Choosing the Best Cat Brushes and De-Shedding Kits

Asian woman using a comb brush the Persian cat

Key Points

  • Daily grooming your cat reduces hairballs, promotes a shiny, healthy coat, and fosters a bond with your cat.

  • A de-shedding tool reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair.

  • Grooming gloves provide a virtually "hands-free" grooming experience with no brush or tool to hold.

News flash: Cats shed their fur. The good news is that you can reduce the amount of fur on your furniture with daily brushing.

How, you may ask? There are slicker brushes, de-shedding tools, combs, and even grooming gloves! Which one is right for your cat? Read their descriptions to find out what your cat needs.

Choose from these popular cat brushes and de-shedding kits.

Benefits of Grooming Your Cat

Besides removing hair and reducing shedding, grooming your cat has other advantages.

The RSPCA of Australia says some of the benefits of grooming your cat include preventing hairballs and mats, promoting a shiny and healthy coat, providing an opportunity to check for fleas and ticks, and reinforcing the bond between you and your cat.

"Grooming equipment should match your cat’s coat type," they say. "Generally, for short-haired cats, a fine-toothed flea comb, soft brush and grooming mittens/gloves should be sufficient to gently remove loose hair and check for fleas. For long-haired and medium-haired cats you may also need a wide-toothed comb and longer brushes."

Different cats require specific tools for grooming. Whether you want to remove undercoat hair, gently brush away loose topcoat hair, or tackle tangles and mats, there is a special tool for each job.

Take a look at these cat brushes and de-shedding kits to find one perfect for your cat.

Hair Collection Brush
$5.89

by FURminator 

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/17/2024 08:41 am GMT

FURminator Hair Collection Brush

Talk about versatility. This brush collects hair from everywhere! Yes, you use it for your pets, but it does more than that.

Gentle Grooming

The bristles on the FURminator Hair Collection Brush are soft rubber and gentle enough for kittens and cats with sensitive skin. One side has long bristles that bend and work for long-haired cats.

Most customers love this brush, but there are a few who say their cats don't care for it.

Versatility

The brush is four-sided, so it gets in every nook and cranny. The side opposite the long bristles has short nubs for short-haired cats and places with less hair, like the cheeks. The edge contains one row of bristles for tight spaces like the armpits.

It works on short hair or long hair, whether the fur is wet or dry.

Use on Fabrics

If you have a cat in the house, you know their body isn't the only place with cat hair. The FURminator Hair Collection Brush also removes hair from furniture and other fur-collecting surfaces.

The rubber bristles generate an electrostatic charge that lifts hair and debris from upholstery, clothing, carpets, and other fabrics. It's easy to clean by pulling off the hair and then washing it with soap and water.

deShedding Tool
$28.20

by FURminator 

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/18/2024 08:37 am GMT

FURminator deShedding Tool

All cats have loose hair, but sometimes it's difficult to see. This tool brings it out of hiding.

Reducing Shedding With Patented Technology

The FURminator deShedding Tool is an excellent option if you're looking for a de-shedding solution with guaranteed results. Its patented stainless steel de-shedding edge reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat or cutting the skin.

The FURminator reduces shedding by up to 90 percent.

Choosing the Right Size and Hair Type Tool

To ensure maximum effectiveness, choose the right size and hair type tool for your cat. The FURminator deShedding Tool is available in small and large sizes with options for short and long-haired cats.

Consult the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the best fit for your cat's needs and hair length.

Tips for Using the FURminator deShedding Tool

When using the FURminator, always groom your cat in the direction of hair growth. Never yank or tug, and be careful of sensitive areas, skin folds, or tangles.

The tool's curved edges keep it from digging in. To maintain the cleanliness and effectiveness of the tool, press the FURejector button to release the collected hair after each stroke.

Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
$14.99

by Hertzko 

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/17/2024 08:37 am GMT

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Slicker brushes make cleanup a breeze. Hair is gone with the push of a button — after you do the brushing, of course.

Slicker Brush Benefits for Cats

A slicker brush is a must-have tool for all cat owners. Its fine wire bristles are ideal for removing loose hair, tangles, and knots from your cat's coat.

The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush has your cat's comfort in mind. There are different sizes and a style for cats with sensitive skin. Unlike some straight pin brushes, these bristles have plastic tips to protect sensitive skin.

How the Self-Cleaning Mechanism Works

The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush features a unique self-cleaning mechanism for easy maintenance.

Press the cleaning button on the back of the brush to retract the bristles, and the trapped hair falls off. This keeps the brush clean and ready for your cat's future grooming sessions.

Sometimes the hair only moves to the end of the bristles and you must pull it off.

Maintaining the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Proper brush maintenance ensures smooth and efficient grooming sessions for your cat. In addition to using the self-cleaning mechanism, store the brush in a dry place to prevent rusting of the wire bristles.

One negative aspect of this brush is that if some of the metal pins become bent, it may make the cleaning mechanism malfunction. Also, if any of the plastic tips come off, it may scratch your pet's skin.

Inspect the bristles for any damage and replace the brush as needed to maintain a pleasant grooming experience for your cat.

Cat ZoomGroom
$11.00

by KONG

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/17/2024 08:41 am GMT

KONG ZoomGroom Cat Brush

KONG makes indestructible toys, so this cat brush is sure to last. It's small and fits easily in your hand without gripping a handle.

Massaging and Stimulating Your Cat's Skin During Grooming

The KONG ZoomGroom Cat Brush is more than just a grooming tool — it also offers a relaxing and stimulating massage for your cat.

This soft rubber brush removes loose hair while providing a gentle and soothing sensation for your cat's skin. With an all-rubber material, loose hair sticks to it easily. You may use it dry or wet during a bath.

Efficient Shedding Control

The KONG ZoomGroom's rubber bristles work efficiently to remove loose hair from your cat's coat. Its unique design also prevents hair from flying around during grooming sessions, making cleanup a breeze.

The brush is flexible and gentle, but it's not effective for removing mats or tangles. Use it more for daily brushing and hair removal.

Cleaning and Maintaining the ZoomGroom Brush

Cleaning the KONG ZoomGroom brush is a straightforward process. Simply remove any accumulated hair by hand and rinse it off under warm water with a bit of gentle soap. Shake the excess water and let the brush air-dry completely.

Regularly clean the brush between each grooming session, especially if using it on multiple cats.

Upgrade Pet Grooming Gloves
$12.59

by Delomo

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/18/2024 08:35 am GMT

Upgrade Pet Grooming Gloves

This is an innovative design that works for a multi-pet household. If you have cats, dogs, or horses, these gloves work great for all three!

Grooming while Petting Your Cat

Upgrade Pet Grooming Gloves offer a unique and enjoyable way to brush your cat by combining grooming and petting sessions. The gloves' silicone bristles adhere to loose hair and gently massage your cat's skin as you pet them. It provides a relaxing experience for your cat and makes grooming feel more like bonding time.

For those courageous (or foolhardy) souls who physically bathe their cat, the gloves also work on wet fur.

Suitable for Various Coat Types

The Upgrade Pet Grooming Gloves work effectively on a variety of coat types, including long, short, curly, or straight hair. The adjustable wrist straps give the gloves a snug fit for most hand sizes.

If you suffer from arthritis or have trouble holding a brush, these gloves eliminate that problem. You have nothing to grip while you gently pet your cat as usual.

How to Use and Clean the Upgrade Pet Grooming Gloves

When using these gloves, gently stroke your cat's fur in the direction of hair growth to remove loose hair and improve coat health. After each grooming session, remove the collected hair from the gloves. You may shake some of it off outdoors or peel the hair from the gloves and throw it away.

Clean them by simply washing them with soap and water. Allow the gloves to air-dry before the next use.

A July 9, 2023 YouTube video shows a cat that loves the grooming glove. Other cats may not accept it as easily at first.

Put the gloves on backward and use the other side first. This gets your cat used to the glove being on your hand. Once they accept it, turn them around to use the rubber bristles.

Pet Safari Cat Shedding Comb
$12.99

by Coastal 

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/17/2024 08:36 am GMT

Safari Cat Shedding Comb

Safari helps tame your cat's hair so they look less like a wild jungle cat. It works for any cat, but it's specially designed for cats with thick fur.

Long and Short Tooth Design for Effective Grooming

The Safari Cat Shedding Comb features a unique long and short tooth design. The long teeth get down to the undercoat, while the short ones snag loose hair on the surface. This dual-action comb provides efficient grooming and reduces shedding and cat hair in your home.

Benefits of Using a Shedding Comb

In addition to removing loose hair, a shedding comb improves the health of your cat's skin and coat. Regular combing distributes natural oils, resulting in a healthier and shinier coat.

Consistent grooming reduces hairballs that can pose a health hazard for your cat.

Safety Tips and Usage for the Safari Cat Shedding Comb

When using the Safari Cat Shedding Comb, be gentle and mindful of your cat's comfort. Groom in the direction of hair growth, avoiding sensitive areas, and being careful with tangles or matted hair.

Regularly inspect the teeth of the comb for any damage. Replace the tool as needed.

A broken or bent tooth may scratch or poke your cat and cause discomfort, causing them to mistrust the comb later.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Grooming is an essential activity when you own a cat. It's not just about keeping hair off your furniture; it also keeps your cat healthy and comfortable.

Ask someone to imitate a cat, and most mimic the licking of a paw and grooming their face action.

Cats are constantly grooming themselves and they collect a lot of loose fur that leads to hairballs. This is especially true if your cat has long or coarse fur.

Help your cat out by removing some of that hair for them. You don't have to use your hands because there are specially-designed tools to make the job easier.

Assess the needs and attributes of your cat's fur to determine which tool is best for them.

Grooming your cat need not be a hairy situation. Daily grooming with the right brushes and tools has your cat looking like a pretty kitty.

Look inside your inbox for more product recommendations when you subscribe to Cattitude Daily.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo