The right brushes and combs designed for grooming cats can make your job a lot simpler when it comes to keeping your pet’s skin and coat healthy and beautiful. These products are designed to help you clean your kitty’s coat, remove tangles and knots, get rid of mats, and distribute the oils that are naturally found in your pet’s skin so the coat can remain soft and smooth.

Below, we discuss the benefits of grooming your cat using the right tools, and you can also check out the different types of brushes and combs that are available, as well as look into our top 10 recommendations when you’re ready to start shopping.

The Importance of Grooming Your Cat

Sure, your kitty does a great job grooming, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t brush her. While some cats might not like being brushed, many do like it a lot, and it’s also a good way to bond with your pet.

Regardless of how old your feline companion is, brushing her regularly is a nice way to make her realize you care. It also helps you as well because, by removing loose hair before it gets all over your house, or before your cat throws up a hairball, you’ll have less to clean up.

Whether your cat has short hair or long hair, regularly brushing her can help keep her coat looking and feeling healthy and clean. And using a good quality brush or comb that is made for felines can even help prevent the fur from becoming matted.

The Different Types of Brushes for Grooming Cats

There are a lot of different types of brushes and combs that are available for you to use on your kitty’s fur. This gives you the chance to select the right grooming tool for your cat’s needs.

Here are some tips to help you decide which type of brush to use on your cat:

No matter what tool you use, it’s best to brush your cat’s coat in the direction of the hair growth. Also, always be gentle, as you don’t want to irritate your pet’s skin with the comb or pull on the fur too hard.

What are some of the main types of grooming brushes for cats? Well, they include:

• Deshedding comb – As you probably already guessed, this type of comb can help remove loose fur from your kitty’s coat, and help reduce shedding and hairballs. It can also be a handy tool to use if you want to help prevent matting.
• Grooming comb – Although it might look a little bit like a flea comb, the teeth on this type of comb will be spaced apart more to make it easier to move through your cat’s coat. It can help you remove knots while avoiding breakage, and you can find these combs designed for kitties with short hair or long hair.
• Rubber brush – Whether your cat isn’t a fan of brushes and combs with metal bristles, or you just want to add variety to your grooming kit, a rubber brush can be gentler on your pet’s skin. Your cat will feel like she’s getting a massage while you work on removing loose hair and making her coat shine.
• Slicker brush – In addition to being a good choice for basic grooming needs, this can be used if you notice that there are knots or tangles in your cat’s fur. Just be gentle, as you don’t want the fine metal bristles to scratch or irritate your pet’s skin.
• Bristle brush – This can be a good tool for smoothing your cat’s hair and making it look shiny, as it has natural or synthetic bristles. If you have a long-haired kitty, you might need to use other tools first, and then finish the grooming session with this brush.
• Double-sided brush – This is like having two brushes in one because one side is made for removing tangles, while the other can be used to smooth the fur.
• Pin brush – If your kitty tends to develop tangles and knots in her fur, especially if her fur is on the longer side, this tool can help you remove them before they result in matting. Although similar to a bristle brush, it has metal pins rather than bristles.
• Grooming gloves – These are fun because you can pet your cat while also removing loose hair. Your kitty will feel like she’s being massaged, and this type of grooming product can help keep your pet’s coat and skin feeling soft.

A Look at Some of the Best Cat Brushes to Consider Buying

Now that you have a better idea of the different types of grooming brushes and combs that are available for cats, you can decide which one you think your furry friend would benefit from most. Or, you can purchase a few different types of cat hair brushes so you can use more than one tool during each grooming session, or simply alternate between them, as needed.

To help you shop for the right brush for cats, we’ve compiled a list of 10 products that we think are worth checking out. They’re listed in no particular order, and they are great options to think about when you want to pamper your adorable fur baby.

The Paws & Pals Best In Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool is a high-quality brush that can be used on all hair types. It can help you remove dander and loose hair from your kitty’s coat. This means it can help reduce allergens, as well as shedding.

The stainless steel blade is sturdy and can reach your pet’s undercoat to help remove loose hair, as well as help prevent mats, without tugging, all while also being gentle enough to avoid irritating your cat’s delicate skin. However, it isn’t recommended for pets that don’t shed a lot. Ideal for cats of all hair types this deshedding tool won’t just reduce shedding – it also helps prevent mats, keep the fur luster and silky, and reduce bodily odor with regular grooming routine. Regular brushing also helps stimulate natural skin oils, so your cat’s skin won’t be itchy and flaky but rather moisturized and healthy.

What you’ll also like about this brush is that it has an ergonomic, comfort-grip handle that makes it easy and comfortable to use when you groom your kitty to keep her coat soft and shiny. And it also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

The Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats makes it easy to remove excess hair from your pet’s coat, and it’s also simple to quickly clean the brush so it’s ready for your next grooming session.

All you have to do is comb your kitty’s fur, and when it’s time to clean the brush, you just push a button to make the stainless steel pins retract. That causes the hair to fall away from the pad. Then, just reposition the button to set the bristles back into position. Really easy!

This brush also has a comfort grip handle to ensure you can hold it comfortably and securely while you groom your pet. And the pin design allows you to brush your cat with minimal effort. Plus, this brush is also made to be gentle so it doesn’t irritate your kitty’s skin. Just be sure to carefully brush in the direction of the fur growth.

The JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush is a product that is designed for regular brushing when you want to reduce shedding and help prevent hairballs. It is suitable for all breeds, and it can work on short-haired, medium-haired, and long-haired haired kitties.

This brush, which is gentle and effective, has a round head and angled pins that can help keep your pet’s fur soft and free of tangles from head to tail. And it can even be a good choice if your kitty has sensitive skin because it has flexible stainless steel tines. Plus, it also boasts an ergonomic handle and non-slip grips, so it is designed to be easy and comfortable for you to use – and you can use it daily, as it is designed to be gentle enough even for cats with the most sensitive skin.

Long-haired cat breeds are high-maintenance: without regular brushing with the proper tools (not just any old comb will do), their coat quickly gets matted and tatty. Rake combs such as this pet deshedding brush make a fantastic choice for long, thick coats of breeds such as Maine Coon, Himalayan, Persian and other long-haired cats as they both remove the dead hair and gently detangle mats for a silky, knot-free coat without much fuss. There are 2 sides to this brush – on one side, the teeth are close together and the other further apart to provide two different grooming functions. The 9-teeth side is meant to be used for dematting, and the thicker, 17-teeth side is ideal for thinning fur and deshedding, providing you all the tools you need to keep your long-haired kitty’s coat in top form in a single brush. To boot, the no-slip handle gives you a firm and comfortable grip, and makes this deshedding brush easy on the hands, even if you use it on a daily basis. To make sure your pet’s skin is protected, the teeth on this deshedding brush are rounded, so you don;t have to worry about inadvertently scratching or hurting your kitty during grooming.

Another grooming glove option is the Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves Dog & Cat Grooming and Deshedding Aid. What’s nice about this product is that it comes in a pack of two, so you can put these gloves on and groom your kitty while petting her with both hands. What cat wouldn’t love that?

These gloves feature silicone bristles that massage your feline friend and help make grooming sessions ultra-relaxing for her. Other features include a comfortable, flexible, and durable mesh, and an adjustable Velcro strap to fit all sizes.

You can use this product on short-haired or long-haired kitties, and it can work on all coat types. As you brush your cat, you’ll be cleaning her coat and removing loose fur, and if you run into any tangles or mats, you can work on removing them as well. Any fur that you collect will be trapped on the gloves until you remove it easily during cleanup. Plus, you can wash these gloves and air dry them in the sun to clean them whenever you need to.

Another handy self-cleaning grooming tool is the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, which can be used on any length and type of coat, which makes it very versatile and practical, especially in multi-pet households. Because it features bristles that curve slightly, it can effectively, yet gently, remove tangles and stubborn knots from a cat’s coat. And if your pet has thick fur, this tool can get through it, without irritating or scratching your feline companion’s skin or pulling on the hair. And if your pet has particularly sensitive skin, don’t worry – this slicker brush also comes in a design tailored to cats with sensitive skin to make sure your pet doesn’t get any irritation from the grooming process. Essentially, any type of coat or skin- this cat brush can tackle it without a problem!

What’s also attractive about this product is the durable, anti-slip handle that is designed to be comfortable. If you tend to feel wrist or hand strain, this might be an option that is worth trying to see if it can provide you with the relief that you need while you brush your pet. This is especially true for owners of long-haired breeds- those grooming sessions can really drag on. Plus, when you need to clean off the brush, all you have to do is use the retraction button to pull the bristles back and quickly remove the fur that the bristles have collected.

The FURminator deShedding Edge Cat Brush, which is designed to help you keep your cat’s fur clean and healthy, comes in sizes small and medium/large (the small is made for pets that weigh up to 10 pounds, while the large is made for pets that weight more than 10 pounds). And you can also select from two options, depending on your cat’s coat: a brush that’s made for pets with short hair or one that’s made for those with long hair.

This product, which is made especially for felines, makes it easy to groom your furry companion. It features a Skin Guard that allows it to glide over your pet’s skin to avoid irritation, and it also has a stainless steel Curved Edge to help the brush conform to your cat’s body. And, for you, it has an ergonomic handle for comfort.

You can use this tool to remove loose hair from your cat’s coat to help reduce shedding and hairballs. Then, when you’re done, simply press the handy button to release the hair that the brush has collected so you can clean it quickly and easily. Plus, this brush also has an Edge Guard to protect the teeth while you are storing it in between uses.

The Four Paws Magic Coat Tangle Remove Brush for Cats is a helpful tool that you can use on cats that tend to develop tangles and mats in their coats. If your kitty has medium to long fur, this product is designed to help you more easily remove dead hair, tangles, and mats gently, thanks to the stainless steel rounded “blades”.

What you’ll notice about this brush is that it has a smaller head to be gentle yet effective, and to make it easier for you to reach areas on your cat’s body that would be difficult to get to with a regular brush. And you’ll also like the non-slip grip that ensures you can use this brush without straining your hand.

The JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Comb can be used for grooming medium-haired and long-haired cats. It features an ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip, so your hand can feel comfortable while you work on combing your pet’s coat to remove loose hair and help reduce hairballs and matting.

You can use this comb every day to help prevent problems, such as tangles, before they occur. However, if your cat’s coat already has any tangles, it is best to use a brush that is designed to remove those first. Then, you can use this comb, which can remove loose hair and help smooth the coat. Just be sure to be gentle, as you would with any other grooming tool, and comb in the direction of the hair growth.

If your cat isn’t a fan of brushes and combs, or if you want an even easier way to groom your kitty, check out the Ethical Pet Spot Grooming Glove. This glove makes it super simple to remove loose hair because all you have to do is wear it while you pet your feline friend.

Your cat won’t even know that she’s being groomed because the soft rubber nubs on this glove will help her relax and feel like she’s being pampered with a massage. Designed to be gentle on your pet’s skin, it can remove loose hair and help you get rid of tangles before they get worse. Plus, because you’re wearing a glove, you can use your fingers to reach areas of your pet’s body that might be difficult to clean with a regular comb.

This glove comes in a “one size fits most” size. And it’s easy to clean when you’re done, as you just pull the fur off of the glove. This is also a great choice for multi-pet households as it can be used on both cats and dogs with equal success.

The SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool is a versatile, highly efficient tool that can be used on horses, dogs, and cats- and all with equal success. The only difference is the size: this 2.5 inch long deshedding comb will be just right for your feline friend.

Designed to remove loose hair and undercoat without snagging, this grooming tool has a wave pattern “blade” that’s composed of tiny teeth that will grab the tips of the hair and pull away the loose ones with absolute ease and efficiency. In the process, this nifty gadget will also remove any dirt, dander, and knots to reveal a silky, soft, smooth coat. The hair, once collected along the blade of teeth, will fall to the ground – no need to pull hair from the comb, all you have to do is clean the neat little piles of hair from the floor.

The handle, which is made from poplar wood, is ergonomic and lies comfortably in your hand. The cleanup is all but effortless as the picked up hair will simply fall off the blade, with no need for complex mechanism or manual removal of hair from dense teeth. To boot, in addition to being a fantastic deshedding comb for your cat, this gadget can also be used on other pets or even on furniture- to pick up any stray hairs you might have missed previously.

What if you didn’t have to be a part of the brushing process but the job still got done? The unique design of Catit Senses 2.0 Self Groomer Cat Brush gives you the chance to avoid your kitty’s claws by allowing your pet to brush themselves. The self-grooming wall brush can be attached to a wall corner or a flat surface, and your pet will rub against the spiky bristles which will, in turn, remove loose hair.

Easy to mount with strips that are included or screws if you need some extra sturdiness, this self-grooming brush is also easy to maintain. Made from BPA-free materials, it removes easily from the base and washes with water and mild soap if needed.

Another bonus is that this self-grooming cat brush has side compartments for catnip (which is included) so you can rest assured that your kitty will be interested in her new self-grooming sessions.

This two-in-one grooming tool gives you plenty of options when it comes to keeping your cat’s coat in check, especially if they sport a long coat. Burt’s Bees for Cats 2-in-1 Double Sided Pin & Bristle Brush for Cats has one side that features soft bristles that gently remove shedded hair and make the coat look shinier as well as feel smoother, and one side with rounded metal pins that are meant to help with knots, tangles, and removing debris from your pet’s flowing locks.

Made from bamboo and recycled materials, this cat brush is both eco-friendly and pet-friendly. Also, thanks to the lightweightedness of bamboo, this brush is easy to hold and will make you comfy even during those long brushing sessions.

So Many Brushes to Keep Your Cat’s Coat Looking Beautiful!

As you can see, you have a lot of options when it comes to picking the tools that you’ll use to keep your cat’s coat looking beautiful and feeling super soft and smooth. Plus, by removing the loose hair throughout your kitty’s coat, you might start to notice that less of it is left behind on your furniture, and your kitty might even throw up fewer hairballs as well.

If your pet isn’t used to being groomed, just be patient, as she might need some time to realize that there’s nothing to fear and it feels really good. Or, opt to use a grooming glove if that’s less intimidating. No matter what, know that you have options! And with a consistent and gentle grooming routine with the right products, you can take steps to bond with your furry friend while keeping her happy.

The first thing to consider, of course, is your cat’s coat type and hair length so you can choose the appropriate brush for it. After all, it’s not the same if you have a domestic shorthair with a short plush coat or a Persian with long, luscious locks! Next, settle on the type of the brush – do you need something to keep mats and tangles at bay, reduce shedding, get rid of fleas, or do you need something for regular daily brushing? After you’ve checked all the boxes a cat brush needs to have to meet the needs of your pet, be sure to think of yourself, too, especially if you have a cat that needs frequent or long brushing sessions: the handle should be anti-slip for a firm grasp and ideally ergonomical to ensure comfort.

Yes, cats feel better after being brushed – and for more reasons than one. Not only that brushing removes loose hair, mats, and tangles which could bother your cat, but the act of grooming itself is very soothing for a cat. It’s almost like a long cuddle session! For cats, brushing improves their bond with the owner and makes them feel pampered and loved – and who wouldn’t feel better after that?

While most cats love being brushed, that’s not always the rule – there are always those felines that prefer to do their grooming on their own. If your cat gets mad because you are brushing their coat, there could be a couple of reasons for that, but the main one is usually fear. Your kitty is anxious and fearful because they are not sure what you’re doing to them, so it will take some time and patience for them to get used to the process – take it step by step. If fear is not the reason, then you might be hurting them: pulling on tangled or matted hair or brushing sensitive areas of the body cats are protective of might make your cat lash out and act aggressively.

It all depends on the type of coat they have. Short-haired breeds can get away with a weekly brushing and look their best, but cats with long hair need to be brushed daily to prevent mats and tangles and keep their fur shiny and soft. Another important aspect to consider when determining how often you should brush your cat is shedding – the more your cat sheds, the more often you should brush them to remove all the dead hair from the coat.

In most cases, cats shed simply because it’s their nature – just like our hair sheds, so does their coat. Regular shedding might be intensified in the warmer months of the year as your cat will be “slimming down” the coat to accommodate for the toastier weather. However, if your cat suddenly starts shedding more than usual, it might be a medical issue that’s causing the hair fall. Issues that could cause shedding in cats range from parasites and infections to stress and malnutrition, so be sure to contact your vet if shedding is abnormal in any way.

Brushing your cat with a hair brush designed for human use won’t harm them, but it also won’t be as effective as using a cat hair brush. Not only that the size is off, but the design of the bristles isn’t adapted for a pet’s coat, so your hair brush won’t be able to de-mat your pet’s fur or remove loose pet hair from their coat. Human hair brushes are designed to go through one coat of hair, whereas cats have dense fur and won’t benefit from such design.

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