Cats are natural groomers, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our part in keeping them clean and healthy. While cat coat and skin care basics are generally the same no matter the breed, certain types of coats require different kinds of brushes. While most brushes will work just fine, choosing the best one for your cat’s coat type will make sure they’re in tip-top shape.
#1 – Slicker Brush
Slicker brushes are curved or slanted brushes with very thin teeth. They are ideal for medium- to long-coated cats and work well to remove dirt, dander and dead and loose hair. When used regularly they’ll prevent matting, but can also be used to help remove them.
#2 – Matbreakers
Matbreakers are made for long-coated cats that need to have mats removed. They are long, slender brushes that have long blades instead of teeth. Matbreakers are used to remove mats without damaging the rest of the coat.
#3 – Dual-Sided Brush
Dual-Sided brushes are ideal for short- to medium-length coats. They have a fine tooth brush on one side and a soft bristle brush on the other, removing tangles and spreading natural oils, respectively. They are very useful tools and both sides are equally beneficial when used together.
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#4 – Mitt Brush
Mitt brushes are rubber or vinyl gloves or mittens that go over your hand that have a toothed side to them that can be used to brush your cat. These brushes are unique in that they’re more like petting your cat than actually grooming them and your cat might not know the difference. They have short, soft teeth that remove dirt, dander and dead hair, leaving your cat’s coat sleek and smooth. They can be used on all coat types.
#5 – Shedding Comb
Shedding combs come in different types, most notably the Poodle comb and Greyhound comb. The Poodle comb has thin teeth that are spread widely apart and are ideal for long-coated cats as they remove tangles and dead hair. Greyhound combs have teeth much closer together and can be used for all coat types but are ideal for short- to medium-lengths.
#6 – Shedding Blade
Shedding blades and rakes pull out dead hair, dirt and dander. They are ideal for all coat types and quickly freshen up the coat as they cover a large surface area of the body at one time.
#7 – FURminator®
The FURminator® and similar brands are smaller, finer toothed shedding blades that remove both the top and undercoat. They are effective and getting rid of excess dirt and dander and can be used on all coat types.