If you know what finding cat hair on everything — clothes, furniture, curtains and carpets — is like, then you know the value of a good cat brush. Without regular grooming, your cat’s fur can quickly become the signature accessory of all your outfits.
There are plenty of effective cat grooming tools on the market today, and brushes like the HERTZKO Self Cleaning Slicker Brush can help you keep your cat’s coat healthy and off of your personal belongings.
What to know before you buy a cat brush
Fur types
The type of brush you should get depends on the type of fur and grooming needs of your cat. A cat with a thick undercoat benefits from a tool that has fine bristles to reach deep into their coat. Cats with short, sleek fur can usually be groomed with a simple bristle brush.
If you have multiple cats with various fur types, double-sided grooming tools are great for meeting their different needs.
Sensitive cats
For senior cats or cats who have sensitive skin, some brushes might be painful to use since they can scratch against their skin. Rubber or silicone brushes are a great alternative for these felines.
Other cats might be considered “sensitive” to grooming because they simply don’t like it, in which case trying different types of brushes is sometimes essential to find the one they have the least aversion to.
Materials
Most cat brushes feature metal bristles, some with a protective coating to keep them from being too rough. Others have softer bristles made of materials such as hemp or nylon. Still, others have soft silicone or rubber bristles that grab loose hair.
Cat brush handles vary, with the majority being plastic, often with a rubber coating to make them non-slip.
There are some brushes that are made only with sustainable materials if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option.
Cat brush features
Ergonomic handle
Since you often already have to wrestle with your cat to get them to sit still for brushing, it’s best to find a brush with a non-slip, comfortable handle for ease of use. Fortunately, many are ergonomically designed and feature a contoured or comfort-grip handle.
Self-cleaning
Some cat brushes have a “self-cleaning” feature which makes it easy to release collected hair from the brush. You still have to remove the fur with your hands, so it doesn’t do all the work, but it can make it much easier than having to dig through the tiny bristles for fur.
Multifunctional
Especially if you live in a multi-cat household, a multifunctional brush can be very helpful. Double-sided brushes are two-in-one tools that feature two distinct types of bristles to meet different grooming needs.
Cat brush cost
Most cat brushes cost $8-$20, with some higher-end brushes costing upwards of $25.
Cat brush FAQ
How do I clean my cat brush?
A. You typically have to empty the brush of fur multiple times while grooming your cat. After each use, you should clear your cat brush of any loose hairs remaining between the bristles.
Some brushes have a self-cleaning feature to make this process simpler. Only some brushes should be cleaned under water, such as silicone brushes. It’s best to refer to the cleaning instructions that come with your specific cat brush.
How should I brush my cat?
A. Start at the back of your cat’s neck and work the brush down toward their tail. Make sure to always brush in the direction their fur grows to avoid causing them discomfort. Focus on brushing them where the most shedding fur collects, which is usually along their backs, near their tail, and with longhair cats, also their chest, neck and belly.
Which cat brush should I get?
Best of the best cat brush
HERTZKO Self Cleaning Slicker Brush: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: This very popular cat brush is effective, easy to use and clean and will last you a long time.
What we like: Featuring fine bent wire bristles, this brush gets rid of mats and tangles in your cat’s fur without scratching their skin. The handle is comfortable and the button at the top of it retracts the bristles to release collected fur for easy cleaning.
What we dislike: It isn’t the best fit for cats with sensitive skin due to the firm bristles. Some customers have reported that the bristle retraction button breaks after extended use.
Best bang for your buck cat brush
Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable, double-sided brush removes loose fur and stimulates natural oils that will make your cat’s coat shiny and free of tangles.
What we like: One side of the brush has stainless steel tips with a protective coating to remove mats and loose fur. The other side features dense nylon bristles that help redistribute the oils in your cat’s coat. The contoured handle also makes this brush comfortable to hold and easy to control.
What we dislike: Cleaning this brush takes some effort, as you have to pinch out the clumps of fur by hand. A few customers state that the pin bristle side separated from the brush after several months of use.
Honorable mention cat brush
CeleMoon Ultra-Soft Silicone Cat Brush: available at Amazon
Our take: Ideal for cats with sensitive skin or an aversion to grooming, this gentle brush removes shedding fur without ever scratching your pet’s skin.
What we like: It’s made out of soft silicone that’s effective at whisking away loose fur without any discomfort for your cat. It’s naturally non-slip and easy to hold, plus it can be washed with water to remove the hair once you’re done.
What we dislike: This brush is great for collecting shedding fur, but isn’t capable of removing tough tangles or thick mats of fur.
Charity Lindsey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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