The 9 Best Cat Brushes Based On Cat Types

Cat Care, Cats, Pet product reviews

Last Updated - July 19, 2024

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Quick Comparison of Our Top 4 Picks

Best Overall
Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush For Dogs & Cats thumbnail
  • It can be used for cats and dogs
  • Self-cleaning design effortlessly removes hair from pins with the push of a button

4.6/5

best budget
Up & Up™ Cat Brush Grooming Tool thumbnail
  • Affordable price point
  • Easy to clean with self-cleaning button

4.6/5

best grooming glove
HandsOn All-in-One Pet Bathing and Grooming Gloves thumbnail
  • The soft handle fits comfortably in your hand 
  • Makes de-shedding and grooming sessions easy

4.5/5

best deshedding tool
FURminator DeShedding Tool For Cats thumbnail
  • Easy to clean with the push button
  • It can remove a lot of loose fur

4.7/5

More Top Picks & Recommendations

A good cat brush is essential for any pet parent's grooming kit. Daily brushing your cat's coat is a great way to bond with your kitty, and many cats love the attention. Plus, it'll remove loose hair, minimize excess shedding and dander, and prevent painful tangles, knots, and mats. Not to mention, it'll keep your pet's coat off your clothes and furniture too.

So, to help you shop and find the right type of cat brush for your fur baby, we've rounded up the best cat brushes below. We've got everything from self-cleaning slicker brushes to bath-friendly rubber brushes to flea-fighting combs.

The 9 Best Cat Brushes And Grooming Tools

Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs & Cats

Best Overall

overall 

4.6/5

Price

$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush For Dogs & Cats

Image Source: Amazon

If you're on the hunt for the best cat brush, look no further than the Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. This grooming tool is a game-changer for cat owners. Designed with your pet's comfort and your convenience in mind, it effectively removes loose fur, tangles, and dirt, making grooming sessions a breeze.

The Swihauk brush features fine, angled bristles that penetrate deep into your cat's coat, ensuring thorough grooming without causing discomfort. It's particularly effective for long-haired breeds but works wonders on short-haired cats as well. The self-cleaning mechanism is a standout feature—simply press the button, and the fur is effortlessly removed from the bristles. No more wrestling with tangled hair clumps!

Ergonomically designed, the Swihauk brush offers a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended grooming sessions. The durable construction ensures longevity, making it a valuable addition to your pet care routine. Plus, regular use of this brush helps reduce shedding and hairballs, contributing to a cleaner home and a healthier cat.

Material

Bristle Material: Plastic
Handle Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers

Size

7.32 x 4.8 x 2.72 inches

What We Like

  • It can be used for cats and dogs
  • Self-cleaning design effortlessly removes hair from pins with the push of a button
  • Easily removes tangles and mats from the coat

What We Don't Like

  • It can feel a tad large around the smaller curves of a cat
  • The brush itself can feel bulk for some

up & up™ Cat Brush Grooming Tool

Best Budget

overall 

4.6/5

Price

$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

Up & Up™ Cat Brush Grooming Tool

Image Source: Target

Target's Up & Up Cat Brush Grooming Tool is a top choice for cat owners seeking an effective yet budget-friendly grooming solution. This brush offers excellent value without compromising on quality, making it an essential addition to your pet care routine.

The Up & Up Cat Brush features fine, stainless steel bristles designed to efficiently remove loose fur, dirt, and dander from your cat’s coat. The gentle bristles ensure a comfortable grooming experience, preventing any discomfort or irritation to your feline friend. It’s particularly effective for reducing shedding and preventing matting, keeping your cat’s coat healthy and smooth.

One of the standout features of this grooming tool is its ergonomic handle, which provides a comfortable grip and reduces hand fatigue during extended grooming sessions. Despite its budget-friendly price, the brush is durable and built to last, offering long-term value.

Material

Metal, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Size

6.69" l x 3.09" w

What We Like

  • Affordable price point
  • Easy to clean with self-cleaning button

What We Don't Like

  • The brush head can feel small

HandsOn All-in-One Pet Bathing and Grooming Gloves

Best Grooming Glove

overall 

4.5/5

Price

$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

HandsOn All-in-One Pet Bathing and Grooming Gloves

Image Source: Amazon

If you're seeking the best cat grooming gloves, HandsOn All-In-One Pet Bathing & Grooming Gloves are an unbeatable option. These innovative gloves combine grooming, bathing, and massaging into one effortless experience, making them a must-have for every cat owner.

Designed with flexible rubber nodules, these gloves provide a gentle yet effective grooming experience. They effortlessly remove loose hair, dirt, and dander while massaging your cat's skin, promoting healthy blood circulation. Unlike traditional cat brushes, these gloves offer a more natural and enjoyable grooming experience for your feline friend, reducing stress and anxiety.

One of the standout features of the HandsOn gloves is their versatility. They can be used wet or dry, making them perfect for bath time or regular grooming sessions. The non-slip, five-finger design allows you to reach all those tricky areas, ensuring a thorough clean. Plus, they are easy to clean—just rinse them off, and they're ready for the next use.

Material

Rubber

Size

N/A

What We Like

  • The all-in-one tool is your go-to for fur removal, grooming, and lint removal, consolidating your routine into one easy-to-use brush
  • The soft handle fits comfortably in your hand 
  • Makes de-shedding and grooming sessions easy

What We Don't Like

  • May not remove excess hair while you massage shampoo in
  • Hair may not stay on the glove

FURminator deShedding Tool for Cats

Best Deshedding Tool

overall 

4.7/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

FURminator DeShedding Tool For Cats

Image Source: Amazon

If you're dealing with serious mats or have a long-haired cat, you'll need a heavy-duty brush that can take on the job, and FURminator deShedding Tool for Cats may just be the perfect solution. Specifically designed for cats with short hair, this tool effectively reduces shedding by up to 90%, making it a must-have for maintaining a clean home and a healthy pet.

Its innovative stainless steel edge sets the Furminator apart, which reaches deep beneath your cat’s short topcoat to safely and efficiently remove loose hair and undercoat without damaging the skin or topcoat. The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable and secure grip, making grooming sessions easy and enjoyable for both you and your cat.

One of the standout features of the FURminator is the FURejector button, which makes it easy to release the collected hair from the tool. This innovative feature saves time and effort, making grooming sessions quicker and more efficient. Regular use of the FURminator reduces shedding and promotes a healthier coat by distributing natural oils and preventing hairballs.

Material

stainless steel

Size

5 x 2 x 8.75 inches

What We Like

  • Easy to clean with the push button
  • It can remove a lot of loose fur
  • Available for both short and long hair cats

What We Don't Like

  • It can cause the fur to scatter everywhere during use
  • Expensive price point

Hartz Groomer's Best Flea Comb

Best Flea Comb

overall 

4.7/5

Price

$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

Hartz Groomer's Best Flea Comb

Flea problems will be a thing of the past thanks to Hartz Groomer's Best Flea Comb from Hartz. Daily use can keep fleas and flea eggs away and stop itching for good! The affordable cat comb has hundreds of fine teeth that remove fleas, eggs, and other small debris with every stroke.

The Hartz Groomer's Best Flea Comb features finely spaced stainless steel teeth that glide smoothly through your cat’s fur, capturing even the smallest fleas and particles. Its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to groom your cat with ease and precision. This comb is ideal for all coat types, from short-haired to long-haired breeds, making it a versatile addition to your grooming toolkit.

One of the standout features of this flea comb is its ability to reach deep into your cat’s coat without causing any discomfort. Regular use of this comb helps manage flea infestations and promotes a cleaner and shinier coat by removing excess fur and dirt.

Material

Metal

Size

0.62 x 3.7 x 10.38 inches

What We Like

  • Extra-fine teeth that comb away adult fleas, flea eggs, and other debris easily with every stroke
  • It is specially designed to work for cats and dogs with all coat types
  • Doubles as a grooming tool to detangle mats around delicate areas

What We Don't Like

  • Danders comes off but just falls on the floor
  • Will need to use a vacuum to pick up any dander, eggs, and larvae

Pet Silicone Shampoo Brush for Cat

Best for Bathing

overall 

4.5/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

Pet Silicone Shampoo Brush For Cat

Image Source: Amazon

Bathing a cat can be a challenging task, but with the ZOOPOLR Silicone Shampoo Brush, it becomes a breeze. This innovative grooming tool is designed to make bath time easier and more enjoyable for both you and your feline friend.

The ZOOPOLR brush features soft, flexible silicone bristles that gently massage your cat’s skin while effectively removing dirt, loose fur, and debris. Its ergonomic, anti-slip design ensures a secure grip, even when wet, allowing you to maneuver the brush effortlessly. This ensures a thorough cleaning without causing any discomfort to your pet.

One of the standout features of the ZOOPOLR brush is its versatility. It can be used both as a dry brush for regular grooming and as a shampoo brush during bath time. The silicone bristles create a rich lather, ensuring that the shampoo is evenly distributed and deeply cleanses your cat’s coat. Additionally, the brush is easy to clean—simply rinse it off after use, and it's ready for the next grooming session.

Material

stainless steel

Size

5 x 2 x 8.75 inches

What We Like

  • The bristles are firm but flexible and don't hurt the cat
  • Easy to grip and comfortable fit with use

What We Don't Like

  • May need a light follow-up with a wire brush afterward to get the thicker hair on full body
  • It may not work on all textured short coats

The Buddy System Boar Bristle Cat Brush

Best Boar Bristle Brush

overall 

4.5/5

Price

$$$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

The Buddy System Boar Bristle Cat Brush

Give your cat the healthy, shiny coat it deserves with this Boar Bristle Cat Brush from The Buddy System. This high-quality brush is designed to offer a gentle yet effective grooming experience, making it an essential tool for maintaining your cat's coat.

The Buddy System brush features natural boar bristles that are perfect for distributing your cat’s natural oils, resulting in a shinier, healthier coat. These bristles are soft yet durable, ensuring they glide smoothly through your cat’s fur without causing any discomfort or irritation. This brush is particularly effective for cats with medium to long hair, helping to reduce tangles, matting, loose fur, and removing excess fur.

The ergonomic wooden handle provides a comfortable grip, making grooming sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. The lightweight design allows for easy maneuverability, ensuring you can easily reach all areas of your cat’s coat. Regularly using this boar bristle brush helps to promote a cleaner, more lustrous coat while also reducing shedding and hairballs.

Material

Boar, Fur, Wood

Size

11.3 x 7.64 x 1.54 inches

What We Like

  • The brush features natural boar bristles that massage your furry friend in addition to stimulating natural oil production
  • Reduce dander and help reduce excess shedding and allergens that cause dander
  • Effective on matted fur
  • Suitable for all fur lengths

What We Don't Like

  • Doesn't remove a lot of hair

Maxpower Planet Dual-Sided Cat Grooming Brush

Best for Long-Haired Cats

overall 

4.6/5

Price

$$$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

Maxpower Planet Dual-Sided Cat Grooming Brush

The Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush is the ultimate grooming tool for cat owners with long-haired felines. This brush is specifically designed to tackle the challenges of maintaining a long-haired cat’s coat, making it an essential addition to your grooming routine.

The Maxpower Planet brush features a dual-sided design with nine teeth on one side and seventeen teeth on the other, providing a versatile grooming experience. The nine-teeth side is perfect for tackling tough mats and tangles, while the seventeen-teeth side is ideal for thinning and de-shedding. This combination ensures a thorough and efficient grooming session, keeping your cat’s coat smooth, tangle-free, and healthy.

What sets this grooming brush apart is its gentle approach. The stainless steel teeth are rounded, preventing skin irritation while effectively removing loose fur and debris. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to groom your cat easily and precisely, reducing hand fatigue during extended grooming sessions.

Material

Boar, Fur, Wood

Size

N/A

What We Like

  • Gently removes loose hair and eliminates tangles
  • Perfect for thick and dense coats
  • Lightweight and non-slip rubber handle

What We Don't Like

  • Gets a lot of hair out, recommend using it outside

Mars Coat King Bristle Cat Hair Brush Deshedding Tool

Best For Short Haired Cats

overall 

4.4/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Easy To Remove Hair

Easy To Clean

Mars Coat King Bristle Cat Hair Brush Deshedding Tool

Image Source: Amazon

The Mars Boar Bristle Cat Brush is an outstanding choice for cat owners with fine and short-haired felines. This grooming tool is specifically designed to cater to the delicate needs of cats with fine hair, ensuring a gentle yet effective grooming experience.

The Mars brush features natural boar bristles that are soft and flexible, making them perfect for fine-haired coats. These bristles glide smoothly through your cat’s fur, effectively removing loose hair, dirt, and dander without causing any irritation or discomfort. The natural bristles also help distribute your cat’s natural oils, promoting a healthy and shiny coat.

One of the standout features of this brush is its ergonomic wooden handle, which provides a comfortable grip, allowing for easy and precise grooming sessions. The high-quality craftsmanship ensures that the brush is durable and long-lasting, making it a valuable addition to your pet care routine.

Material

stainless steel

Size

5 x 2 x 8.75 inches

What We Like

  • Easy to clean
  • It does a great job removing dirt and dander

What We Don't Like

  • The brush can feel small for some

How To Choose The Best Cat Brushes For Your Cat

Hair Length

The best brush for your cat will depend on the cat's hair length. For example, cats with long hair need a slicker brush or pin brush and possibly a de-shedding tool to remove dead hair and dirt from their topcoat and undercoat. 

If you have more than one type of hair at home, there are cat brushes out on the market that can be used for both long and short-haired cats.

Brush Type

Slicker Brushes: These cat brushes have fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. They are excellent for removing loose fur, dirt, and tangles, especially for long-haired cats. They can also help prevent matting by keeping the coat smooth and untangled.

Bristle Brushes: Ideal for short-haired cats, these cat brushes have softer bristles that help to distribute the natural oils from your cat’s skin throughout the coat, giving it a healthy shine. They are gentle and good for sensitive areas.

Deshedding Tools: These tools, like the FURminator, are specifically designed to remove the undercoat and reduce shedding. They can be very effective for cats that shed a lot and help to prevent hairballs.

Flea Combs: Featuring tightly spaced teeth, flea combs are perfect for catching and removing fleas, flea eggs, and debris from your cat's coat. They can also be used to detect flea infestations early.

Gloves: Grooming gloves allow you to pet your cat while simultaneously removing loose fur and dirt. They offer a gentle grooming experience, especially for cats who are nervous about traditional cat brushes.

Ease of Cleaning

Some cat brushes have a button that, when pressed, pushes the collected fur out of the bristles, making it easy to clean. This feature can save you a lot of time and effort. Cat brushes that can be removed are easier to clean thoroughly, ensuring they remain hygienic and effective over time.

Bristle Material

Natural Bristles: These are often made from materials like boar hair. They are gentle and help distribute natural oils, improving the shine and health of your cat’s coat.

Metal Bristles: Usually stainless steel, these bristles are durable and effective for detangling and removing mats. They should have rounded tips to prevent scratching your cat’s skin.

Rubber or Silicone: These materials are soft and flexible, making them ideal for massaging and gentle grooming. They are also often used in bathing brushes because they help create a rich lather.

Size and Shape

Smaller brush heads are better for detailed grooming, such as around the face and legs, while larger brush heads cover more area and are more efficient for grooming larger body parts. Consider the shape that allows you to comfortably groom all areas of your cat’s body, including hard-to-reach spots.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Ergonomically designed handles are important for your comfort, especially during longer grooming sessions. Non-slip grips ensure you can maintain a firm hold even if the brush gets wet. A lightweight brush is easier to handle and reduces strain on your hands and wrists, making the grooming process more comfortable.

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About the Author

Doctor of veterinary medicine with extensive experience in animal welfare with a strong interest in feline medicine and plans to pursue ABVP-Feline specialty board certification. A key member of many local veterinary associations and avid reader of animal related science journals and studies.