Regular grooming of your kitty isn’t just about helping you vacuum less often – it’s a MUST-HAVE habit to help keep your cat healthy. Indeed, regular brushing reduces the amount of hair your cat ingests daily and decreases the formation of hairballs in its stomach. Besides, this habit helps strengthen your bond with your kitten; and what cat parent doesn’t want that kind of relationship with their furry companion?
That being said, you will need some great tools to help make these grooming sessions more enjoyable for you and your cat. Check out our reviews of the best cat grooming tools; these reviews will help you familiarize yourself with the options and hopefully find the right one for you and your pet.
A Quick Comparison (updated in 2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Cat Brush
Comfortable, fast brushing with 60-degree needle bend
One-click fur removal for easy cleaning
Metal needles brush and clean quickly
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Best Value
HARTZ Small Slicker Brush for Cats
Inexpensive
Easy to use
Triangular shape that allows you to reach small areas
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Premium Choice
Resco Wrap Comb for Small Pets
Extremely durable and resistant
Pins with rounded tips
Comfortable grip
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Best for Long Hair
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
Super easy to clean
Fine bristles that penetrate deep into the fur
Provides a gentle massage
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Best Value
FURminator deShedding Edge Cat Brush
Works great on thick fur
Excellent in reducing shedding
Brush handle provides a firm grip
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The 11 Best Cat Grooming Tools
1. Hepper Cat Grooming Brush – Best Overall
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Uses: Removes loose hair and undercoat
Recommended for: All types of hair
Whether you’ve got a plush long-haired cat or a scrappy shorthair, the Hepper Cat Brush can handle it. We found the Hepper Brush to be the best overall brush for cats of all coats. It has a wire-style brush head with flexible metal needles that bend up to 60 degrees. These flexible needles make it more comfortable for your cats than most wire brushes, and they carry the added bonus of making brushing faster and easier for you, too. The brush is completely water-safe, so you can wash a damp kitty or rinse it off when it gets dirty. It also has a button that removes fur from the bristles when pressed.
Uses: Removes loose hair and undercoat
Recommended for: All types of hair
- Uses: Removes loose hair and undercoat
- Recommended for: All types of hair
Wire brushes are ideal for many coat types, but they do need to be used with care. Too much pressure can cause pain for cats. You can run the brush along the inside of your arm to get an idea of how much pressure you need—enough to keep the brush moving through fur, but not so much that it’s painful. However, for cats with very sensitive skin, no metal brush will be comfortable.
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
Comfortable, fast brushing with 60-degree needle bend
Washable and one-click fur removal for easy cleaning
Metal needles brush and clean quickly
Cons
Metal brushes may irritate some cats
This small slicker brush (a type of pin brush) has dozens of fine metal teeth and is flexible enough to move comfortably along your cat’s body. Without any fancy features, this basic grooming brush does a great job of removing dead, loose hair in the topcoat and undercoat and can even get rid of mats. However, it doesn’t have a self-cleaning mechanism, so pulling out the fur involves using your fingers to grasp between the teeth, which can be an inconvenience for some people. But despite that, this cat grooming tool is definitely the best value for your money.
Comfortable, fast brushing with 60-degree needle bend
Washable and one-click fur removal for easy cleaning
Metal needles brush and clean quickly
- Comfortable, fast brushing with 60-degree needle bend
- Washable and one-click fur removal for easy cleaning
- Metal needles brush and clean quickly
Metal brushes may irritate some cats
- Metal brushes may irritate some cats
Uses: Removes tangles and mats
Recommended for: Cats and kitten with short hair
Check Price on Chewy
Uses: Removes tangles and mats
Recommended for: Cats and kitten with short hair
- Uses: Removes tangles and mats
- Recommended for: Cats and kitten with short hair
Pros
Inexpensive
Easy to use
Triangular shape that allows you to reach small areas (ears, neck) without hurting your cat
Cons
No self-cleaning button
Not as resistant as the other brushes
May not be as effective for long-haired cats
This dematting comb is our premium choice because it works wonders for cats with thick, fluffy coats. If you have a cat who is prone to develop mats or tangles and you’re ready to splurge on a fantastic tool, the Resco Wrap Comb will do the trick. It will reach the knots, gently pull them apart and smooth them out. However, keep in mind that this detangling comb is not the best option for cats who do not develop mats, as this comb is not intended to remove loose hair and debris.
Inexpensive
Easy to use
Triangular shape that allows you to reach small areas (ears, neck) without hurting your cat
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Triangular shape that allows you to reach small areas (ears, neck) without hurting your cat
No self-cleaning button
Not as resistant as the other brushes
May not be as effective for long-haired cats
- No self-cleaning button
- Not as resistant as the other brushes
- May not be as effective for long-haired cats
Uses: Removes stubborn knots and tangles in thick coats
Recommended for: All types of hair prone to mats
Uses: Removes stubborn knots and tangles in thick coats
Recommended for: All types of hair prone to mats
- Uses: Removes stubborn knots and tangles in thick coats
- Recommended for: All types of hair prone to mats
Pros
Works also for small dogs or other small pets
Extremely durable and resistant
Pins with rounded tips so as not to hurt your kitty
Comfortable grip
Cons
Pricey
Won’t work great for short-haired cats
The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is a perfect grooming tool for long-haired cats. You will have no problem removing all the dead hairs often hidden under their dense fur. Plus, the self-cleaning button makes your life easier – no need to use your fingers to remove all the hair and other grooming residues! However, this brush is unsuitable for short-haired cats, as the sharp teeth could scratch their sensitive skin.
Works also for small dogs or other small pets
Extremely durable and resistant
Pins with rounded tips so as not to hurt your kitty
Comfortable grip
- Works also for small dogs or other small pets
- Extremely durable and resistant
- Pins with rounded tips so as not to hurt your kitty
- Comfortable grip
Pricey
Won’t work great for short-haired cats
- Pricey
- Won’t work great for short-haired cats
Uses: Removes tangles, loose hair, and dirt
Recommended for: Long-haired cats
Uses: Removes tangles, loose hair, and dirt
Recommended for: Long-haired cats
- Uses: Removes tangles, loose hair, and dirt
- Recommended for: Long-haired cats
Pros
Super easy to clean with the self-cleaning button
Fine bristles that penetrate deep into the fur
Provides a gentle massage for a more pleasant grooming
Cons
Might scratch the skin of cat with thin coats
Furminator is an American brand that was born from the original idea of a professional groomer. The Furminator deShedding Edge is another great grooming tool, because it’s an innovative cat brush that improves the well-being of animals that shed large amounts of hair during molting. Plus, it’s highly recommended by vets.
Super easy to clean with the self-cleaning button
Fine bristles that penetrate deep into the fur
Provides a gentle massage for a more pleasant grooming
- Super easy to clean with the self-cleaning button
- Fine bristles that penetrate deep into the fur
- Provides a gentle massage for a more pleasant grooming
Might scratch the skin of cat with thin coats
- Might scratch the skin of cat with thin coats
Uses: Removes loose hair and undercoat
Recommended for: All types of hair
This cat brush features a row of tight stainless-steel teeth designed to remove hair that has fallen out during shedding. The rounded edges are slightly longer than the teeth so that the latter does not directly touch the skin. Besides, the Furminator has a push button that makes it easy to clean the brush. You should use this brush once or twice a week for optimal effectiveness.
Pros
Works great on thick fur
Excellent in reducing shedding (and less shedding = less vacuuming)
Reduces formation of hairballs
Brush handle provides a firm grip and prevents it from slipping out of your hands
Cons
Some cats may find the edges uncomfortable against their skin
A bit pricey
- Mars Boar Bristle Cat Hair Brush – Best for Short Hair Check Latest Price
Uses: Gently removes dead hair
Recommended for: Short-haired cats
Unlike the previous brush, the Mars Boar Bristle Cat Hair Brush will do wonders for short-haired cats. This light, ergonomic, and super easy to use tool will allow you to gently brush your kitten without them wanting to tear your eyes out. But seriously, this brush is perfect for gently removing the top layer of hair from your kitty’s fur while giving him a gentle massage.
Works great on thick fur
Excellent in reducing shedding (and less shedding = less vacuuming)
Reduces formation of hairballs
Brush handle provides a firm grip and prevents it from slipping out of your hands
- Works great on thick fur
- Excellent in reducing shedding (and less shedding = less vacuuming)
- Reduces formation of hairballs
- Brush handle provides a firm grip and prevents it from slipping out of your hands
Some cats may find the edges uncomfortable against their skin
A bit pricey
- Some cats may find the edges uncomfortable against their skin
- A bit pricey
Uses: Gently removes dead hair
Recommended for: Short-haired cats
- Uses: Gently removes dead hair
- Recommended for: Short-haired cats
Pros
Super soft bristles that won’t hurt thin coats
Great for sensitive kitties that are not fond of grooming
Make the cat’s fur soft and shiny
Cons
Doesn’t work great on tangles and mats
- Frisco Cat Curry Brush – Best Curry Brush Check Latest Price
Uses: Massaging and removing loose hair
Recommended for: Short-haired cats
With its short, thick, and flexible rubber nubs, this curry brush is ideal for massaging and stimulating the circulation and distribution of natural oils and removing dirt, loose hairs, and debris. This cat brush is one of the best for grooming short-haired pets and young cats. However, it is not suitable for disentangling a dense coat.
Super soft bristles that won’t hurt thin coats
Great for sensitive kitties that are not fond of grooming
Make the cat’s fur soft and shiny
- Super soft bristles that won’t hurt thin coats
- Great for sensitive kitties that are not fond of grooming
- Make the cat’s fur soft and shiny
Doesn’t work great on tangles and mats
- Doesn’t work great on tangles and mats
Uses: Massaging and removing loose hair
Recommended for: Short-haired cats
- Uses: Massaging and removing loose hair
- Recommended for: Short-haired cats
Pros
Great for cats that shed a lot of hair
Easy to use
Works wonders to get undercoat hair off
Cons
No self-cleaning button so it may be a bit hard to clean off after
- Pet Grooming Glove – Best Grooming Gloves Check Latest Price
Uses: Removes dirt, loose hair, and debris
Recommended for: Cats that don’t like to be brushed
Ideal for kittens, sensitive pets, and shorthair or hairless cats, the brushing glove is lined with soft rubber teeth that allow you to brush and massage your little feline easily. This tool also allows you to take your cat in your hands and mimic the petting, which can help strengthen your bond with him. However, this type of accessory is not designed to untangle knots.
Great for cats that shed a lot of hair
Easy to use
Works wonders to get undercoat hair off
- Great for cats that shed a lot of hair
- Easy to use
- Works wonders to get undercoat hair off
No self-cleaning button so it may be a bit hard to clean off after
- No self-cleaning button so it may be a bit hard to clean off after
Uses: Removes dirt, loose hair, and debris
Recommended for: Cats that don’t like to be brushed
- Uses: Removes dirt, loose hair, and debris
- Recommended for: Cats that don’t like to be brushed
Pros
Mimics the touch of your hand for a relaxing massage
Soft rubber provides gentle massage and grooming to remove loose hair without scratching the skin
Works wonders for other pets too
Cons
Don’t pick up a lot of hair
The “one size fits all” may not fit well for all hand sizes
The KONG Zoom Groom is a small rubber brush that gently removes hair from your cat’s coat. The spaced rubber teeth are flexible, making it a soft brush suitable for even the most sensitive kittens. It is, therefore, a massage brush that gently stimulates the skin without irritating it. While the Zoom Groom is a good tool for providing a gentle massage and removing unwanted hair, it is not perfect. Indeed, it does not remove all the hairs and tends to make the fur fly. However, it can remove a lot of dead hair, but it will likely let it spread on your cat and furniture.
Mimics the touch of your hand for a relaxing massage
Soft rubber provides gentle massage and grooming to remove loose hair without scratching the skin
Works wonders for other pets too
- Mimics the touch of your hand for a relaxing massage
- Soft rubber provides gentle massage and grooming to remove loose hair without scratching the skin
- Works wonders for other pets too
Don’t pick up a lot of hair
The “one size fits all” may not fit well for all hand sizes
- Don’t pick up a lot of hair
- The “one size fits all” may not fit well for all hand sizes
Uses: Deshedding and massage grooming tool
Recommended for: Sensitive cats
Uses: Deshedding and massage grooming tool
Recommended for: Sensitive cats
- Uses: Deshedding and massage grooming tool
- Recommended for: Sensitive cats
Pros
Economical option
Soft rubber teeth for sensitive cats
Effectively removes dead hair
Cons
Not really great at retaining hair
- Hertzko Long and Short Teeth Comb – Best Comb Check Latest Price
Uses: Removes molting hair
Recommended for: Cats that don’t have mats and knots
The Hertzko Long and Short Teeth Comb is perfect for grooming a cat’s coat and undercoat simultaneously. The staggered teeth capture the loose undercoat fur, which often remains hidden under the topcoat. The stainless metal teeth are shorter near the handle than at the tip, making this comb easy to handle. Your cat’s long hairs will be soft and untangled with a wide-toothed metal comb, which you will gently run all over the place to remove any tangles. The combs with small teeth are somewhat reserved for cats with short hair. It helps prevent hairballs and tangles and reduces the presence of hair on the floor and clothing. On the other hand, it is useless against the already formed knots because it can hurt your pet.
Economical option
Soft rubber teeth for sensitive cats
Effectively removes dead hair
- Economical option
- Soft rubber teeth for sensitive cats
- Effectively removes dead hair
Not really great at retaining hair
- Not really great at retaining hair
Uses: Removes molting hair
Recommended for: Cats that don’t have mats and knots
- Uses: Removes molting hair
- Recommended for: Cats that don’t have mats and knots
Pros
Removes top and undercoat hair at the same time
Smooth, rounded ends of the teeth prevent scratching the cat’s skin
Cons
Spacing may be too much between the pins for the fur of some cats
- Safari Flea Comb for Cats – Best for Removing Fleas Check Latest Price
Uses: Removes fleas and eggs
Recommended for: All cats
The teeth of the Safari Flea Comb are very close to each other, which ensures that fleas and eggs will be effectively removed from your cat’s fur. The good news is that flea combs can also be used on all cats. However, when you use a flea comb as a natural treatment, first immerse the comb in a bowl of water mixed with a bit of anti-flea shampoo. This will prevent fleas from escaping and re-infesting your cat. This will prevent fleas from escaping and re-infesting your cat. However, remember always to seek the advice of your veterinarian if in doubt.
Removes top and undercoat hair at the same time
Smooth, rounded ends of the teeth prevent scratching the cat’s skin
- Removes top and undercoat hair at the same time
- Smooth, rounded ends of the teeth prevent scratching the cat’s skin
Spacing may be too much between the pins for the fur of some cats
- Spacing may be too much between the pins for the fur of some cats
Uses: Removes fleas and eggs
Recommended for: All cats
- Uses: Removes fleas and eggs
- Recommended for: All cats
Pros
Eliminates fleas from your cat’s coat without irritating the skin
Adapts to your hand for better control
Economical option
Cons
Not suitable for your cat’s ears
May sometimes get some fleas between the tines
Eliminates fleas from your cat’s coat without irritating the skin
Adapts to your hand for better control
Economical option
- Eliminates fleas from your cat’s coat without irritating the skin
- Adapts to your hand for better control
- Economical option
Not suitable for your cat’s ears
May sometimes get some fleas between the tines
- Not suitable for your cat’s ears
- May sometimes get some fleas between the tines
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Grooming Tools for Your Cat
To remove your cat’s dead hair, you will need a specially designed brush. There are several models on the market today. Some are more innovative than others; therefore, it is important to be informed about the best way to use these grooming tools. Here are some tips to help you find the right tools for your needs:
1. Define Your Cat’s Coat Type
Before grooming your cat, you will need to define your pet’s hair type. Only then will you be able to choose the right brush for its maintenance. Slicker brushes, for example, can be suitable for all kinds of coats. In addition, certain types of brushes have been specially designed for use on both cats and dogs.
2. Proceed Gently
Keep in mind that your cat’s skin is just as delicate as yours. If you pull too hard to untangle your pet’s hair, it could hurt him and prevent him from enjoying his grooming session. Your furry companion will then tend to be agitated, which will make your task all the more difficult. We, therefore, recommend that you always proceed as gently as possible.
3. Choose the Right Brush for Each Action
For each manipulation to be performed correctly, you will need to use the right accessory. To untie knots, for example, use a simple comb. During this action, keep the hair at the base to not pull too much on your pet’s skin. For more sensitive areas like the head or stomach, use a smaller brush and ideally triangular shape.
4. Untangle Stubborn Knots
Long hairs are the most prone to this problem. Rest assured, however, because there are specific models of brushes specially adapted to the treatment of this type of coat. If some parts are still difficult to smooth, use a small pair of scissors.
5. Maintain the Brush
After each use of your brush, it is imperative to clean it. This is to ensure hygiene. To do this, all you need to do is remove the hairs that are attached to it. Then wash your item under running water, and you’re good to go.
Bonus: Make Grooming Your Cat a Pleasurable Experience (for Both of You)
If brushing your cat is a nightmare, buying the best brush on the market won’t magically solve the problem. To help make grooming more enjoyable and to be able to reap the benefits of your purchase, follow these three tips:
Get your kitten used to grooming from a young age. Baby animals are generally easier to handle than adults, and it can also quickly strengthen your bond with your kitten. However, if your cat is already past “kitten” age, skip to the next tip.
Give your cat treats during and after grooming. Some cats can tolerate grooming simply by feeding them while brushing. However, for long-term effectiveness and to prevent the cat from making bad associations, the treat should be offered especially after grooming.
Do short sessions at the start (5 minutes maximum). It is indeed preferable to avoid long sessions which strain the cat’s attention and patience. When the cat no longer reacts negatively to the handling and even anticipates getting a treat, you can extend your grooming sessions.
Get your kitten used to grooming from a young age. Baby animals are generally easier to handle than adults, and it can also quickly strengthen your bond with your kitten. However, if your cat is already past “kitten” age, skip to the next tip.
Give your cat treats during and after grooming. Some cats can tolerate grooming simply by feeding them while brushing. However, for long-term effectiveness and to prevent the cat from making bad associations, the treat should be offered especially after grooming.
Do short sessions at the start (5 minutes maximum). It is indeed preferable to avoid long sessions which strain the cat’s attention and patience. When the cat no longer reacts negatively to the handling and even anticipates getting a treat, you can extend your grooming sessions.
- Get your kitten used to grooming from a young age. Baby animals are generally easier to handle than adults, and it can also quickly strengthen your bond with your kitten. However, if your cat is already past “kitten” age, skip to the next tip.
- Give your cat treats during and after grooming. Some cats can tolerate grooming simply by feeding them while brushing. However, for long-term effectiveness and to prevent the cat from making bad associations, the treat should be offered especially after grooming.
- Do short sessions at the start (5 minutes maximum). It is indeed preferable to avoid long sessions which strain the cat’s attention and patience. When the cat no longer reacts negatively to the handling and even anticipates getting a treat, you can extend your grooming sessions.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the benefits of regular grooming of your kitten, you can see that having a brush specially designed for your cat’s coat type is very important. This ensures that they will be clean, healthy, and beautiful; your clothes and furniture will also thank you!
So, for the best overall cat grooming tool, the Hepper Cat Brush will do wonders for your kitten. If you’d rather try a more economical option first, you can’t go wrong with the HARTZ, the groomer’s best little smooth cat brush. And if you’re up for splurging (and have more than one pet that could benefit from this amazing tool), go with Resco Wrap Comb for Dogs, Cats, and Small Pets.
You may also want to read:
- How To Shave A Cat Properly (With Video)
- Best Kitten Brushes
