Last updated Mar 23, 2023
Our Review Process
Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds. Read more about how we’re supported here.When you find the best cat brush, you and your cat will both know it. Good brushes feel great in your hand, are gentle on your cat’s skin, and are a perfect fit for their coat type.
Because it’s affordable, easy to use, appropriate for all coat types, and has hundreds of glowing customer reviews, we’ve selected Safari’s self-cleaning slicker brush as our number one pick. We’ve also chosen the best cat brush for special needs, including sensitive skin, various coat types, and matted fur.
Top Picks Explained
Why Should You Trust Us?
Over the last two years, we’ve spent a lot of time figuring out what it takes to make a great cat brush.
We’ve researched the types of brushes & de-shedding tools available, read hundreds of customer reviews, and performed real-world tests on over a dozen top brushes. We spent over 35 hours testing their sturdiness, cat-friendliness, and ability to prevent shedding and hair loss.
Based on this extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve selected the following 11 cat brushes as the best you can buy.
At A Glance: Best Cat Brushes & De-shedding Tools To Buy
In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
- Effectively combs through hair
- Retractable teeth for easy cleanup
- Comfort grip handle for easy brushing
Kong ZoomGroom
- Gentle rubber teeth for sensitive cats
- Cute cat design
- Effectively removes dead hair
Frisco Dematting Double-Sided Comb
- Great for long-haired and mat-prone cats
- Rubberized handle for improved comfort and control
- Double-sided for dematting and deshedding
Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Brush
- Great for short haired cats
- Soft for sensitive skin
- Easy to handle
HandsOn Grooming Glove
- Nub pattern allows for effective grooming
- Available in two colors
- Gentle for sensitive cats
FURminator Long Hair Cat Deshedding Tool
- Great for cats with thick undercoats
- One of the best-loved cat brushes on the market
- High-quality, long-lasting construction
Safari Flea Comb for Cats
- Essential tool for households at risk for fleas
- Highly affordable, priced under $5
- Simple design, very easy to use
Before we jump into individual product reviews of the top 11 best cat brushes on the market, let’s talk about the types of cat brushes available, identifying which brushes are best for certain coat types and personalities.
Types Of Cat Brushes
Slicker Brushes
Ideal for: All coat types, cats who like being brushed
These brushes have fine wire teeth set on varying angles. Because the wire teeth comb through your cat’s fur from multiple angles, these brushes are very effective for removing loose hair as well as dirt and dander. The thin metal tines aren’t painful for most cats but can irritate sensitive skin. If your cat has damaged skin or is particularly sensitive to touch, you may want to choose a rubber brush or grooming glove instead.
Dematting Tools
Ideal for: Long-haired cats prone to mats
Don’t use a pair of scissors to cut out a mat. If your cat flinches or you snip in the wrong place, you could cut their skin instead of the matted fur. Instead, use a dematting tool. These tools have sharp blades with rounded tips. They scoop underneath the mat and gently cut it out without harming the skin underneath.
Brush Gloves
Ideal for: Short coats, cats with sensitive skin
The great thing about grooming gloves is that they aren’t brushes. They’re gloves with small rubber nubs and bristles that gently massage your cat’s coat and draw out loose hair. Instead of feeling alien on your cat’s skin, the touch of a gloved hand is both comforting and natural. Plus, it acts as a deshedding tool.
Bristle Brushes
Ideal for: Cats who need to look gorgeous
A bristle brush smooths and beautifies the hair. They’re popular for use on show cats and other felines who need to look shiny and fabulous. They make an excellent finishing cat brush for coats of all types.
Rubber Brushes
Ideal for: Sensitive cats
Rubber brushes have wide-set rubber teeth, which gently move through the fur, detangling and removing loose hair. The rubber teeth provide a gentle massage as well, improving circulation and boosting the health of your cat’s skin. They’re a gentler choice for cats who can’t tolerate harsh metal brushes.
Deshedding Tools
Ideal for: Cats with thick undercoats
Remember that your cat’s coat has three different layers. Most cats have guard hairs, awn hairs, and down hairs. The thickest, densest layer is the down or undercoat, which lies at the base of the coat nearest to the skin. Cats with particularly long, dense undercoats are prone to matting problems and severe shedding. The undercoat can also make a cat overly warm during hot weather.
Deshedding tools reach deep through the layers of your cat’s coat to access the soft, dense undercoat. When used on a cat with a thick undercoat, deshedding tools can produce dramatic piles of downy hair while leaving your cat’s coat looking silky and smooth.
Also Read: 15 Best Cat Foods For Shedding
Detangling Combs
Ideal for: Medium to long-haired cats
These combs have long teeth that pick through your cat’s coat, removing loose hair while gently detangling. They can help to prevent mat formation as well.
While these are useful for cats with longer coats, they’re not the best choice for cats who don’t like brushing. Detangling combs aren’t soft and do little to massage the skin.
Pin Brushes
Ideal for: Medium to long-haired cats
A pin cat brush is similar to a slicker brush but has more widely-spaced teeth and is a less aggressive grooming tool. The pins are tipped with plastic balls that massage your cat’s skin and distribute natural oils through their coat.
The Top 11 Best Cat Brushes and Deshedding Tools
#1 Overall Best: Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
How did this brush earn the number one place on this list?
It’s versatile—you can use it on almost every coat type, including short, medium, and long hair.
It’s thorough—the brush captures loose hair from the undercoat, massages the skin, and distributes oils for a healthy sheen. This brush has stainless steel pins that gently but effectively comb through the coat, deshedding loose hair, loosening tangles, and extracting dirt and dander.
And finally, it has a user-friendly design. The handle has a soft grip and hand-friendly shape that make it easy and comfortable to use.
Most other brushes don’t cleanly collect hair. Instead, they send it flying through the air as you groom. This brush keeps most of the hair securely on the wire teeth. Once you’re done brushing, you can easily retract the pins to release a clump of hair neatly into the trash.
Pros
- Effectively combs through hair
- Retractable teeth for easy cleanup
- Comfort grip handle for easy brushing
- A well-regarded and popular brush
Cons
- Some cats find the stainless steel pins irritating
- Pins are delicate and prone to bending
#2 Best Rubber Cat Brush: Kong ZoomGroom Review
This one is a classic. The KONG ZoomGroom is a cat-shaped little rubber brush that fits in the palm of your hand and gently removes loose hair from your cat’s coat.
The wide-spaced rubber teeth are flexible, making it a gentle brush that’s easy on even the most sensitive kitties. You can think of it as a massage brush that gently stimulates the skin without irritating it.
While the ZoomGroom has great popularity thanks to its gentle groom-massage and deshedding abilities, it’s not perfect. It doesn’t grab the hair very securely and, according to customer reviews, tends to send fur flying around. It can take off a lot of dead hair, but it will likely let it sprinkle down on your cat and furniture.
Pros
- Gentle rubber teeth for sensitive cats
- Cute cat design
- Effectively removes dead hair
- An economical choice
Cons
- Doesn’t contain removed hair very well
#3 Best Brush For Long Hair: Frisco Dematting Double-Sided Comb
Cats with long fur need a little extra attention when it comes to grooming because their fur tends to get matted. The Frisco dematting comb is uniquely designed for longer coats, made with sharp stainless-steel blades to work through clumps of matted fur. The blades are curved with dulled ends to protect your cat’s skin during grooming.
This dematting comb is double-sided, so it works as both a dematting tool and a deshedding tool. The side with widely spaced teeth is perfect for cutting through mats while the side with closely spaced teeth is ideal for weekly grooming and deshedding. The tool also has a rubberized handle which makes it comfortable to hold.
Pros
- Great for long-haired and mat-prone cats
- Rubberized handle for improved comfort and control
- Double-sided for dematting and deshedding
- Dulled ends to prevent injuries to your cat’s skin
Cons
- May pull on the fur during use
- Some customers say the blades aren’t sharp enough
#4 Best For Bathing: Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Brush
This soft silicone brush is designed for short haired cats. Its patented two-sided design features soft silicone nodules that draw out loose hair, stimulate circulation, and help to spread natural oils to nourish the skin and coat. It’s squishy and gentle, so it’s a great choice for cats who are irritated by firmer steel or hard plastic brushes and combs.
This brush is a good choice for people who bathe their cats. It works just as well when it’s wet as it does when it’s dry. The brush has “shampoo reservoir cells”, which hold cat shampoo during bathing.
Another interesting feature of the brush is that because it’s made from 100% medical grade silicone, it’s dishwasher-safe. This makes it a particularly no-fuss product.
Pros
- Great for short haired cats
- Soft for sensitive skin
- Easy to handle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not the most effective deshedding tool
#5 Best Grooming Glove: HandsOn Grooming Glove Review
Grooming gloves are a favorite among sensitive cats, especially those who love being petted, but hate the touch of a brush. If your cat is afraid of strange things running through his coat, a grooming glove is a calming alternative to traditional cat brushes.
The HandsOn glove has a few features that set it apart from other grooming gloves, but sizing is the most significant point of difference. The glove is available in five sizes—junior, small, medium, large, and extra large.
Because they fit so well, you can comfortably give your cat a very natural grooming experience. The bottom of the glove is covered in nitrile nodules. The fingers have longer bristles, while the palm is covered in slightly less aggressive massaging nodes.
You can get it in black or green.
Pros
- Nub pattern allows for effective grooming
- Available in two colors
- Gentle for sensitive cats
- Available in five sizes for a perfect fit
Cons
- The nitrile palms tend to crack
#6 Best Deshedding Tool: FURminator Long Hair Cat Deshedding Tool
Perhaps the most famous of all pet brushes, the FURminator, is known for its extraordinary ability to extract hair from the dense undercoat.
It has a stainless steel deshedding edge that reaches deep beneath the topcoat to access the fuzzy undercoat, capturing loose hairs and preventing them from gathering into mats or shedding throughout the house.
The Furminator does a great job of smoothly collecting the hair and doesn’t send it flying around the room. Its ejector button makes it easy to discard collected fur.
Pros
- Great for cats with thick undercoats
- One of the best-loved cat brushes on the market
- High-quality, long-lasting construction
Cons
- If you use it excessively, you could take out too much of the undercoat
- Expensive
#7 Best Flea Comb: Safari Flea Comb for Cats
Though not technically a cat brush, the Safari flea comb is an excellent grooming tool to keep on hand, especially if your cat goes outdoors or you have another outdoor pet in your home. It’s a good idea to check your cat for fleas periodically so you can take immediate action to control an infestation.
The Safari flea comb is a single-rowed flea comb made with a closely spaced teeth and a sturdy plastic handle. The handle is contoured with an ergonomic grip to fit comfortably in your palm and it is very easy to use – simply start at the base of your cat’s neck and work your way through the coat down to the tail.
You can always use a flea comb to check your cat for fleas. If you discover an infestation, you’ll find yourself using it often after applying flea powder or shampoo to kill fleas.
Pros
- Essential tool for households at risk for fleas
- Highly affordable, priced under $5
- Simple design, very easy to use
Cons
- None
Other Cat Brushes And Pet Grooming Tools We Love
#8 Best Budget Deshedding Tool: Eazee by Foolee Deshedding Tool for Cats Review
If you don’t want to spend up to $40 on the FURminator, this little deshedder tool is a great budget-friendly alternative.
It’s designed to remove hair from the undercoat without pulling, snagging, or scratching your cat’s skin. In contrast to the sometimes-harsh metal teeth found on the Furminator, the Eazee deshedder has plastic teeth.
While it’s much cheaper and considerably less well-known than the FURminator, the Eazee deshedding tool has a few qualities that may make it a more desirable choice. The Eazee deshedder comes with two grooming blades, allowing you to choose between light and intense grooming.
While you’ll have to buy an entire FURminator unit to accommodate a long or short coat, the Eazee deshedder effortlessly adapts to varied coat lengths. Every deshedding blade is reversible for either long or short coats.
You can purchase the Eazee deshedder in green, blue, purple, and pink colors.
Pros
- Strong and sturdy
- Can be used for both long and short haired cats
- Available in multiple colors
- A good value
Cons
- Not very well-known with few customer reviews
- The deshedding brush can be difficult to insert into the handle
#9 Best Self-Grooming Cat Brush: Catit Senses 2.0 Self Groomer Cat Toy Review
Here’s an interesting twist on the traditional grooming brush. It’s a toy that allows your cats to brush themselves and have fun while they’re at it.
For most cats, a self-grooming toy like this is no substitute for a human-operated brush. That said, this can be an interesting alternative for fiercely independent cats who refuse to allow someone else to groom them.
The Catit Senses 2.0 Self Groomer Cat Toy lies on the floor or mounts to a corner. You’ll use the included pouch of catnip to entice your cat approach the bristled toy. If you’re lucky, the nipped-up cat will start to rub their face and body against the groomer.
The bristles act like any other brush to remove loose hair and massage your cat’s skin.
Pros
- Great for cats who don’t like being groomed by a human
- Effectively extracts loose hair
- Convenient for people who don’t have the time or the ability to groom their cat
Cons
- Most cats won’t give themselves a thorough brushing with this toy
#10 Best Bristle Brush: Mars Boar Bristle Cat Brush Review
This is a German-made brush featuring real boar bristles set in a birch wood handle. The bristles are extremely soft, so the brush isn’t a good choice for heavy shedders or matted coats. It is, however, a good choice for sensitive cats with short coats.
As Amazon customer brosephous put it, “…the brush is mostly just good for the pleasure it provides the cat and for imparting a lustrous, glossy sheen to his fur—it won’t really be of much use as a serious combatant in the Shedding Wars.”
So if you’re looking for a soft, gentle brush that will give your delicate kitty a little extra shine, this boar brush is a serious contender.
Pros
- Excellent for sensitive cats
- Helps to add shine
- Well-constructed and made to last
Cons
- Not the best for serious shedders
#11 Best For Multiple Pet Homes: Professional Double Sided Pin & Bristle Brush
If you’re looking for a versatile brush that’s perfect for both long and short haired cats, this one might be a good choice. Because of its versatile design and the fact that it’s the right size for cats, dogs, and other pets, this one-sided brush is popular in multiple pet households.
This is a pin brush, which is appropriate for medium-to-long-haired cats. A gentle pin brush draws out loose hair and massages the skin.
Customer reviews indicate that the brush has a gentle touch and is comfortable in the hand.
Pros
- Excellent for sensitive cats
- Comfortable handle
- Perfect for multiple cat homes
Cons
- Not ideal for very heavy shedders
Tips For A Successful Grooming Experience
To minimize hairballs and prevent hair from being shed all around your house, brush your cat once a week. Here are a few tips to make grooming both fun and effective.
Also Read: Best Cat Food For Hairball Control
Start Grooming Your Cat When They’re Relaxed and In A Good Mood
Grab your brush and sidle up to your cat while he’s taking a nap or lounging in bed. Don’t try to start brushing your cat while they’re eating, playing, or out for a walk. If your cat is licking himself, it’s a good idea to let him finish his own grooming session before you lunge in with a brush.
Before You Start Brushing, Run Your Hands Along Your Cat’s Body To Inspect For Lumps, Wounds, Or Other Abnormalities
Slowly and mindfully pet your cat, feeling for anything out of the ordinary. You do this for three reasons. One, you’ll notice if your cat has any sensitive areas you should avoid with the brush.
Second, it’s an opportunity to check for lumps, wounds, and abnormalities. This kind of inspection should be part of your weekly routine anyway. And finally, you’re priming your cat for physical contact, helping make a natural transition from hands to brush.
Brush Your Cat In The Direction Of Fur Growth
It’s important to let the brush flow in the direction of your cat’s fur. Brushing against the grain will pull the skin and irritate your cat.
If You Encounter Tangles, Gently Tease Them Out. Use A Dematting Tool to Cut Out Serious Mats
If you have a long-haired cat, you’ll probably encounter tangles or mats from time to time. When you do, try to gently tease them out with your brush. If you can’t a dematting tool can help you cut them out.
Once You’re Done, Give Your Kitty A Treat
Most cats love being brushed, but that doesn’t mean that a reward isn’t warranted. Create positive associations with grooming time by giving your cat a treat after brushing time is over.
Relevant Content:
- How To Bathe A Cat (A Step-by-Step Guide)
- How To Trim Cat Nails
- Best Cat Grooming And Deshedding Gloves
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my cat?
The frequency with which you need to brush your cat may depend on its coat type and length. For long-haired cats, daily brushing is recommended but short-haired cats may only need to be brushed once a week.
Does brushing help with cat dandruff?
Most cats are meticulous groomers, so they keep their coats in pretty good condition. When it comes to issues like dry skin and dandruff, however, they may need a little help. Regular brushing can help exfoliate the skin but you may also want to bathe your cat with hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
Should I brush or comb my cat?
Choosing the right grooming tool depends on your cat’s coat type. For long fur and fine coats combing with a wide-toothed comb can help remove mild tangles in cat hair, but you may need a dematting tool for bigger mats. For short-haired cats, a bristle brush or rubber brush will help with dead hair removal and will leave the coat nice and shiny.
First of all, thank you for this article! Which size of the safari slicker brush do you own for your cat? Size small or medium? Which one would you recommend?
Hi Mathy, I would recommend the small Safari slicker brush, which is made for cats and is a good fit for most feline frames. Hope this helps!
Thank you for this article…however I am having a problem..I was used to the world of ultra thick & long hair..my Siberian passed December 2020. Since then i adopted two boys, domestic short hairs, and they are sooo sensitive to ANYTHING. I Tried a pin brush with plasic heads…but still it didnt seem to penetrate my tuxedos dense coat, my ginger boy is coarser but not as dense but highly sensitive..they are only 8 mos. Now, no matter how I approach this ..soft music, flower essences etc…they just don’t seem to respond. Maybe its their age right now? My tux has PICA, and spends a lot of mommy and me time ( we need to manage his anxiety..my poor baby) I think a glove would freak him out..he wants my touch. I dont know I think they need to make a HYBRID BRUSH . (yeah tried the last one one list doesnt do a thing!) I thank you for all your efforts it does help.
Hi Meg, your kitties may feel comfortable with Furminator’s shedding control cloths, which allow you to stroke your cat with a soft cloth and remove loose hair.
I have variations of brushes for my tuxedo , (not short.,not long hair either, hair. A large oval shaped hair brush of mine seems to be her fav, Plastic brush with rubber tips that are on a cushioned like center. Use it softly in various directions that gives a massage to her body and hair, and causes her ‘motor ‘to start, also causes a roll over to get her tummy as well!! Under the chin and around whiskers and ears are welcomed too. She leans back her head for that. She is about 15 years and runs over when ever I pick up the brush. Also, not every day….wash her face and eyes with a warm cloth and wipe the dust off her head from the sand box.
I have tried them all. The new one that I am using now is called Leo’s Paw. They are awesome and do the job very well. Not hard to use if you ha e arthritis, those that you have to push down are not good, I gave mine away. We love ❤️ Leo’s paws.
I really like SleekEZ. It’s really effective at removing the undercoat and yet super gentle. My med-long hair love bug didn’t do well with the furminator (seemed too uncomfortable) or and the boars hair brush didn’t seem to be too effective. He purrs and looks like he’s ready to sleep when I use this on him, but there are piles of fur that come off him. And he looks so clean and well groomed after I use it. I guess lots of folks use the bigger versions on horses and dogs.
Nice. Thanks for sharing!
Hi, my cat has pretty severe arthritis and when we try to brush him, it hurts him quite a lot. we have tried a couple of bushes but nothing seems to help and he is shedding a lot and also starting to get matted. could i please have some help with something that you would recommend for arthritic cats? Thank you.
Hey Marissa, it’s wonderful that you’re caring for your arthritic cat’s coat. I would think that a brush glove would be the gentlest option for an arthritic kitty. Are you also using any supplements? I’ve heard good things about omega-3 supplements for inflammation relief—a good fish oil could help your cat in terms of both joint and coat health.