The Best Cat Combs
Despite their cleanly appearance, house cats still require regular grooming. Whether your ultimate goal is to reduce dander in your home or improve your pet's well-being, cleaning your feline with a cat comb can be a rewarding experience for all parties involved. Typically consisting of narrow metal teeth and a wide handle, cat combs help reduce matting, remove pests, and provide a gentle massage with every stroke. With a bit of effort, cat parents can make any coat look clean and polished. In our research for the best cat combs, we looked for critical features, including teeth size, handle format, and versatility. Hartz's grooming comb took our top spot thanks to its anti-pest design that's also compatible with dogs. In addition, Ameliade's comb is a high performer because of its easy grip and cute design. For more detailed summaries, scroll down further to read our list of favorite cat combs.
Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb
Minimize mats and knock out knots
Hartz Groomer’s Best flea comb is a healthy way to keep your cat’s coat free of fleas. The metal teeth are narrow enough to pick off pests and dirt without pulling too hard or irritating follicles. Plus, the rubberized handle ensures a firm grip that won’t slip out of your hand when moving through dense knots. Whether your furball is an outdoor prowler or pampered house cat, this comb effective tool.
Pros:
- This comb is also available in a package deal with an organic spray that repels ticks.
- Each tooth slightly bends as it runs through your cat’s hair, picking up loose strands without pulling up roots.
- The long handle is contoured to sit comfortably between your fingers, even if you have larger hands.
Cons:
- While it’s beneficial for both cats and dogs, the comb is on the smaller side and less than ideal for larger pets.
Ameliade Shell Comb
Complete coat cleaning
If you’re in search of a smaller grooming tool that’s durable enough for thick fur, look no further than Ameliade’s shell comb. At just under an inch, the comb’s teeth are ideal for daily grooming and maintaining even hair growth. While it may be time-consuming when dealing with long-haired cats, the shell comb is a convenient way to deliver soothing massages regardless of length.
Pros:
- Thanks to its curved teeth, the comb easily holds on to loose hair after every pass-though.
- The comb’s grip is free of bulky handles, so it’s easy to store in small drawers or pet supply boxes.
- This groomer features adorable cat ears and three color choices, making it a cute gift for loving pet owners.
Cons:
- The short length of this comb means you’ll have to remove loose hair more frequently than other competitors.
Boao Cat Comb Set
Combs for every curve
Boao knows that every pet has a unique coat that requires specialized care. Appropriate for professional groomers and everyday owners alike, this set features three unique combs that make dealing with trouble spots a breeze. Featuring both metal and plastic teeth, this bundle is safe for removing debris close to the eyes and nose without fear of scratching sensitive skin. Overall, this versatile grooming package will cut back on cleaning time, no matter how many outdoor adventures your cat embarks on.
Pros:
- The metal teeth have rounded edges that help increase blood circulation and decrease skin dryness.
- Each comb is rustproof and effortless to clean with warm soap and water.
- The majority of the combs feature cutouts near the handle for wall storage on pegs or wall hooks.
Cons:
- The plastic bristles are somewhat fragile and may snap when combing out particularly dense knots.
WWVVPET Cat Self Groomer
Let’s face it: while many pet owners love to pamper their cats, regular cleaning schedules can be tough to maintain with a busy schedule. Enter the self groomer from WWVVPET. Unlike more rigid teeth that require a delicate touch, this wall-mounted device boasts flexible plastic for unsupervised self-care. Suitable for flat surfaces and corners, installation is incredibly straightforward, thanks to WWVVPET’s complementary hardware and thoughtful construction.
Pros:
- The catnip compartment is perfectly angled for cats to run their entire bodies across the comb.
- The wide spacing of the teeth and two-piece design means disposing of hair removal is quick and painless.
- This product’s firm bristles are also suitable for hairless cats looking for a quick massage throughout the day.
Cons:
- If you’re installing this product on hardwood or concrete walls, you may need to purchase sturdier fasteners.
Paws Pamper Greyhound Comb
Get a handle on hairy situations
If you’re tired of switching between multiple combs when dealing with thick clumps of cat hair, the Greyhound comb will instantly make your grooming sessions much more efficient. Unlike unwieldy dual-sided brushes with identical patterns, this groomer uses coarse and fine teeth patterns along a single row. Best of all, the metal spine and extra-long teeth mean you’ll cover more surface area.
Pros:
- The generously sized teeth are best suited for dealing with tangled undercoats on larger cats and dogs.
- Built with high-quality aluminum, the comb’s thick pins won’t dislodge while grooming.
- The comb’s spine features a texturized finish that’s resistant to corrosion and functional even with sweaty hands.
Cons:
- While the durability of the fully metallic design is a huge selling point, the teeth do not flex or bend at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I comb my cat’s hair?
Cats clean themselves regularly without a human helping hand. While you won’t need to clean their faces and paws as much as a dog, combing a cat’s back and stomach can be beneficial for both you and your furry friend. Regardless of how much your specific breed sheds, long-haired cats should be combed every other day if possible. By contrast, we recommend combing short-haired cats at least once per week. Following a regular grooming schedule will keep your floors free of hair and build trust with your pet at the same time.
Do different cat breeds have different types of hair?
In general, there are three types of feline coats: long-haired, short-haired, and curly-haired. On top of this, all three coats have four varieties of hair types, consisting of down, awn, guard, and vibrissae hairs. Water-resistant guard hairs have the most color and cover the outermost layer of the cat’s coat, while the awn and down layers provide insulation. The difference between these two comes down to texture; awn hair is typically coarse, and the down base layer is softer and thicker than the other three. Vibrissae hairs are only found in whiskers and help felines navigate their surroundings.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.