To assist you in discovering the ideal cat brush for your paw-some companion, we rigorously tested 23 different hair grooming tools in genuine homes with real cats. Our findings revealed that the best Cat Brushes are comfortable to hold, easy to clean, and feature bristles that effectively tackle everything from detangling knots to daily coat maintenance.
Regularly brushing your cat is more than just good manners; it’s essential for their well-being. Brushing removes loose fur, dander, and debris, while stimulating blood circulation, promoting a healthy skin and coat. While cats are diligent self-groomers, some breeds and coat types are prone to matting, making routine brushing indispensable. For indoor cats, brushing also plays a crucial role in minimizing hairballs and keeping your home fur-free.
Our Top Cat Brush Picks
Best Overall:
Mars Coat King Boar Bristle Cat Hair Brush at Amazon $13
Best for Everyday Brushing:
Burt’s Bees Cat Pin & Bristle Brush at Amazon $22
Best Slicker Brush:
SALE
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush at Amazon $17 $13
Best Glove:
HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves at Amazon $25
Easiest to Clean:
SALE
Aumuca Cat Brush at Amazon $20 $17
Best for Dematting:
SALE
Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush at Amazon $15 $10
Best for Shedding:
FURminator Dog & Cat Brush at Amazon $8
Best Overall
Mars Coat King Boar Bristle Cat Hair Brush
PHOTO: Amazon
$13 at Amazon View on Marscoatking.com
What We Like:
- Soft yet effective boar bristles
- Easy to clean design
- Small, natural wood handle for precise control
- Excellent for daily coat smoothing and tangle prevention
What We Don’t Like:
- Not ideal for removing large, established knots
For routine weekly cat coat care, a brush densely packed with soft boar bristles provides a gentle touch that even the most sensitive cats will appreciate. The Mars Boar Bristle Cat Hair Brush features a robust yet lightweight birchwood handle, offering the control needed to delicately and effectively brush cats of all fur lengths.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Skye Senterfeit
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Skye Senterfeit
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Skye Senterfeit
This gentle cat grooming brush is soft enough for cats of all ages, including kittens and senior cats who may find self-grooming increasingly challenging. It effectively removes loose fur, dirt, and skin flakes, helping to maintain a healthy and comfortable coat.
Built for lasting use, the brush features easy-to-clean natural boar bristles. Regular light brushing, once or twice per week, can significantly reduce shedding around your home and minimize cat allergens, all while keeping your cat’s coat in top condition.
However, it’s worth noting that while this brush excels at routine grooming, it may not be the most effective tool for tackling large knots. For weekly maintenance and keeping your cat comfortable, it’s ideal. For significant knots, consider a specialized dematting tool.
Dimensions: 7.25 x 1.25 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.32 ounces | Material: Boar bristles, wood
Best for Everyday Brushing
Burt’s Bees Cat Pin & Bristle Brush
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PHOTO: Burt’s Bees
What We Like:
- Functional double-sided design
- Effectively removes loose fur, dander, and debris
- Smooth and gentle action
- Easy to use and maintain
What We Don’t Like:
- Brush surface may be small for larger cat breeds
The Burt’s Bees for Cats 2-in-1 Double Sided Pin and Bristle Brush is expertly designed for effortless removal of dirt and loose hair. It minimizes shedding and gently detangles fur using both a soft hemp bristle side and a firm pin side.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
Our testers found the wire bristles ideal for brushing thicker fur, especially on the underbelly. Cats enjoyed the gentle scratching sensation on their necks and backs from the wire bristles. They also showed affection for the softer hemp bristle side, often rubbing their faces and chins against it.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
For best results and cat comfort, brush in the direction of fur growth. The soft hemp bristle side is perfect for daily use, while the wire bristles are ideal for detangling and removing debris. Constructed from bamboo and recycled materials, this eco-friendly cat brush is a great choice for environmentally conscious pet owners.
Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 8 inches | Weight: 2.5 ounces | Material: Bamboo, steel, hemp
Best Slicker Brush
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like:
- Self-cleaning retractable bristles for easy hair removal
- Effective on both long and short-haired cats
- Robust and easy-to-grip handle
What We Don’t Like:
- Size may be overwhelming for very small cats
If your cat’s fur is prone to mats, the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is an essential preventative tool. The curved, flexible wire bristles are gentle on the skin yet effectively reach beneath the topcoat where mats often form. It’s also excellent for removing loose hair and dander, helping maintain a healthy and well-groomed coat.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets /Andrew Whalen
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Andrew Whalen
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Andrew Whalen
The standard-sized Hertzko slicker brush is easy to handle, with a brush head just under six inches wide, providing ample surface area for efficient grooming. Its standout feature is the self-cleaning button; with a simple press, the bristles retract, releasing collected fur for effortless disposal.
This versatile grooming tool is suitable for both long and short-haired cats, and also works well for most dog breeds. The robust, comfort-grip handle is designed to prevent slippage and reduce wrist fatigue during grooming sessions.
Dimensions: 5.8 x 3 x 10 inches | Weight: 0.2 pounds | Material: Plastic
Best Glove
HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves
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PHOTO: Chewy
$25 at Amazon $25 at Chewy View on Smartpakequine.com
What We Like:
- Promotes bonding during grooming
- Ideal for sensitive or skittish cats
- Works on various fur lengths and textures
- Effectively removes loose hair and dandruff
What We Don’t Like:
- Cleaning can be less convenient compared to brushes
For cats who are sensitive to traditional grooming tools, HandsOn All-In-One Grooming Gloves provide a gentle alternative. These gloves are incredibly user-friendly, featuring sturdy yet flexible bristle “nubs” with rounded tips. They efficiently remove loose hair and massage the skin, improving circulation. The stretchy, comfortable, and form-fitting design is excellent for cats who are easily startled or wary of brushes. Suitable for all coat types and lengths, these gloves offer a calming grooming experience.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
These gloves are particularly effective at dislodging dead hair and dandruff trapped beneath the surface of your cat’s coat. Grooming with gloves leaves the coat sleek and shiny. Our feline tester seemed to adore the massage-like feel and appeared pleased with her smooth, post-grooming appearance.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Sara Luckey
While grooming was highly effective, cleaning the gloves proved slightly more challenging. Hair tends to cling to the rubbery nubs rather than releasing cleanly in clumps, making cleanup a bit messy. Despite this, the massage-like effect, ease of use, and appeal to sensitive cats make these gloves a hit with both cats and their owners.
Dimensions: 7.5-8 inches (medium) | Weight: N/A | Material: Nylon, pvc
Easiest to Clean
Aumuca Cat Brush
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PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like:
- Comfortable and ergonomic handle
- Highly effective hair release button for effortless cleaning
- User-friendly design
- Tester cat showed strong preference for this brush
What We Don’t Like:
- Brush head may be too wide for smaller cats
The Aumuca Cat Brush stands out for its comfort and ease of use. It features a sturdy handle and firm yet gentle bristles, moving smoothly through a cat’s coat. The bristle spacing is expertly designed to capture loose hair effectively. The comfortable grip and, most notably, the convenient release button were highlights for our testers.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
The release button efficiently ejects collected hair from the bristles, providing a satisfyingly clean brush. With a simple one-handed push of the button, the hair is released for easy removal. Minimal hair remains after ejection, making post-grooming cleanup a breeze. While the release button’s durability may be a minor concern over the brush’s lifespan, its convenience is undeniable.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
While the brush head might be slightly wide for smaller cats’ faces and delicate areas, it performs exceptionally well on the body and is likely perfectly sized for medium to large or long-bodied cats. A slightly narrower design could enhance grooming efficiency for smaller areas.
Our tester cat clearly enjoyed the Aumuca brush, settling into a contented purring loaf during brushing sessions. A convenient loop on the handle also allows for easy hanging storage.
Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.17 x 2.17 inches | Weight: 5.6 ounces | Material: Stainless steel, plastic
Best for Dematting
Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush
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PHOTO: Maxpower
What We Like:
- Ergonomic, non-slip handle
- Robust, thick bristles
- Effective for both deshedding and dematting
- Available in two size options
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be less effective on areas with sparse fur
The Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush features a comfortable, ergonomic, non-slip plastic handle. It is double-sided, with 9 arched stainless steel teeth for dematting and 17 teeth for deshedding (the 17-tooth side notably removes more loose hair). Shaped like a mini-rake, it excels on areas with thicker fur. It was less effective on the head and legs due to the thinner fur and the firmer metal bristles. Optimal performance requires using the brush at the correct angle, which may require some adjustment to find.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
Available in two sizes and multiple colors, this robust brush features sturdy bristles and a durable hard plastic handle. It effectively tackles mats and thick fur, removing substantial amounts of hair with fewer strokes thanks to its quality construction. It excels at detangling and dematting and is easy to clean, with hair staying put until removed. Regular use noticeably reduces pet hair around the home.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Meredith Luksetich
Most importantly, our tester cat seemed to genuinely enjoy being groomed with this brush, tolerating a five-minute brushing session, which is unusual for a cat prone to overstimulation.
Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.9 x 2 inches | Weight: 4 ounces | Material: Stainless steel, rubber
Best for Shedding
FURminator Dog & Cat Brush
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PHOTO: FURminator Hair
$8 $7 at Amazon $7 at Chewy $7 at Tractor Supply Co.
What We Like:
- Unique bristle design effectively attracts hair, dirt, and dander
- Small handle with textured sides for secure grip
- Comfortable and firm rubbery bristles
- Suitable for brushing all areas of a cat’s body
What We Don’t Like:
- Cleaning can be slightly cumbersome
The FURminator Hair Collection Dog and Cat Brush features a unique bristle design with varied spacing on each side. This creates an electrostatic charge that attracts and holds loose hair, dirt, dander, and fine particles. The dual-textured grooming tool is easy to maneuver by rotating its slim handle during grooming. Our tester cat appeared to enjoy this brush more than others, purring loudly and even rolling onto her back—a sign of trust and comfort in cats.
The firm rubbery bristles offer effective resistance, gently skimming and collecting loose fur without snagging or tangling.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
The brush feels durably constructed without any weak points. Its compact size makes it travel-friendly and ideal for grooming smaller cats, reaching all areas effectively. The slim profile and varied textures facilitate access to all parts of the cat’s body and efficiently loosen hair, collecting a significant amount during testing. One minor drawback is that some loose fur may scatter during grooming, potentially clinging to fabrics or getting into sensitive areas.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Natalina Sents Bausch
Cleaning can be slightly tricky due to the rubbery texture and lack of a hair release button. While most hair can be wiped away in about 30 seconds, some strands may remain trapped between the longer bristles. However, the brush is easily washable under running water and dries quickly.
Dimensions: 8.9 x 4 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 6 ounces | Material: Rubber, plastic
Final Verdict
After comprehensive testing of 23 hair grooming tools with cats and kittens in real home environments, the Mars Coat King Boar Bristle Cat Hair Brush emerges as our top overall cat brush recommendation. Its soft yet effective bristles and sturdy, lightweight birch wood handle provide gentle control. It is easy to clean and suitable for cats of all ages. For everyday grooming, the Burt’s Bees 2-in-1 Double Sided Pin and Bristle Brush for Cats is a delightful double-sided option. The wire bristles are excellent for areas like the neck and back, while the straw side is loved by cats for chin and face rubs. It’s also durable and easy to maintain.
What to Look for in a Cat Brush
Types of Cat Brushes
Pin Brushes: These brushes feature metal pins that gently dislodge loose hair, dirt, and dander. They are effective at detangling fur, massaging the skin, and distributing natural oils for a healthy shine. Pin brushes are ideal for daily use to maintain a clean, mat-free coat.
Bristle Brushes: Typically made with nylon bristles, but also available in rubber, stainless steel, or boar bristle variations, these brushes excel at smoothing the topcoat and enhancing shine. Regular use helps prevent mats and tangles. Some brushes combine pins on one side and bristles on the other, offering versatility, especially in multi-cat households.
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The Spruce Pets / Skye Senterfeit
Slicker Brushes: Perfect for medium to long-haired cats but suitable for all coat types, slicker brushes have densely packed, fine, short pins slightly angled at the ends. They are excellent for removing loose hair and light detangling. For tougher mats and tangles, specialized brushes are more effective.
Deshedding Tools or Rakes: These are essential for cats prone to mats and heavy shedding. With firm teeth of varying lengths, they grip and remove excess undercoat, particularly beneficial for thick-furred breeds. Curved teeth often provide a better grip. Experimentation may be needed to find the best type for your cat’s coat.
Grooming Gloves: Featuring rubber or silicone nubs on the palm, grooming gloves are ideal for cats who are skittish or resistant to brushes. If your cat enjoys petting, they are likely to accept grooming gloves. Gentle and suitable for sensitive cats, they can help acclimate cats to the concept of brushing.
Rubber or Silicone Brushes: These are also gentle options for cats new to grooming. The rubber or silicone bristles are chunky, soft on sensitive skin, and effective at removing loose hair, but less effective for detangling.
Ease of Use
The shape of a cat brush significantly impacts its usability. Consider the length, width, design, bristle angle, and spacing when choosing a brush. Brush weight, size, durability, and handle ergonomics are also important factors.
To evaluate usability, we examined each design element, focusing on comfort and maneuverability during grooming and access to all fur areas. We assessed bristle spacing and angle, smoothness in tackling tangles and mats, and any standout design or material features.
Quality
A high-quality cat brush is durable, well-crafted, and effectively and comfortably grooms your cat’s coat. Tines should have softened, rounded tips, or a soft brush pad with some flexibility to prevent skin irritation while maintaining durability. Ergonomic and/or rubber handles ensure comfortable and prolonged use.
Removing Mats and Tangled Fur
Mats typically form in sensitive, hard-to-reach areas like under the legs and near the base of the tail. Focus on one mat at a time, gently separate it with your fingers, and use a sturdy metal comb to carefully work through it. For detailed guidance, The Spruce Pets offers a comprehensive guide on de-matting cat fur.
Ease of Cleaning
Quick and efficient cleaning is crucial for a cat brush. A release button is a helpful feature for easy hair removal. For brushes without this feature, fingers or a comb can be used to remove hair and debris. All cat brushes and combs should be cleaned regularly by soaking in cat shampoo (avoid human shampoo) and water or a hot water and vinegar solution for 5-10 minutes to remove stubborn buildup. Rinse thoroughly in hot water and air dry completely.
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The Spruce / Elise Wojczyk Wang
How We Tested
We invested in and tested 23 cat grooming tools, sending each to a home with at least one cat for real-world evaluation.
Participating cats were groomed with their assigned brush one to two times weekly by their owners. Over four weeks, owners assessed and provided feedback on each brush’s quality, ease of use, effectiveness, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
This firsthand testing allowed us to rank and categorize our top recommendations, all of which received high marks from our testers.
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This article has been updated by KJ Callihan, a writer for The Spruce Pets specializing in pet product reviews and pet care. She shares her home with Arlo, a charming striped cat adopted from her local Humane Society. Arlo is known for his bursts of energy and, despite a plethora of toys, prefers playing with crumpled paper. KJ believes Arlo engages in conversations with her, primarily about mealtime.
A previous version was authored by Anna Mejorada, a writer and editor for The Spruce Pets, and owner of Gidget, a happy Pomeranian. Anna’s passion for pet products stems from her personal quest to find the best items for her dog, and she now dedicates herself to helping other pet owners discover optimal products for their furry companions.