Have you tried looking for a cat brush lately?
Depending on where you look, there may be dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of options to choose from!
How can you possibly know which the best cat brushes are?
Well, we’ve done the research for you and come up with the best cat brushes.
The best cat brush depends on what type of hair and personality your cat has, so we have several top choices for you.
Our review process is unbiased and based on extensive research. If you buy through the links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Quick-Find Best-Of-Category Table
Our review process is unbiased and based on extensive research. If you buy through the links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Editor’s Choice
Best Silicone/Rubber
Best Bristle Brush
HaloVa Double Sided Brush
- Pin brush and bristle brush in one
- Most cats love it
- Bristles are soft and not harsh on skin
Best Cat Comb
Best Grooming Glove
Best Deshedding Tool
Kelzsm Pet Grooming Glove
- Reduces shedding by up to 90%
- The original deshedding tool
- FurEjector button speeds up the deshedding process
Best Dematting Tool
Best Pin Brush
Why Do I Need To Brush My Cat?
Cats groom themselves, so you may be wondering why it’s necessary to brush your cat. There are several reasons you should brush your cat, even if they have short hair:
Hairballs
Cats swallow a lot of hair when they groom themselves, and that hair doesn’t always pass smoothly through their digestive tract.
As gross as they are, hairballs are a good thing. Why? It means the hair your cat swallows isn’t stuck in your cat’s digestive tract, where it would cause a blockage.
Mats
Mats are more common in long-haired and medium-haired cats, but they can happen in short-haired kitties, too.
A mat is a severe tangle caused by improper or insufficient brushing, and it can pull on your cat’s skin.
Cat saliva makes mats worse, and before long, one mat can turn into a shell of hard fur. That’s no fun for your cat and must be shaved off.
Cleaner house
The more hair you remove from your cat by brushing them, the less you will have in your home. You won’t have as much hair floating around your home, and you will spend less time cleaning your furniture where cat hair clings.
Bonding
Felines bond to each other through mutual grooming, so brushing your cat is a way to show you love her and will help the two of you bond.
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Cat Brush
Choosing the best cat brush is about finding the best device for your cat’s coat type as well a her personality and sensitivity level.
If you have a very sensitive cat, she may not tolerate a grooming tool like a slicker brush.
If you have a long-haired cat, then a Zoom Groom may not be the best option, even if it’s one of the top options for short-haired cats.
We looked at factors such as how many owners report their cats loving or hating each tool, special benefits, and durability to pick the best cat hair brush for your feline friend.
The Different Types Of Cat Fur (And Why They Matter)
Apart from hairless cat breeds, cats can have either short (under 2”), medium (2-4”), or long (more than 4”) fur.
Brushes that are great for removing shedding hair on short-haired cats may be ineffective for kitties with long fur. Dematting tools for medium-haired and long-haired felines are unnecessary for short-haired felines.
Reviews of The Best Cat Brushes (By Category)
There are a variety of kitty brushes on the market, all with different purposes or for different coat types. Here are the most popular cat brushes for each type.
Best Cat Slicker Brush (All Coat Lengths)
While some slicker brushes may resemble a painful contraption full of staples, a cat slicker brush is actually one of the most useful brushes any cat owner can have.
It helps remove loose hair from cats and kittens with hair of any coat length, and it prevents and removes tangles that can turn into mats in kitties with longer fur.
EDITOR’S CHOICE FOR BEST OVERALL BRUSH
#1. Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable to use
- Simple to use
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some cats are too sensitive for slicker brushes and won’t tolerate this brush
While slicker brushes are the best option for most kitties, they’re also the most difficult tool to keep clean.
This tool pushes the hair right off the brush, and since the pins retract, you can easily wipe dander or grease off the head of the brush.
The comfort-grip handle is easier on your hands than other handle types. This means it is not only easier to clean but also easier to use.
Our Verdict:
The Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush For Cats is the best cat slicker brush on the market right now. The self-cleaning feature and comfort-grip handle at a reasonable price simply can’t be beaten.
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#2. Safari Soft Slicker Brush for Cats
Pros:
- Affordable
- Gentle on cat skin
- Many kitties tolerate it well
- Simple to use
Cons:
- Difficult to clean
This basic slicker brush just gets the job done. This soft slicker brush is gentle on a cat’s thin skin while still being effective at removing undercoat and tangles.
Our Verdict:
If you don’t want to pay extra for a self-cleaning slicker brush (like our top pick above), this is the brush that’s best for you. It’s gentle enough for most kitties and is very affordable. It’s super effective and gets the job done, especially if you’re using this brush on a long-haired cat that doesn’t shed much.
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Best Silicone or Rubber Cat Brush (Short Coat Length)
For short-haired cats, it’s hard to beat a silicone or rubber cat brush.
Most cats love it because they think they’re being massaged, but the rubber nubs grab and pull out more loose hair than you would imagine possible.
BEST SILICONE/RUBBER BRUSH
#1. KONG Cat ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush
Pros:
- Removes a ton of hair
- Gentle on skin
- Can also be used on furniture and rugs
- Most pets like it
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Can be messy since the hair doesn’t always stay in the brush
- Some cats don’t like it
- It can be hazardous if your cat decides to chew on it and swallows a piece
The KONG Zoom Groom has been the secret weapon of groomers for many years, and now cat parents are discovering how amazing this product is.
It gently removes a ton of hair from short-haired cats, and many furry friends don’t just tolerate the brushing process but actually enjoy being brushed with this tool.
Our Verdict:
The KONG Cat Zoom Groom is the ideal brush for most short-haired cats and kittens. It removes a ton of hair and is well-tolerated by most pets. Hair may get everywhere during the brushing, but you can turn around and use the rubber brush to remove hair from your furniture or carpet.
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#2. Hertzko Pet Bath & Massage Brush
Pros:
- Most cats tolerate it well
- Removes a lot of hair
- Great during baths to rub in shampoo and rub out loose hair
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Difficult to clean
- Not as gentle as other rubber brushes
The Hertzko Pet Bath & Massage Brush helps loosen your cat’s hair so that it comes out during the bath instead of all over your house.
It can also be used to brush your short-haired cat to remove loose undercoat and reduce shedding. Since it’s made for the bath, it’s sort of a one-dimensional tool, but if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s great.
The Hertzko Pet Bath& Massage is an OK rubber brush, but it’s very heavy. It would benefit from having a strap added to it.
Our Verdict:
If you prefer using a rubber brush on your cat while washing him, this is a decent option. Otherwise, it really isn’t worth the money.
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Best Bristle Brush For Cats
There’s nothing like a good bristle brush to remove dirt and loose hair from your cat.
It also helps spread your cat’s natural oils, helping them look shiny and sleek.
BEST BRISTLE BRUSH
#1. HaloVa Pet Comb, Professional Double Sided Pin & Bristle Bamboo Brush for Dogs & Cats
Pros:
- Gentle
- Multi-purpose
- Sturdy
- Soft bristles
Cons:
- Too big for small cats
- Variable product quality
This double-sided cat brush offers the best of both worlds, with a pin brush on one side and a boar bristle brush on the other.
Use the pin brush to remove undercoat and mats. Then finish with the bristle side for a smooth, shiny look.
This is a practical and versatile brush at a good price, making it a value pick.
Our Verdict:
This is a solid option if you’re looking for a bristle brush for your cat. The plastic pins on one side and soft bristles on the other make it a gentle choice that most cats will tolerate (or even enjoy).
>> Tap Here To Read More Reviews and Get The Best Price On Chewy.com <<
Best Cat Comb
Cat Combs are great for locating mats, detangling, and removing undercoat.
While they usually don’t do as good of a job getting all the loose fur as a brush would, they are a crucial addition to the toolbox of any parent of a long-haired cat.
BEST CAT COMB
#1. JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Comb
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Effectively combs through mats and removes undercoat
- Most cats tolerate it well
Cons:
- Some cats hate to be combed
This comb features a non-slip grip so that you and your cat both stay comfortable through the grooming process.
It’s gentle enough that most cats love it, but it’s strong enough to pick through mats and remove undercoat without breaking or losing teeth.
Our Verdict:
This cat comb is our top-rated. It has a comfortable handle that you will love and is gentle enough that your cat may love it too.
>> Tap Here To Read More Reviews and See Today’s Best Price on Chewy.com <<
Best Cat Brush Glove
A rubber brush can be clumsy to hold and use, so cat brush gloves are a great way to brush your cat that’s easy on your hands and gentle on your cat.
Most cats think they’re getting petted and massaged instead of being brushed.
BEST GROOMING GLOVE
#1. Kelzsm Pet Grooming Glove – Deshedding Brush Gloves for Dogs Cats
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Cats think they’re being petted or massaged
- Relatively easy to remove hair from glove
- Comes with 2 gloves
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Only comes in one size
Fur sticks to glove
Most cats love it
Removes a lot of hair
The Kelzsm Pet Grooming Glove is an easy way to remove loose hair from cats who hate to be brushed.
Once you have a little bit of hair in the glove, hair sticks easily and is removed just as easily.
Great for cats who are skittish or otherwise fearful of being brushed, this product can make brushing a treat for both you and your kitty.
Our Verdict:
These cat grooming gloves are the best of the best, and they’re a reasonable cost, too. Most cats love these gloves, and they effectively remove hair from both short- and long-haired cats. Since they come as a pair, even left-handed people can use them without a problem.
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#2. Dakpets FURblaster Dog & Cat Grooming Glove
Pros:
- One size fits all
- Most cats like it
- Removes a lot of hair
Cons:
- Only comes with a right-handed glove; not good for lefties
- Large one size fits all glove slides around on small hands
- Hard to clean
- Doesn’t capture hair as well as our top pick
The DakPets FURBlaster Dog & Cat Grooming Glove is a typical mitt-style grooming glove for removing your cat’s loose hair.
Most cats enjoy this product better than a normal glove.
Our Verdict:
Honestly, we included this because I know it’s popular, but after reviewing it, this product probably isn’t worth the money. There are better products on the market, and our #1 cat grooming glove recommendation is several dollars cheaper than this one with better functionality.
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Best Deshedding Tool For Cats (Short-Haired)
Short-haired cats can shed a lot more than you might expect, and sometimes a brush or comb just won’t cut it.
Deshedding tools are increasingly popular, and they are fantastic options for getting out hair that has already fallen out but is still stuck in a cat’s coat. By using one of these, you’re going to eliminate a lot of loose fur around your home!
BEST DESHEDDING TOOL FOR SHORT HAIRED
#1. FURminator deShedding Edge Cat Brush
Pros:
- Removes a ton of hair
- Easy to use
- Best of the best
Cons:
- Can remove too much hair (topcoat)
- Can cause bald spots or brush burn
- Hair sometimes clings to the tool
The FURminator deshedding tool was the first tool specifically designed to help remove loose undercoat from short-haired animals, and it still leads the pack in terms of quality.
It reduces shedding up to 90% (yay, less vacuuming!) and is tried, tested, and true…cat parents absolutely LOVE the FURminator, and it’s no wonder why!
Our Verdict:
It’s hard to trust anything but the original FURminator brand when it comes to deshedding tools. They’ve perfected this tool over the years and made it into the best deshedding tool for short-haired cats. Since the price has come down, why trust your cat with imitators?
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Best Deshedding Tool For Cats (Long-Haired)
The tools that work best to remove undercoat from short-haired cats often don’t work as well on long-haired cats. Therefore, it’s better to find a deshedding tool specifically designed for long-haired cats.
Here are the best deshedding tools we found for your longer-haired cat.
BEST DESHEDDING TOOL FOR LONG-HAIRED
#1. Andis Premium Deshedding Pet Tool
Pros:
- Safe for your cat’s skin
- Doesn’t harm your cat’s topcoat
- Works well
- Most pets tolerate it
- May also work on short-haired cats in a household with cats of different coat types
Cons:
- Some cats don’t like it
- Doesn’t work on all coat types
The Andis Premium Deshedding Tool snags undercoat and pulls it out without disturbing the topcoat, which gives it an edge over the FURminator for long-haired cats. The rounded edges help prevent you from cutting your cat’s skin.
Our Verdict:
For cats with long fur, this deshedding tool is the best value out there.
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Best Dematting Tools For Cats
Despite your best efforts, sometimes mats appear in your cat’s coat.
Cutting mats out with scissors is dangerous, and shaving mats out with clippers can leave bald spots in your cat.
Luckily, dematting tools can safely get many mats out of your cat when used properly.
BEST DEMATTING TOOL
#1. Dakpets Dematting Rake Comb for Dogs & Cats
Pros:
- Safe
- Effective
- Great deal since it’s 2 tools in one
Cons:
- Can tug on cat’s skin
- Fur doesn’t stick to tool and flies everywhere
This two-in-one tool has dematting blades on one side and deshedding blades on the other to make for one fantastic tool to keep in your arsenal of cat brushes.
If you want a great tool for mats but also want to keep up between dematting sessions, this is a great value-add option.
Our Verdict:
The Dakpets Dematting Rake Comb is an excellent deal. It combines a dematting tool with a deshedding tool. It safely removes mats. Just be careful when using it so that you don’t tug on your cat’s skin.
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Best Pin Brush For Cats (Long Coat Length)
One of the best tools you can use for a long-haired cat is a pin brush.
Pin brushes work their way through knots without cutting them the way dematting tools do, and they leave your cat looking smooth and shiny.
BEST PIN BRUSH
Andis Premium Large Pin Pet Brush
Pros:
- Blunt pin tips are safe on cat’s skin
- Light and easy to use
- Comfortable to hold
- Many pets love this brush
Cons:
- Pins may fall out or get pushed inside the brush
- Some pets don’t like it
- May be too large for small cats
This brush is made from the long-trusted Andis company and glides smoothly through long fur without ripping out undercoat or cutting through mats.
If your kitten has a longer coat, this is the best you can get.
Our Verdict:
The Andis company makes products you can trust. Their Premium Large Pin Pet Brush is a solid deal for larger cats, but the brush may be too large for smaller cats.
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How To Brush Your Cat
Regardless of which brush type you use, you will want to brush in the direction that your cat’s hair grows. Brushing backward can irritate your cat and damage her fur.
If your kitty doesn’t like being brushed, be sure to reward her with treats before and after the brushing process. For some cats, though, the brushing is a reward by itself!
