Ben Madilynn
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The average cat is excellent at self-grooming, spending up to half the day cleaning themselves. However, both long- and short-haired cats can benefit from regular brushing with one of the best cat brushes. Regular grooming with a brush or comb removes loose hair and distributes natural skin oils throughout a cat’s coat, says Dr. Aimee Simpson, veterinarian and medical director of VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia.
For this guide, we tested 31 different grooming tools with four cats. Our top pick for cats with short or long hair is the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush, a two-sided pin and bristle brush designed for daily use. It removes loose fur, works out small tangles, and smoothes the top coat or delicate hairs on the face.
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Our top picks for the best cat brushes
Best overall: Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush – See at Chewy
This dual-sided brush has pins for removing loose fur and small tangles and nylon bristles for smoothing and softening the coat — it’s like a massage for your cat and costs less than $10.
Best deshedding: Andis Deshedding Tool – See at Chewy
The hooked teeth on the Andis Pet Deshedding Tool deftly remove hair from a cat’s undercoat without irritating the skin.
Best slicker: Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats – See at Chewy
This slicker brush works well for removing loose fur and small knots and can be cleaned out with the push of a button.
Best comb: Chris Christensen Cat/Carding Buttercomb #013 – See at Amazon
The comb has teeth of two lengths to remove tangles and mats on long-haired cats.
Best dematting tool: Well & Good Prostyle Dual-Sided Shedding Rake – See at Amazon
This two-in-one tool has different types of teeth built into each side of the head so you can easily dislodge mats and remove loose fur.
Best grooming gloves: HandsOn All-In-One Bathing and Grooming Gloves – See at Chewy
These grooming gloves are an ideal way to remove hair, dirt, and dander from cats that are sensitive to grooming and handling.
Best silicone: Furbliss Pet Brush – See at Chewy
This silicone curry brush has gentle nubs for light brushing.
