The 5 Best Cat Brushes & Combs For All Types Of Cat Hair

Regularly brushing and grooming your cat helps to keep them looking and feeling great.

Even though your cat will do most of their grooming themselves, a regular brush from you will help to prevent tangles, minimise the formation of hairballs and reduce the amount of fur that is shed around the house. Not only this, but it’s also a great opportunity for some quality one on one time with your cat.

If you’re in a rush check out our table of the best brushes:

The Pet Grooming Glove
The FURminator
GoPets Comb
The SunGrow Comb
The Petsking Brush
Cat Grooming Glove, Dog Grooming Glove, 2 Pack Velcro...
FURminator Long Hair DeShedding Tool for Small Cats
GoPets Dematting Comb with 2 Sided Professional...
SunGrow Dog and Cat Comb, 7.4 Inches, Fur Detangling...
smartelf Pet Grooming Brush for Dog and Cat,Self...
Best For..
Best grooming glove
Best for Long Haired Cats
Best For Dematting
Best For Cats With Fleas
Best For Cats With Dandruff
The Pet Grooming Glove
Cat Grooming Glove, Dog Grooming Glove, 2 Pack Velcro...
Best For..
Best grooming glove
The FURminator
FURminator Long Hair DeShedding Tool for Small Cats
Best For..
Best for Long Haired Cats
GoPets Comb
GoPets Dematting Comb with 2 Sided Professional...
Best For..
Best For Dematting
The SunGrow Comb
SunGrow Dog and Cat Comb, 7.4 Inches, Fur Detangling...
Best For..
Best For Cats With Fleas
The Petsking Brush
smartelf Pet Grooming Brush for Dog and Cat,Self...
Best For..
Best For Cats With Dandruff

There are a wide variety of brush and comb types available and different brushes will produce different results and target different areas or issues.

The type of coat your cat has will impact how frequently you need to groom them and the best tool for the job.

cat brush covered in cat hair

This guide will help you choose the best cat brush for your furry friend, also keep in mind that your cat may prefer one type of brush over another so if your cat doesn’t like the brush you currently use, try a different option.

1. The Cat Grooming Glove

The cat grooming glove is an easy, affordable way to groom your cat without drawing attention to the fact you are actually brushing them.

The 5-finger glove simply goes on your hand and allows you to stroke your cat as you normally would but with the added benefit of silicone tips that will remove any loose hair and dirt from your cat’s fur.

The gloves are comfortable for you to wear and have a strap that is adjustable around your wrist for added ease of use.

Using a glove instead of a brush gives far more flexibility allowing you to easily get to those hard-to-reach areas.

You can easily stroke your cat under the chin and chest which are areas often difficult to go near with a traditional brush.

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The hair that is removed sticks to the glove so you can simply peel it off and discard of it, this helps keep the area clean and prevents any extra mess from being created.

These grooming gloves are suitable for use on any cat and are particularly good if your cat doesn’t like traditional brushes as you can play with them, massage them and stroke them without them even realizing you are brushing them at the same time.

When you are not using the gloves, you can leave them out for your cats to rub against at their leisure.

If the gloves are getting dirty you can put them in the washing machine after discarding any hair that’s been collected.

You can also use these gloves when bathing your cat, you can massage their cat shampoo or flea treatment into their coat creating a more even coverage.

Read our full review of the cat grooming glove here.

Pros:
• Natural feel and easy to use
• Affordable solution that can be used on dogs and cats
• Five finger design gives flexibility and is gentle on your pet

Cons:
• May not collect loose hair as well as some brushes
• Limited effectiveness in detangling knots
• Some users struggle to remove the fur from the glove after grooming

2. The FURminator – Best for Long Haired Cats

The FURminator long hair de-shedding tool is a highly recommended cat brush that gently removes loose hair not only from your cat’s topcoat but also from their undercoat.

The brush helps to keep shedding to a minimum and prevents your cats long fur from matting. Brushing your cat with this tool also helps to reduce the frequency of fur balls by removing the loose hairs before your cat has a chance to accidentally ingest them when grooming.

This brush has been designed with both the user and the cat in mind, the handle is comfortable to hold and the stainless-steel design of this comb makes it effective in removing loose hair without cutting or damaging your cats coat.

The loose fur that has been collected can be easily removed by using the eject button which effortlessly pushes the fur off of the comb for you.

This comb is different from other options because it doesn’t just focus on the topcoat, it is designed to reach down to the undercoat too meaning each brush is more effective and removes twice as much loose hair.

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It is recommended that you brush your cat a couple of times a week with this brush and it is claimed that shedding will be reduced by up to 90%.

Pros:
• Specifically designed for use on long-haired cats
• Sturdy, high-quality design
• Self-cleaning ejector button

Cons:
• Can be harsh on cats with sensitive skin
• Slightly more expensive than other options
• Some cats do not like the feel of the comb teeth

Read our in-depth FURminator Review here.

3. GoPets Dematting Comb – Best for Dematting

The GoPets Dematting Comb may look like a serious piece of kit but it’s easy to use and gently works through tangles and mats.

This comb is designed to carefully handle tangles without hurting your cat, it has curved widely spaced teeth that make this easy and there are two sides to choose from.

One side has 12 teeth for stubborn matts and the other has 23 teeth for thinning and de-shedding.

Grooming can be time-consuming, particularly when you are trying to get rid of tangles in your pet’s fur, this comb has a non-slip silicone handle that adapts to your grip so it is comfortable to use no matter how you hold it.

This is a considerably more user-friendly design than the traditional hard plastic handles we are used to.

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This dual-sided comb is suitable for use on all coat types and is safe and gentle even on cats with sensitive skin. The rounded edge of the teeth means you can brush your cats undercoat without it being too rough or harming them.

Pros:
• Dual-sided to deal with all coat types and tangles
• Comfortable to use
• Gentle but effective

Cons:
• Very expensive compared to other options
• Blunted teeth may not be as effective as sharper teeth
• Not ideal for short-haired cats

4. SunGrow Flea Comb – Best Cat Brush For Dealing With Fleas

Dealing with fleas can be a big frustration for pet owners but this SunGrow Flea Comb offers a natural, non-toxic way of removing fleas and spiral flea dirt from your cat.

This comb removes fleas and ticks from your pet’s fur without the use of harsh chemicals or pesticides.

Using a comb can instantly relieve any pain and itching that is caused by parasites.

Not only does this comb help you handle fleas, thanks to the tightly spaced comb teeth it can also pick up any flea eggs that are in your cat’s fur too.

Additionally, the comb removes any loose hair and dirt, helps to increase your cats blood circulation and leaves their coat soft and shiny.

It is sometimes difficult to know if your cat has fleas but periodically using this flea comb will help you to quickly identify when your cat has fleas.

This early identification plays a vital role in getting rid of the parasites before they multiply and become a huge problem.

This flea comb is affordable, solid and durable while also being lightweight and easy to hold and use.

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When you have groomed your cat, it is advised that you put this comb into a cup of water and soap for 10 to 15 minutes to kill off any fleas.

Pros:
• Affordable
• Easy to use and effective
• A non-toxic solution to getting rid of fleas

Cons:
• Teeth may not be long enough for use in thick or long fur
• A small number of users reported that the teeth of the comb do break quite easily
• Some cats don’t like the feeling of the teeth

5. Petsking – Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Best Cat Brush For Dandruff

This self-cleaning slicker brush from Petsking is ideal for dealing with dandruff as it has fine, angled wire bristles that are tightly packed to effortlessly remove any and all dirt and loose hair from your cat’s fur.

These bristles are designed to reach deep into your cat’s undercoat making it great for all-round grooming and reducing shedding.

The brush can be used on all coat types, can help to detangle matted fur and is gentle on sensitive skin.

This slicker brush is very user-friendly too; it has a comfort grip and non-slip handle and comes with a self-cleaning button.

The self-clean feature means that at the click of a button the bristles will retract and you can easily wipe away any fur that has been removed without having to try to pull it out of the bristles of the brush (we all know what a nightmare that can be!).

This brush is high quality and durable so will be able to withstand a daily grooming routine with ease. Its angled bristle design means reduced pull while maximising loose hair removal.

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This model has quite a large brush head which may be too big for use on kittens or very small cats but that is down to personal preference.

Pros:
• Self-cleaning feature
• Comfortable to use
• Removes loose hair, mats and tangles with ease

Cons:
• Some cats do not like the feeling of the fine pins against their skin
• Not as effective when used on short-haired cats
• The pins may bend or break


Also Read: 10 Effective Cat Dandruff Remedies

Guide to Brushing your Cat

tabby cat getting combed

Brushing your cat regularly has many benefits including;

• Keeping their coat healthy – when you brush your cat you stimulate healthy blood circulation as well as the production of natural oils which help to keep their coat in great condition.

• Reducing the number of hairballs – when cats groom themselves they ingest loose hair which leads to hairballs. By having a regular grooming routine, you reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests and therefore reduce the number of hairballs your cat experiences.

• Prevent tangles – daily or weekly grooming will help to keep your cats fur-free from tangles and matting. Tangles and mats are not only uncomfortable for your cat, they also impact your cat’s ability to regulate their temperature effectively.

• Less shedding – by regularly grooming your cat you will considerably reduce the amount of cat hair that is in your house as you will remove loose hair before it drops and your cat will shed less.

How Often Should You Brush Your Cat?

It is recommended that you brush your cat a few times a week, however this can vary depending on the individual circumstances.

If you have an older cat they may have slowed down on their personal grooming routine which means regular brushing will help them to stay clean and healthy.

Similarly, kittens won’t be as advanced at grooming themselves so would likely also benefit from a more frequent brushing routine.

If you have a longhaired cat such as Persians, Ragdolls or Maine Coons then daily grooming can be very beneficial to help prevent knots and tangles from forming.

If a tangle does develop and doesn’t get worked out swiftly it can quickly worsen to the point that you may need the help of a professional groomer to get the mats out.

Medium haired cats can be brushed anywhere from daily to a couple of times a week without an issue while shorthaired cats need to be groomed less frequently.

Once or twice a week is normally enough, just keep an eye on your cat’s skin to make sure you don’t overdo it and cause skin irritation.

Make Sure You Use The Right Brush

cat brush covered in cat hair

Choosing the right brush for your cat is essential as each brush/ comb is designed to handle different requirements. The right brush will help to make the grooming experience more enjoyable for you and your cat.

Using the wrong brush can be uncomfortable for your cat and will likely not have the desired effect.

If you have a short-haired cat then bristle brushes with tightly spaced bristles are quite effective.

A lot of the combs and dematting brushes seem to be better suited to long-haired cats so take care when deciding on a brush to use on your short-haired cat.

Using a brush that is not suited to your cat’s coat type can cause discomfort and irritation to their skin.

Slicker and dematting brushes are great for medium to long-haired cats as they tackle the undercoat as well as the top coat of fur meaning you can ensure you don’t miss any areas out.

Also keep in mind the area you are brushing; a soft-bristled brush will be far more enjoyable when you are focussing on sensitive areas like your cat’s face and ears.

Some cats do not like being brushed at all but if you try a grooming glove or a brush that is better suited for their coat you may find they actually enjoy it.

How to Brush Your Cat

a grey cat being groomed

Once you have chosen the right brush or comb for your cat you can begin grooming them.

If this is the first time you have tried to brush them or they have been very nervous and unsure of you brushing them in the past it is best to take things gradually.

Be Patient

If your cat only tolerates you brushing them for a couple of minutes at a time this is a great starting point and you shouldn’t push them to do more.

As your cat becomes more comfortable with the grooming routine you will be able to spend more time brushing them so build up to it.

If your cat really doesn’t like the brush you may find it helps to start off with a washcloth then a soft brush and work up to the brush you would like to use.

Ensure Your Cat is Comfortable

Before you jump in and start brushing, first make sure your cat is comfortable and is happy with you stroking their fur.

senior cat relaxing on pensioners lap

If they seem receptive and relaxed you can begin to gently brush them in the areas you have been stroking them.

This is where a grooming glove is great because not all cats like to be brushed so if your cat doesn’t like brushes a grooming glove can allow you to continue stroking them as you normally would while actually brushing out any loose hair, dirt and tangles.


Also Read: 5 Best Cat Handling Gloves


Gently Brush in the Direction of the Hair Growth

Gently use the brush on their back or where they most like to be petted and always brush in the direction of the hair growth as this avoids pulling and discomfort.

You wouldn’t stroke them ‘against the grain’ so you shouldn’t brush them that way either.

Gradually Groom Different Areas

If your cat is enjoying the grooming then you can slowly move on to other, more sensitive, areas such as the belly.

If your cat isn’t happy with this then go back to brushing their back and slowly build up their trust to groom these other areas.

You may find your cat enjoys the brush and actually begins to lean into it.

Regularly Remove Loose Hair from the Brush

As you brush your cat, periodically remove the loose hair that gathers on the brush to avoid creating more knots and tangles.

Give Your Cat Treats

Your cats fur should be smooth, shiny and free from tangles after brushing.

Once you have finished grooming your cat, give them a reward to positively reinforce the experience.

Playtime or a small edible treat should be sufficient and will help to remove any negative feelings your cat has about being brushed.

How to Comb Out Matted Fur

If you come across matted fur when you are brushing your cat, assess the knot and decide whether you think you can work this out yourself or whether a professional groomer may be needed to tackle the problem.

cat doin' a furniture scratch

If you decide to give it a go yourself you will need a wide-tooth comb or a dematting comb and a lot of patience.

If your cat is relaxed and is allowing you to brush them, locate the matted fur and hold the fur closest to the skin to prevent pulling on the skin when working the mat out.

Now start to work on the matt from the end using the comb, as the fur gets looser and less tangled you can gradually work your way closer to the roots.

Do not wet the mat as this can actually worsen it, it is far better to work on it when the fur is dry.

If you cannot comb the mat out then it is best to take your cat to a professional groomer to get the mat removed.

Matted fur can be uncomfortable and painful for your cat and can lead to skin irritations and even infections.

A regular grooming routine can prevent mats from occurring and will also allow you to quickly deal with any tangles as and when they occur.


Enjoy!

Grooming your cat can be an enjoyable bonding experience that leaves your moggy shiny, happy and healthy.

Choose the right brush, gradually build up trust and use cat treats to ensure the experience is a positive one.

Soon brushing your cat will be part of the regular care routine and you will see less shedding, fewer hairballs, less matted hair and your cats coat will look healthier too.

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