Most kittens have minimal grooming needs, but it’s a good idea to get your kitten used to being brushed while they’re still young to make them more receptive to it when they’re older. For kittens, it’s important to avoid harsh brushes that may irritate their tender skin or damage their developing coat.
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg
Veterinarian, DVM
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg
Veterinarian, DVM
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
There are still a variety of brushes you can choose from for grooming your kitten, though. To make it easier for you to choose the best brush for your kitten, we’ve reviewed some of the top brushes that are appropriate for caring for your kitten’s coat and getting them used to brushing throughout their life.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Soft Cat Brush
Four color options
Soft silicone material is easy on the skin and coat
Widely spaced, cone-shaped teeth get deep into the coat
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Best Value
FURminator Hair Collection Cat Brush
Made of durable rubber
Four different bristle types
Can be used on cats or on furniture and clothes
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Premium Choice
Resco Pro-Series Rotating Pin Comb
Heavy-duty metal
Soft grip for comfort
Lightweight to reduce hand fatigue
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Frisco Pin Bristle Brush
Two brushes in one
Pin brush has rounded tines to avoid skin irritation and damage
Pin brush is ideal for fluffing the coat and removing tangles
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Pet Life Knuckler Flexible Grooming Rake Comb
Three color options
Unique design
Slips over your fingers for easy use
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The 10 Best Kitten Brushes
The Hepper Soft Cat Brush is the best overall kitten brush we’ve found. This curry brush is available in four colors, so you can pick the one that suits your preferences. It is made of soft silicone, and it has widely spaced teeth, so you can get deep into your cat’s coat, massaging the skin without causing discomfort. It has a palm grip for a comfortable and secure grip for you.
Type: Curry brush
Color: Black, turquoise, pink, purple
Price: $$
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It’s made from waterproof materials, which makes it easy to clean after use. This brush can also be used to help get your kitty extra clean during baths. Although you can use this brush for any type of coat, it’s ideal for longhaired cats. This is one of the more expensive brushes we reviewed.
Disclaimer: At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Four color options
Soft silicone material is easy on the skin and coat
Widely spaced, cone-shaped teeth get deep into the coat
Helps massage the skin and distribute oils
Palm grip for a comfortable hold
Waterproof and easy to clean
Cons
More expensive than most options
The best kitten brush for the money is the Furminator Hair Collection Brush. This brush is made of durable rubber, and it features four different types of bristles. It can be used on your kitten directly but is also made to remove hair from furniture, carpet, and clothing. It’s made to be used on a variety of coat types, and it can be used wet or dry.
Four color options
Soft silicone material is easy on the skin and coat
Widely spaced, cone-shaped teeth get deep into the coat
Helps massage the skin and distribute oils
Palm grip for a comfortable hold
Waterproof and easy to clean
- Four color options
- Soft silicone material is easy on the skin and coat
- Widely spaced, cone-shaped teeth get deep into the coat
- Helps massage the skin and distribute oils
- Palm grip for a comfortable hold
- Waterproof and easy to clean
More expensive than most options
- More expensive than most options
Type: Hair collection brush
Color: Black and gray
Price: $
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This brush works by creating an electrostatic charge to remove loose hair and skin, which prevents it from tugging on your cat’s coat and skin. The rubber grip makes for a comfortable brushing experience for you as well. Although this is made to be used on a variety of coats, many users report it not working effectively on coats of longhaired cats.
Pros
Made of durable rubber
Four different bristle types
Can be used on cats or on furniture and clothes
Can be used wet or dry
Doesn’t tug hair or skin
Rubber grip for your comfort
Cons
May not be effective for longhaired cats
The Resco Pro-Series Rotating Pin Comb is an effective grooming tool, but it retails for a premium price when compared to other brushes and combs. This comb is made from heavy-duty metal, but it features a soft grip for your comfort. Although it’s made of metal, this comb is lightweight, reducing fatigue during use.
Made of durable rubber
Four different bristle types
Can be used on cats or on furniture and clothes
Can be used wet or dry
Doesn’t tug hair or skin
Rubber grip for your comfort
- Made of durable rubber
- Four different bristle types
- Can be used on cats or on furniture and clothes
- Can be used wet or dry
- Doesn’t tug hair or skin
- Rubber grip for your comfort
May not be effective for longhaired cats
- May not be effective for longhaired cats
Type: Pin comb
Color: Silver
Price: $$
The pins of this comb rotate, making for maximum comfort for your cat and no tugging or hair pulling. It’s designed with longhaired cats in mind but is gentle enough for kittens with any type of coat. The ends of the comb pins are slightly rounded to avoid skin irritation.
Pros
Heavy-duty metal
Soft grip for comfort
Lightweight to reduce hand fatigue
Rotating comb pins eliminate hair pulling
Designed to remove tangles from long coats
Rounded comb pins reduce skin irritation
Cons
Premium price
The Frisco Pin Bristle Brush features two different brush heads, making it useful for any type of coat. It’s available in a mini size that’s perfect for kittens. One side of the brush is a pin brush with rounded tips to avoid skin damage and irritation. This brush is ideal for fluffing the coat, removing tangles, and getting deep into thicker coats. The other side is a bristle brush, which is ideal for smoothing the coat and distributing the skin’s natural oils.
Heavy-duty metal
Soft grip for comfort
Lightweight to reduce hand fatigue
Rotating comb pins eliminate hair pulling
Designed to remove tangles from long coats
Rounded comb pins reduce skin irritation
- Heavy-duty metal
- Soft grip for comfort
- Lightweight to reduce hand fatigue
- Rotating comb pins eliminate hair pulling
- Designed to remove tangles from long coats
- Rounded comb pins reduce skin irritation
Premium price
- Premium price
Type: Pin brush, bristle brush
Color: Green and gray
Price: $
It has a soft, ergonomic grip for your comfort during use. This brush is designed with medium coats in mind. It may be effective for shorthair cats, but this is likely not the best option if your cat has a long, thick coat, especially if they have mats.
Pros
Two brushes in one
Pin brush has rounded tines to avoid skin irritation and damage
Pin brush is ideal for fluffing the coat and removing tangles
Bristle brush is ideal for distributing oils and smoothing the coat
Ergonomic grip for your comfort
Cons
Not suitable for long, thick coats
- Pet Life Knuckler Flexible Grooming Rake Comb
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Type: Grooming rake
Color: Pink, orange, green
Price: $$
The Pet Life Knuckler Flexible Grooming Rake Comb is available in three colors, so you can pick the one that suits your preferences the best. This brush features a unique design that is made to slip over your fingers for a sturdy, comfortable grip during brushing sessions. The firm but flexible bristles are designed to get through the coat, removing undercoat hair and mild knots. It’s designed for use on shorthair and longhair pets.
Two brushes in one
Pin brush has rounded tines to avoid skin irritation and damage
Pin brush is ideal for fluffing the coat and removing tangles
Bristle brush is ideal for distributing oils and smoothing the coat
Ergonomic grip for your comfort
- Two brushes in one
- Pin brush has rounded tines to avoid skin irritation and damage
- Pin brush is ideal for fluffing the coat and removing tangles
- Bristle brush is ideal for distributing oils and smoothing the coat
- Ergonomic grip for your comfort
Not suitable for long, thick coats
- Not suitable for long, thick coats
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Type: Grooming rake
Color: Pink, orange, green
Price: $$
Some users of this brush report their cats not being crazy about it, so it may not be suitable for cats that are picky about their grooming tools.
Pros
Three color options
Unique design
Slips over your fingers for easy use
Firm but flexible bristles remove undercoat
Can be used on any coat type
Cons
May not work for cats that are picky about brushes
The H&H Pets Multi-Functional Grooming Brush Kit features three brush heads that can easily be switched out into the body of the brush. One brush is a massage brush for use during baths. The second brush is a pin brush with rounded tines for fluffing the coat and removing loose undercoat fur. The third brush is a bristle brush for distributing oils and smoothing the coat.
Three color options
Unique design
Slips over your fingers for easy use
Firm but flexible bristles remove undercoat
Can be used on any coat type
- Three color options
- Unique design
- Slips over your fingers for easy use
- Firm but flexible bristles remove undercoat
- Can be used on any coat type
May not work for cats that are picky about brushes
- May not work for cats that are picky about brushes
Type: Massage brush, pin brush, bristle brush
Color: Black and green
Price: $$
This brush base doesn’t offer an ergonomic handle, so it may be uncomfortable to grip. It does offer gentle brushing options for sensitive skin and thin coats, though.
Pros
Multi-use brush heads are easy to switch on the base
Massage brush is ideal for deep cleaning and removing loose coat during baths
Pin brush is ideal for fluffing the coat and removing loose undercoat fur
Bristle brush smooths the coat and distributes oils
Gentle enough for sensitive skin and thin coats
Cons
May be uncomfortable to hold due to lack of handle
The JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush is a small slicker brush that is made specifically for cats. The gripsoft handle makes for a comfortable brushing experience for you, and the flexible stainless-steel tines are designed to remove hair gently and safely without pulling or damaging the skin. The pins are angled, making them ideal for removing loose hair and tangles.
Multi-use brush heads are easy to switch on the base
Massage brush is ideal for deep cleaning and removing loose coat during baths
Pin brush is ideal for fluffing the coat and removing loose undercoat fur
Bristle brush smooths the coat and distributes oils
Gentle enough for sensitive skin and thin coats
- Multi-use brush heads are easy to switch on the base
- Massage brush is ideal for deep cleaning and removing loose coat during baths
- Pin brush is ideal for fluffing the coat and removing loose undercoat fur
- Bristle brush smooths the coat and distributes oils
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin and thin coats
May be uncomfortable to hold due to lack of handle
- May be uncomfortable to hold due to lack of handle
Type: Slicker brush
Color: Black and yellow
Price: $
This brush is designed for all types of coats, although it may not be effective against thick, tangled, longhaired coats. For shorthaired coats, make sure to use this brush gently. The wire tines are not capped or rounded, so they can scratch the skin if used too roughly.
Pros
Made specifically for cats and kittens
Gripsoft handle for your comfort
Flexible tines are designed to safely remove loose hair and tangles
Angled tines make this brush more effective
Designed for all coat types
Cons
May not be effective for thick, tangled, longhaired coats
May irritate skin on thin coats
The Li’l Pals Coated Tips Slicker Brush is a budget-friendly brush option for your kitten. The flexible wire pins have rounded plastic tips to prevent irritation to the skin during brushing. It’s a good option for removing tangles and undercoat buildup, but the flexibility of the pins will prevent snags and discomfort. It has a comfortable handle to keep you comfortable during use.
Made specifically for cats and kittens
Gripsoft handle for your comfort
Flexible tines are designed to safely remove loose hair and tangles
Angled tines make this brush more effective
Designed for all coat types
- Made specifically for cats and kittens
- Gripsoft handle for your comfort
- Flexible tines are designed to safely remove loose hair and tangles
- Angled tines make this brush more effective
- Designed for all coat types
May not be effective for thick, tangled, longhaired coats
May irritate skin on thin coats
- May not be effective for thick, tangled, longhaired coats
- May irritate skin on thin coats
Type: Slicker brush
Color: Green and blue
Price: $
The size of this brush is designed for small cats and kittens, making it ideal for kittens of any size. Some people do report the small size of this brush making it difficult to keep up with. In fact, a few people report their kitties thinking this is a toy and running off with it whenever it’s left in the open.
Pros
Budget-friendly option
Flexible wire pins with plastic tips for comfort
Removes tangles and undercoat buildup
Comfortable handle for your comfort
Size is perfect for kittens
Cons
Small size may make it difficult to keep track of
Frisky kittens may think this brush is a toy and attempt to steal it
The Ethical Pet Spot Grooming Glove is a clever product that allows you to brush your kitten gently during petting sessions. This glove features soft, small nubs that remove loose hair and skin from your cat’s coat while providing your kitty with a gentle, comfortable bonding experience with you. Because it’s a glove, it’s comfortable to use.
Budget-friendly option
Flexible wire pins with plastic tips for comfort
Removes tangles and undercoat buildup
Comfortable handle for your comfort
Size is perfect for kittens
- Budget-friendly option
- Flexible wire pins with plastic tips for comfort
- Removes tangles and undercoat buildup
- Comfortable handle for your comfort
- Size is perfect for kittens
Small size may make it difficult to keep track of
Frisky kittens may think this brush is a toy and attempt to steal it
- Small size may make it difficult to keep track of
- Frisky kittens may think this brush is a toy and attempt to steal it
Type: Glove
Color: Black and blue
Price: $
This is a one size fits all design, so it may be a little too large or small on your hand, but it does include a Velcro strap to fit it to your wrist. It’s only available in a right-hand design, so it may be uncomfortable for left-handed people to use. This is not suitable for removing mats or tangles, but it’s a great option for short-haired cats.
Pros
Allows for gentle and soothing grooming sessions
Made to remove loose hair and skin from your kitten’s coat
Provides a bonding experience during grooming sessions
Comfortable to use
Good option for short-haired cats
Cons
One size fits all
Right-handed design only
Not suitable for thick coats and removing mats and tangles
The Petstages Scratch & Groom Scratch Pad is a fun option for the kitty that doesn’t love to be brushed or who won’t sit still for it. This allows your kitten to use a scratch pad, as well as rub themselves along a built-in bristle-type arch. This allows your kitten to groom themselves, even when you aren’t home. It’s also a fun way for your kitten to burn excess energy and fulfill their natural need to scratch and rub on objects.
Allows for gentle and soothing grooming sessions
Made to remove loose hair and skin from your kitten’s coat
Provides a bonding experience during grooming sessions
Comfortable to use
Good option for short-haired cats
- Allows for gentle and soothing grooming sessions
- Made to remove loose hair and skin from your kitten’s coat
- Provides a bonding experience during grooming sessions
- Comfortable to use
- Good option for short-haired cats
One size fits all
Right-handed design only
Not suitable for thick coats and removing mats and tangles
- One size fits all
- Right-handed design only
- Not suitable for thick coats and removing mats and tangles
Type: Bristle brush
Color: Multiple colors
Price: $$
This is the most expensive option we reviewed, but it also doubles as a toy, so this may be worth the extra money for some people. Currently, the scratcher in this toy cannot be replaced, and this toy is not weighted, so it may be flipped over by a committed kitten.
Pros
Good option for kittens that won’t sit still for brushing
Includes a cardboard scratcher
Allows your kitten to groom themselves anytime
Fulfills a cat’s natural need to scratch and rub on objects
Two objects in one
Cons
More expensive than other options
Scratcher cannot be replaced when worn out
May be able to be flipped over
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Brush for Your Kitten
Choosing the Best Brush for Your Kitten
In order to select the best brush for your kitten, you need to consider your kitten’s coat type and length. Some brushes are well-suited to the thick, long coats of some cats, while some are not. Kittens usually have relatively soft coats, but as they grow, their coats may become more coarse and may require different brushes.
Good option for kittens that won’t sit still for brushing
Includes a cardboard scratcher
Allows your kitten to groom themselves anytime
Fulfills a cat’s natural need to scratch and rub on objects
Two objects in one
- Good option for kittens that won’t sit still for brushing
- Includes a cardboard scratcher
- Allows your kitten to groom themselves anytime
- Fulfills a cat’s natural need to scratch and rub on objects
- Two objects in one
More expensive than other options
Scratcher cannot be replaced when worn out
May be able to be flipped over
- More expensive than other options
- Scratcher cannot be replaced when worn out
- May be able to be flipped over
You should also consider if you’re dealing with a healthy coat or not. Some kittens that have been rescued or that have been suffering from medical problems or parasite infestations may have specific coat care needs to get their coat back to health.
You may have to purchase multiple brush types to manage your kitten’s coat while they are still young and when they get older, but it’s best to pick the brush that meets your kitten’s current coat care needs. Just keep in mind that you may need to upgrade as they age.
Conclusion
These reviews should serve as a great starting point selecting the right brush for your kitten’s current and future coat needs. In our opinion, the best overall kitten brush is the Hepper Soft Cat Brush, which is available in multiple colors and is made to remove loose hair gently but efficiently from the coat. The most budget-friendly pick is the Furminator Hair Collection Brush, which can be used on your kitten, as well as on clothing and upholstery. For a more expensive option, choose the Resco Pro-Series Rotating Pin Comb, which is made to remove tangles and small mats without too much discomfort for your kitty.
Featured Image Credit: Konstantin Aksenov, Shutterstock
