de-shedding tools.
The Equigroomer deshedding tool is intended to eliminate stray hair underneath hair without cutting or harming the topcoat. It is strongly suggested that animals with an undercoat use a special tool to maintain their fur, especially during periods of severe shedding.
You can consider grooming gloves, too.
Is it wrong not to groom your cat?
Keep a close watch on your cat’s grooming habits, since too much or too little grooming might indicate a severe health problem.
Cats with short hair do a superb job of grooming themselves.
Grooming sessions at least once a week are necessary, though, to keep their coat in good shape.
To prevent knots from developing, many long-haired cats require daily brushing. Grooming can be distressing for some cats, especially when they are unaware of the tools or the brushing processes.
You might wonder if shaving is a part of grooming your cat? Yes, it is, mainly when there are a lot of tangles.
Although shaving a cat isn’t typically required, it isn’t cruel if done correctly by a professional, and the cat isn’t frightened or stressed during the procedure. Shaving isn’t always a good idea. If your cat’s disposition makes shaving unsafe, don’t do it.
Which cats benefit from daily brushing?
Brushing is beneficial to all cats. However, cats with very lengthy, curly, or rough hair need more frequent combing and grooming. Cats with short hair coats may need to be brushed less frequently.
In Conclusion
There you have it, these are ten of the best cat grooming brushes, as Floppycats reviewed them. This list is a combination of products that effectively deal with any challenge you may have as a pet owner when it comes to grooming your furry friend, and the article covered everything you need to know to make sure you pick the right brush for your little pet.
What cat grooming tools would make your top ten list?
Did you like these awesome cat grooming tools reviews? We have more posts you’d like:
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Got to be a Furminator in summer to remove the undercoat but used with care as my first experience I took off too much fur. Then I follow with human hairbrush mixed bristles. It was my favourite hairbrush until Gypsy took too it. She’s the youngest cat and only has to see the brushes come out or hear the word”brush” and she comes running.
SUPER PAWESOME & FABULOUS POST (including those wonderful product videos!), Jenny honey! What a great compilation of brushes and combs! Very well done! LURVE! My list would include the ShedMonster, the EquiGroomer & that Salmon Tooth Grooming tool! 😉 <3
Big hugs & lots of love & purrs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3 <3 <3
As ridiculous as it sounds- one of my favorite tools is a soft toothbrush. Both of my cats love to have their faces and chins brushed with the toothbrush when they’re on a lap. The small size makes it perfect to fit between their eyes and they both go into a “trance” when I brush them with it, so it must feel good! Amazingly, it does remove a lot of hair, too.
Oh no, I love it – that’s so cute!