Home ›
Cat › Best Cat Grooming Brushes in 2026
Best Cat Grooming Brushes in 2026
By PetReviewLab Editors
Updated April 2026
CAT
Regular brushing removes dead hair before it ends up on your furniture or in your cat's stomach as a hairball. For long-haired cats, daily brushing is essential to prevent matting. For short-haired cats, weekly brushing noticeably reduces shedding.
We tested brushes across coat types from silky Siamese to thick Maine Coon fur. Here is what actually removes undercoat rather than just grooming the surface.
Best Overall
FURminator Long Hair deShedding Tool for Cats
★★★★★
The FURminator is the most effective shedding reduction tool available. The stainless steel edge reaches through the top coat to remove loose undercoat without cutting the healthy fur. After the first proper FURminator session on a medium to long-haired cat, the amount of loose fur removed is genuinely staggering. Regular monthly use reduces household shedding by up to 90 percent according to Furminator's own trials. The ejector button clears collected fur without touching it.
Pros
- Removes far more undercoat than any brush
- Ejector button for easy cleanup
- Reduces shedding by up to 90%
- Durable stainless steel edge
Cons
- Must not be used too aggressively — can irritate skin
- More expensive than basic brushes
- Not needed for cats with no undercoat
Best for Short Hair
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
★★★★★
For short-haired cats, the FURminator is overkill. A slicker brush gets the job done effectively without the cost. The Hertzko slicker has fine bent wire bristles that catch loose hair throughout the coat, a comfortable non-slip handle, and a push-button self-cleaning mechanism that retracts the bristles and lets you wipe off collected hair in seconds. Most short-haired cats tolerate slicker brushes well after a few positive sessions.
Pros
- Self-cleaning push-button mechanism
- Works well on short to medium coats
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not as effective as FURminator for heavy shedding
- Wire bristles require gentle touch to avoid scratch
Best Gentle
Safari Cat Soft Slicker Brush
★★★★
Some cats are sensitive to grooming, either from pain history or a naturally low touch threshold. Safari's soft slicker uses extra-soft angled pins that are gentler than standard slicker bristles while still removing loose hair. It is the right entry brush for a cat new to grooming, a senior cat with thinner skin, or a cat that has previously resisted brushing. Build positive associations with this before introducing a more aggressive tool.
Pros
- Softest bristles of any slicker tested
- Good for sensitive or grooming-averse cats
- Affordable
- Gentle enough for senior cats
Cons
- Less effective hair removal than standard slicker
- Not for heavy shedding needs
How to brush a cat that hates being brushed
Introduce the brush while feeding. Let the cat sniff it, then make one or two passes during a meal so the association is positive. Over several sessions, gradually extend the brushing time. Never restrain the cat to force a full brushing session early — that builds negative associations that make future grooming harder. Build duration over days or weeks.
Long-haired cats and mat prevention
Mats form when loose undercoat is not removed and tangled fur pulls tight against the skin. For long-haired breeds like Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls, daily brushing during shedding seasons prevents mats entirely. If mats are already present, do not attempt to cut them out at home with scissors — skin under mats is often pulled tight and easily cut. A groomer or vet can shave mats safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you brush a cat?
Short-haired cats: once a week is sufficient for most. During spring shedding season, twice a week. Long-haired cats: daily during shedding seasons, every other day otherwise. Senior cats benefit from more frequent brushing because they groom themselves less effectively and are more prone to matting.
Does brushing reduce hairballs?
Yes, significantly. Hairballs form when cats ingest loose hair during self-grooming. Removing that loose hair before the cat can ingest it directly reduces hairball frequency. Most owners who start brushing regularly notice a meaningful decrease in hairballs within the first month.
Bottom Line
The FURminator is the tool you use when shedding is the priority — nothing else comes close for removing undercoat on medium and long-haired cats. For short-haired cats, the Hertzko slicker is the everyday brush. Start with the Safari soft slicker if your cat has avoided brushing before.
More guides you might like:
→ Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats → Best Cat Scratching Post
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We also participate in other affiliate programs.
Full disclosure.