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The Best Brushes For Cats in 2022

Last Updated: January 4, 2022
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By Petside
Published 10:55 am
Show Contents
Contents
  • The Best Brush For Cats
  • 1. Furminator deShedding Tool
  • 2. Pet Neat Cat Grooming Brush
  • 3. Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
  • 4. Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
  • 5. Glendan Slicker Pet Grooming Brush
  • 6. Safari Soft Bristle Brush for Cats
  • 7. DakPets Deshedding Brush for Cats
  • 8. Evriholder Duo 2-Sided Lint Brush
  • 9. Kong Grooming Brush for Cats
  • 10. Safari Pet Products Flea Comb for Cats

As any feline fan is aware, the average cat’s grooming routine is regular and thorough enough to put even the most meticulous human to shame. However, even these impressive skills can stand a little help from time to time.

Giving your kitty a good brush helps to remove debris, dander, and knots. The exercise also helps to stimulate blood circulation, and strips away excess hair that could result in dangerous and uncomfortable fur balls. On top of all this, the very act of brushing can be relaxing and enjoyable for many cats, allowing your regular grooming sessions to promote bonding.

With all these benefits, selecting a good quality cat hair brush is a sound investment for any cat parent. However, picking just one option from the myriad brushes on the market can be a tricky business, quickly becoming overwhelming. That’s why we’ve scoured the petcare world for the top 10 best cat brushes available right now. Below our list, we run through some basic grooming information, so you can your feline friend can get the most out of these handy devices, and all the health benefits they bring.

The Best Brush For Cats

1. Furminator deShedding Tool

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Key Features

    Deshedding brush available in large and small, for long or short hair

    Stainless steel edge specially designed to strip away loose hair and undercoat

    Features an easy to use release mechanism

    Can be used without inflicting damage to your cat’s coat or skin

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Furminator deShedding Tool
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Starting off our list is Furminator’s specialized deshedding brush. Available in both large and small sizes, and boasting a durable stainless steel edge, this furminator for cats makes brushing out excess hair a simple and safe process.

Simply run the cat brush over your feline’s fur to remove loose hair and undercoat. Between strokes, the patented FURejector button releases the accumulated hair from the brush, reducing the need for time consuming and awkward cleaning procedures. Be sure to choose the correct version of the brush for your kitty – Furminator produce versions specifically designed for either long or short hair.

    Pros

    Versions available to meet any cat’s requirements

    Quality stainless steel edge is built to last

    FURejector button makes removing hair from the brush easy

    Specialized design removes dead hair to reduce shedding, improve coat health, and decrease the risk of fur balls

    Cons

    Specialized deshedding design is less versatile than some on the market

    Relatively large initial investment

2. Pet Neat Cat Grooming Brush

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Key Features

    Cat and dog deshedding brush

    Stainless steel edge

    Detachable head for easier cleaning

    Easy-grip handle

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Pet Neat Cat Grooming Brush
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The next cat grooming brush to earn a spot on our list is this deshedding tool by Pets Neat. This easy to use device removes up to 95% of your cat’s dead hair and tangles, within as little as 10 minutes of grooming.

The durable deshedding brush features a 100mm stainless steel edge, designed for safe and accurate dead hair removal. This high quality blade, along with an easy grip handle, makes it simple and comfortable to groom your cat without the hassle. When you’re done, the brush’s detachable head makes clearing out the hair a breeze. To help you get the most out of their brush, Pets Neat have included a downloadable e-book full of grooming tips and tricks with every purchase.

    Pros

    Affordable deshedding tool

    Made from high quality stainless steel

    Suitable for both cats and dogs

    Great for busy owners – removes up to 95% of dead hair and tangles in just 10 minutes

    Comfortable to use

    Cons

    Available in once size only – may be too large for smaller cats

    Does not feature the hair eject button Furminator products are known for

    Design is specialized for deshedding, reducing versatility

3. Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

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Key Features

    Slicker brush suitable for both cats and dogs

    Removes loose hair, tangles, dirt, and dander from your pet’s coat

    Fine wire bristles penetrate deep into the coat

    Virtually self cleaning, as bristles retract allowing gathered hair to drop away

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Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
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The first cat slicker brush to make our list is this self-cleaning design by Hertzko. Their clever brush is designed to remove loose fur, dirt, and dander from your cat’s fur, leaving behind a smooth and fresh-looking coat.

The fine, bent wire bristles penetrate deep within the coat, reaching the underlayer without irritation. The self-cleaning design allows users to freshen up the brush with ease, too: at the click of a button the bristles retract, allowing hair to be deposited with a gentle brush of the hand. 

    Pros

    Fine wire bristles remove loose hair, dander and dirt from pets’ coats, leaving behind a healthy, shiny appearance

    Slicker brushes are more versatile than their deshedding counterparts

    Retractable bristles make for easy cleaning

    Penetrates deep into the coat without causing skin irritation

    Cons

    Wire bristles may be too widely spaced for some fine-hair tangles

    Likely to remove less loose hair than a deshedding brush

4. Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

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Key Features

    Slicker brush suitable for both long and short haired cats

    Stainless steel bristles work their way deep into your cat’s coat

    Bristles retreat inside the brush for easy cleaning

    Features an ergonomic handle that’s comfortable to grip

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Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
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The next slicker brush to make our list is this high quality but budget friendly offering from Safari. Their self-cleaning slicker brush removes loose hair and dirt with ease. When you’re done, the bristles can retract back inside the brush to help hair slide free.

The stainless steel pins gently work their way into your cat’s coat to detangle and speed along the shedding process, leaving behind a clean and shiny appearance. The brush also features an easy grip handle, making it comfortable to use regularly.

    Pros

    Budget-friendly but high quality

    Virtually self-cleaning

    Easily removes loose fur, dander, and dirt from your cat’s coat

    Versatile enough for use on most cat coats

    Cons

    Bristles bend slightly out of place over time

    Bristles can be a little sharp, making the brush unsuitable for cats with sensitive skin

5. Glendan Slicker Pet Grooming Brush

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Key Features

    Slicker brush suitable for both cats and dogs

    Suitable for both long and short hair

    Removes loose hair, dirt, danger and mats

    Promotes healthy skin

    Features a rotating hear

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Glendan Slicker Pet Grooming Brush
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Glendan’s grooming brush is a versatile affair. It’s suitable for cats and dogs, and is equally at home brushing long and short hair. Each bristle features a rounded pinhead, preventing it from irritating delicate pet skin, even as reaches deep within their coat.

The brush is designed to remove loose hair, dander, and dirt. It can also be used to tease out mats and knots, leaving your kitty with an enviably healthy coat. The rotating head makes for comfortable brushing no matter what angle you’re coming from, while an anti-slip handle helps to prevent uncomfortable tugging. Each brush is also backed by a 90 day warranty.

    Pros

    Tipped bristles are ideal for cats with sensitive skin

    Versatile enough for use on both cats and dogs, of all hair lengths

    Head rotates 360 degrees, for comfortable grooming from any angle

    Anti-slip handle provides excellent control

    Backed by a 90 day warranty

    Cons

    No easy-clean feature

    Bristles may be too widely spaced for some tangles

6. Safari Soft Bristle Brush for Cats

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Key Features

    Soft bristle brush suitable for cat grooming

    Flexible bristles remove loose hair, dirt, and dander from your cat’s coat

    Handle is easy to grip

    Removes loose hair, dander, and dirt

    Evenly distributes natural oils through your cat’s coat

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Safari Soft Bristle Brush for Cats
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Safari have nabbed a second spot on our list thanks to their soft bristle brush. Specially designed for younger, or more sensitive felines, its gentle and flexible bristles can remove dirt and loose hair from the coat without the intensity of a wire-bristled design.

This option may well be the best brush for long haired cats. The soft bristles are packed more tightly than their wire counterparts would be, allowing them to tease out even the smallest and most stubborn knots. Safari’s soft bristled brush is also a great option for cats who aren’t fond or grooming, or are new to the experience. Unlike other brushes, the soft nylon bristles also have the advantage of distributing natural oils throughout the coat for extra shine/ It’s comfortable for owners to use, too, featuring an ergonomically shaped wooden handle complete with strategically placed rubber grips.

    Pros

    Ideal for long-haired cats

    Perfect for cats with sensitive skin, or an aversion to grooming

    The only style of brush to evenly distribute natural oils through a cat’s coat

    Easy to grip handle

    Cons

    Bristles do not perform deshedding as well as their steel and wire counterparts

    May struggle to tease out knots in thicker fur

    Grooming with a soft bristled brush can be more time consuming

7. DakPets Deshedding Brush for Cats

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Key Features

    Deshedding brush suitable for cats and dogs

    Available in three fun colors

    Features a replaceable stainless steel edge

    Reduces pet shedding by up to 95%

    Detachable head for easier cleaning

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DakPets Deshedding Brush for Cats
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The next item to make out list is DakPet’s deshedding brush. Available in three fun colors, it’s sure to liven up any grooming kit. The brush was developed with the help of pet grooming experts, and can reduce shedding by up to 95% with regular use. As well as removing excess hair, the brush will also tackle dander and debris; leaving coats healthy and soft.

Regular grooming with the brush’s fine, stainless steel teeth also prevents pests such as fleas, mites, and ticks from making their home in your cat’s coat. The brush also features a replaceable steel blade, prolonging its life and helping to reduce waste.

    Pros

    Almost completely eliminates shedding

    Also tackles mats and tangler, dander, and dirt

    Easy to clean design

    Replaceable blade significantly increases the product’s life, making it more eco-friendly

    Helps keep pests such as mites, ticks, and fleas, off your pet’s fur

    Cons

    Fine teeth may irritate sensitive skin

    Pets who are inexperienced with grooming may find being brushed with this tool uncomfortable

    Developed specifically for deshedding, reducing versatility

8. Evriholder Duo 2-Sided Lint Brush

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Key Features

    Double sided brush for pet grooming and pet hair removal

    Thick bristles on one side remove loose hair and dirt from your cat’s coat

    Fine bristles on the opposite side sweep up hair from soft furnishings and clothes

    Suitable for use on both cat and dog coats

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Evriholder Duo 2-Sided Lint Brush
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If versatility is your number one concern, Evriholder’s two-in-one grooming brush could be the perfect tool for you. On one side, are a set of thick bristles designed to safely and effectively remove excess hair and dirt from your furry friend’s coat. On the other side, a fine, soft brush removes lint and stray hairs from clothing, soft furnishings, and your pet’s sleeping spot.

Gathering up cat hair can be a real chore, but the specially designed rubberized bristles on this brush make the task far easier. Owners say their pets love the feel of this handy and budget-friendly little tool.

    Pros

    Highly versatile – great to keep around for cleaning up post-grooming session

    Budget friendly

    Softer bristles make grooming more comfortable for flightier pets

    A less wasteful alternative to disposable lint rollers

    Cons

    Less effective loose hair removal than deshedding brushes and slicker brushes

    Relatively small surface area for brushing

9. Kong Grooming Brush for Cats

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Key Features

    Soft rubber grooming brush for cats

    Removes excess hair

    Ideal for skittish cats and kittens

    Promotes bonding between owner and cat

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Kong Grooming Brush for Cats
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Although they’re better known for their innovative dog puzzles, KONG are another strong contender for the best cat brush. Their unique Zoom Groom brush features a fun, cat-shaped design, that’s easy to grip for all-over grooming.

The brush’s gentle but effective rubber bristles attract loose hair like a magnet, removing it from your cat’s coat without causing them any discomfort. Their soft feel makes this brush an ideal option for cats who are new to grooming, kitties with sensitive skin, and young kittens. Cats love the feeling of being brushed with KONG’s device, and regular grooming sessions can promote bonding for life.

    Pros

    Soft, large bristles are gentle even on sensitive skin

    Fun, cat-shaped design

    Helps remove excess hair

    Cats love the sensation

    Cons

    Less effective loose hair removal than other brushes

    Does not tackle dirt and dander very effectively

    Wide spaced bristles struggle to tease out knots

10. Safari Pet Products Flea Comb for Cats

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Key Features

    Fine-toothed flea and tick comb for cats

    Chemical-free flea and tick solution

    Pulls out both adult pests and their eggs

    Durable and simple to use

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Safari Pet Products Flea Comb for Cats
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Last, but not least, is Safari’s quality flea comb. It may not be a tool you hope to use often, but keeping a reliable flea comb on hand is essential for spotting and treating the little blighters that can make themselves at home in your feline’s coat.

The flea comb is ideal for the treatment and prevention of fleas, ticks, and mites. Its narrowly spaced, steel teeth root out both adult and juvenile pests, as well as their eggs. With this thorough treatment, you can rest assured that the fleas are gone for good. This simple but effective flea and tick solution precludes the need for harsh chemicals, and stops fleas and ticks in their tracks.

    Pros

    Chemical-free solution for ticks and fleas on your cat

    Fine teeth effectively pull out both adults and eggs

    Regular flea check-ups promote healthy skin and coat

    Budget friendly

    Cons

    Not suitable for day to day grooming

    Time consuming flea and tick removal method

Best Brush For Cats Buying Guide & FAQ

These cat brushes are the best of the best, and we hope our top 10 list has something for every feline’s needs. To help you understand which brush is best for you and your kitty, we’ve also compiled the handy buying guide below.

With grooming tips a-plenty, you’ll be getting the most out of your new brush in no time at all - good luck!

Woman grooming a birman cat

What to Look for in a Cat Brush

Which cat brush you ultimately choose will depend a lot on your cat’s individual needs. To help you decide, we’ve run through some key factors to bear in mind:

  • Your Cat’s Hair

The first thing to bear in mind when selecting a brush for your cat is exactly what type of hair you’ll be brushing. Short haired breeds are more likely to benefit from rigid, steel or wire bristles, whereas long haired felines may find this type of brush tugs too much, and prefer a soft, nylon bristle option. If in doubt, check the manufacturer’s advice - many brushes are suitable for both long and short haired cats.

  • Your Cat’s Temperament

If your cat is skittish, or just doesn’t enjoy grooming, chances are they won’t take kindly to brushes that tug. For cats with this sort of temperament, select a brush with soft bristles. This is also a good option if your kitty has sensitive skin, as metal bristles can irritate their skin.

  • Bristle Type

We’ve already alluded to the different types of bristle above, but it bears repeating. Bristle type is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a brush for your cat. We’ll talk about bristle type, and what it means for your cat, in more detail later.

  • Ease of Use

Finally, when choosing a cat brush it’s important to find one that’s comfortable and easy to use. Look out for features that facilitate easy cleaning, such as retractable bristles, handles that are comfortable to grip, or a rotating head.

Why You Should Brush Your Cat

Brushing your cat regularly comes with a number of benefits:

  • Brushing your cat significantly reduces shedding, protecting your home from stray hairs
  • By removing excess hair from your cat, the risk of fur balls is hugely reduced
  • Grooming your cat promotes bonding between pet and owner
  • Regular brushing removes dirt and dander from your cat’s coat
  • Brushing your cat promotes blood circulation and healthy skin
  • Grooming your cat provides a great opportunity for flea and tick spotting
  • Some brushes help to evenly distribute oil throughout your cat’s coat
  • Regular brushing helps to prevent tangles and mats from forming

Head over to our review of Cat Food for Hairballs for more options.

Types of Cat Brushes

When selecting a cat brush, you’ll have a few different choices - different types of brush are good for different functions:

  • Deshedding Brush

If you’re looking for the best cat brush for shedding, deshedding brushes are the best option. They’re specifically designed for stripping excess fur out of your cat’s coat, so it doesn’t end up on your furniture. Stripping away dead hair like this is also a great way to prevent kitties from getting hairballs. Although hairballs are a fairly common occurrence, they can be dangerous - potentially blocking your cat’s intestinal tract. Bear in mind that deshedding brushes are best for felines already comfortable with grooming, because the sensation of the narrowly spaced teeth running through the coat can be intense.

  • Soft Bristle Brush

These make great long hair cat brushes. Their soft and flexible bristles are typically made from nylon or boar’s hair, and they’re great for detangling hair gently. Like most cat brushes, they also strip away dead hair and dander, while also removing dirt from the coat. One advantage peculiar to these brushes is their ability to evenly spread your cat’s natural oils throughout the coat. This prevents oils from building up in one place, and leaves the coat looking especially soft and shiny. Soft brushes are usually the best option for cats who don’t like grooming, or have sensitive skin, since they tug less than other options.

  • Slicker Brush

In terms of bristle stiffness, the slicker brush falls somewhere between soft brushes and deshedding brushes. They feature fairly close knit wire bristles, usually topped with a pinhead to prevent them from scratching your cat’s skin. Slicker brushes are versatile enough to be used on the coats of both cats and dogs, making them ideal for households with multiple pets. They remove excess fur, dirt, and dander, and can also be used to tease out mats and knots. Most cats and dogs will find this kind of brush comfortable against their skin.

  • Rubber Brush

Number nine on our list is a good example of this kind of brush. They feature soft rubber bristles, spaced quite widely, which many cats will find more comfortable to be brushed with than other styles. The surface of these bristles clings to cat hair, helping to strip out the excess. However, since the bristles are not very rigid, they’re unlikely to penetrate very deep into your cat’s coat.

  • Flea and Tick Comb

Finally, we should mention the flea and tick comb. This specialized piece of grooming equipment has many teeth packed closely together, allowing you to tease apart single hairs, and pull out any fleas and ticks. Grooming with this kind of comb regularly would be incredibly time consuming, but it’s a good idea to check over your cat for these pests and their eggs regularly. If you are looking for more options, check out our guide on flea combs for cats.

Tips For Grooming A Cat Who Hates Being Brushed

Grooming can be an enjoyable experience for your feline friend, but unfortunately not all cats feel this way! If you do have a reluctant cat, you can try the following tips:

  • Allow your cat to simply interact with the grooming brush, without actually brushing them, to help disperse any fear associated with the object
  • Build up grooming time gradually, brushing for just a minute at first, so your cat can become used to the sensation over time
  • Foster positive associations with grooming by providing treats and praise whenever you brush them
  • Try a cat calming product just prior to brushing, to help them feel more relaxed about the process
  • Consider using a pair of cat grooming mittens instead of a brush - this will feel more like petting, and cats who hate brushes may feel comfortable with the sensation

Cat brushing

FAQ

Q: How Frequently Does My Cat Need to be Groomed?

A:

This will depend on their hair:

Long-haired cats such as Ragdolls should be brushed daily
Medium-haired cats should be brushed nearly every day
Short-haired cats should be brushed a few times a week

Q: How to Properly Brush a Cat?

A:

When it comes to brushing your cat, it’s important to make things as comfortable as possible, so the experience is pleasant for you both:

Always brush your cat when they’re relaxed - preferably when they’ve settled down from some form of exercise
Brush against the direction of the hair at first, before smoothing it back down by brushing with the hair
Remove clumps of hair from the brush regularly as you go
Wipe down your cat’s coat with a chamois when you’ve finished - this will remove any dead hair still sticking around, and leave a great sheen

Sources

  1. Mary Lougee, Self-Grooming Brush for Cats, The Nest
  2. Cat Grooming Tips, ASPCA

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How To Safely Trim Long Hair Cats

How to Demat a Longhaired Cat

Cat Dandruff: Is It Something to Worry About?

How to Bathe a Cat (Without Getting Scratched)

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