The Best Cat Hair Brush
Whether your cat has long locks or a short mane, you're sure to notice some shedding and occasional knots. That's why every cat owner needs to own a high-quality brush. It can help keep your cat looking and feeling their best without the expensive trips to the groomer.
What to Look For
To help you decide which cat hair brush would fit your pet’s needs best, we recommend focusing on the length of your cat’s coat, how often you groom them, and what issues you need to address. For example, a thickly-coated Maine Coon cat will require frequent brushing with heavy-duty deshedding tools, like the Maxpower Planet undercoat rake. However, a domestic shorthair with healthy skin and fur will be fine with occasional brushing and a simple slicker, like the Aumuca grooming brush. No matter your cat’s coat type or grooming needs, we have you covered with our top picks. Read on to learn more.
Aumuca Cat Brush
A gentle scrub
The Aumuca cat brush is an all-around helpful option that comes in handy for keeping almost any cat’s fur healthy. The skin-friendly, angled needles easily work through shed hair and knots. And with the push of a button, you can remove all that debris off the brush and into the trash without having to touch it.
Pros:
- The coated tips help you keep your cat’s sensitive skin safe from scratches and irritation.
- This brush is fantastic for elderly cats who struggle to groom themselves.
- You can use this brush to remove loose hair without making a mess.
Cons:
- While this brush works well for deshedding, it can get caught and hurt if there’s any actual matting.
itPlus Slicker Brush
Self-cleaning convenience
Slicker brushes do a great job of keeping shed hair and matting at bay, and this one from itPlus is a worthy example. The long needles work through thick coats, while the non-slip handle ensures you keep a good grip. As the loose fur and debris build up, you can push the button to release it all into the trash as one big ball for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Many cats love it when you brush them with this slicker. It feels like massaging and scratching.
- This brush does an excellent job of removing and preventing mats.
- We found that brushing with this slicker helps get rid of loose fur before and after bathing.
Cons:
- While the self-cleaning feature is fantastic, it can take a couple of pushes to clear everything out.
Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush
Soft yet sturdy
This combo brush is perfect for clearing loose fur from your short-coated cat. One side features long coated needles that get deep enough to loosen up the shedding hair while the soft bristles collect and clear them away. An ergonomic handle makes it easy to use, and the ventilation ensures it doesn’t allow mold or mildew build-up.
Pros:
- It works quickly, and because there are two sides, it cuts down on how many grooming tools you need.
- Unlike thick slicker brushes and deshedding tools, this brush won’t dig into your cat’s skin.
- This brush is very sturdy and holds up well to frequent use.
Cons:
- We found it can be hard to clean out the bristles.
Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake
A thorough clean
If you have an outdoor cat or a breed with a super thick coat, you’ll need the Maxpower Planet undercoat rake. It digs into the thick fur and removes mats, knots, and outdoor debris, such as pine needles or burrs. The dual-sided comb has nine widely-spaced teeth to get the big stuff out, and the other has 17 close ones that work through smaller knots.
Pros:
- Unlike the usual slickers and combs, this rake reaches deep into the thickest coats without getting stuck.
- It can get out anything in a flash, allowing you to clear your pet’s fur even if they hate brushing. This tool isn’t as painful as most other deshedding tools.
Cons:
- If you aren’t careful, this rake can remove more hair than you want it to.
Ownpets 5-In-1 Pet Brush Set
Everything you need
This 5-in-1 pet brush covers all your grooming needs in one convenient package. It features a comfort-grip handle with interchangeable heads, including a massage brush, tufted brush, and hair-removing air cushion brush. In addition, there’s a deshedding tool and flea comb you can switch out on the back.
Pros:
- This one brush replaces all the different grooming tools you’d usually use to maintain your cat’s coat.
- Switching the attachments is easy, and once secure, they stay in place.
- It can remove shedding, mats, and debris. It also fluffs your cat’s coat within just a few minutes, making it excellent for shows.
Cons:
- You have to find a place to store all of the attachments together. They can be easy to misplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need a cat brush if cats groom themselves?
While cats generally do a good job of keeping themselves clean, it’s still essential to occasionally help them get loose fur and mats out of their coats to keep them as healthy as possible. Meanwhile, elderly and overweight cats usually can’t clean themselves well, if at all, so they need more frequent grooming.
Do I need a deshedding tool or rake for a short-coated cat?
Short-coated cats don’t have undercoats, so they won’t need an undercoat rake. However, they can still develop tiny knots and shed just as much as their long-coated counterparts, so they’d still need a deshedding tool or slicker brush.
About the Author
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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.