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11 Best Brushes for Ragdoll Cats – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Kristin Hitchcock

By Kristin Hitchcock

woman combing ragdoll cat on white background. Removing old wool

Ragdoll cats require frequent grooming due to their long fur. Fortunately, it can be tackled at home and requires no professional help. However, you need the correct equipment to groom your Ragdoll correctly.

There are several types of brushes that you can use on your Ragdoll. You need a bristle brush, at the very least, to help your feline’s fur stay smooth and free from tangles. However, you may also consider purchasing a de-shedding brush and de-matting brush for more specialized grooming.

Below, we have reviews of the top brushes, so you can choose the perfect brand for your feline.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Cat Brush Hepper Cat Brush
  • Made of ABS plastic and stainless steel
  • Easy click hair removal
  • Comfort handle
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Frisco Cat Curry Brush Frisco Cat Curry Brush
  • Gentle
  • Rubber tips
  • Great for picky cats
  • Third place
    Pet Republique Dematting Rake Pet Republique Dematting Rake
  • Removes tangles easily
  • Multiple sides
  • Compact size
  • Mr. Peanuts Hand Gloves Cat Grooming Mr. Peanuts Hand Gloves Cat Grooming
  • Flexible mesh
  • Adjustable straps
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Frisco Cat Bristle Brush Frisco Cat Bristle Brush
  • Versatile
  • Flexible bristles
  • Ergonomic handle
  • The 11 Best Brushes for Ragdoll Cats

    1. Hepper Cat Brush for Ragdoll Cats – Best Overall

    hepper brush

    Type ABS Plastic & Stainless Steel

    Since Ragdolls have a dense coat, they need a brush that will flow through their fur to penetrate the skin. We recommend the Hepper Cat Brush for Ragdoll Cats for the job and think it is the best overall cat brush on the market. Its innovative design offers a 60-degree needle bend to detangle gently but efficiently.

    The brush’s exterior is durable ABS plastic, leading to a long, easy-to-control handle. The brush is circular and filled with stainless steel needles. It comes in three colors: pink, grey, or blue. It’s also waterproof, making it ideal for cleaning after brushing.

    You simply hit the quick release on the back, and voila—it releases the hair! It stays clean and doesn’t trap lint or debris in the bristles. We praise the Hepper Cat Brush due to its user-friendliness, comfort, and efficiency. You won’t be disappointed, and your Ragdoll’s coat will look shiny and clean.

    Pros
    • Optimal 60-degree stainless steel curved needles
    • Made of waterproof ABS plastic
    • Hair collection quick-release
    • User friendly
    Cons
    • Only one size

    2. Frisco Cat Curry Brush — Budget Buy

    Frisco Cat Curry Brush

    Type Plastic

    For some Ragdoll cats, this Frisco Cat Curry Brush may be all that you need. It has soft rubber tips designed to groom your cat without harming their skin. It can keep your cat clean and remove loose fur, which is great when they have as much hair as a Ragdoll does. You can also use it in the bath to lather soap and work it into your cat’s fur.

    If your cat hates being groomed, you may have an easier time with this brush. Its soft design makes it great for cats that have had bad grooming experiences.

    However, the bristle design on the Frisco Curry brush isn’t as effective as other designs.  You may have to brush your cat longer to compensate for the lackluster design. Still, this is the best brush for Ragdoll cats for the money.

    Pros
    • Gentle
    • Rubber tips
    • Great for picky cats
    • Works both wet and dry
    Cons
    • Not as effective as some other brushes

    3. Pet Republique Dematting Rake

    Pet Republique Dematting Rake

    Type Dematting

    Even if you try your best to keep your Ragdoll groomed, they can develop mats. You’ll need a durable grooming tool to remove the tangles. For this situation, we highly recommend the Pet Republique Dematting Rake. It’s perfect for removing mats of all sorts.

    It has a six-tooth side to remove tangles and an 11-tooth side to thin your cat’s fur as necessary. The teeth are stainless steel, making them durable and safe. An ergonomic handle helps ensure your hand stays comfortable using the brush.

    Its compact size makes the Pet Republique rake especially suitable for small cats.

    Pros
    • Removes tangles easily
    • Multiple sides
    • Can thin coat
    • Compact size
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Mr. Peanuts Hand Gloves Cat Grooming & Deshedding Aid

    Mr. Peanut's Hand Gloves Dog & Cat Grooming & Deshedding Aid

    Type Gloves

    For felines that dislike grooming, you may want to consider investing in grooming gloves. Often, cats think that you are simply petting them, which enables you to avoid the drama. Mr. Peanuts’ gloves are made from a flexible mesh with soft rubber tips. They do a decent job of removing dirt and loose fur.

    However, they don’t do as good of a job as a rigid brush. They are more of a last resort if your cat hates grooming. You can use them on wet and dry hair, and an adjustable fastener strap keeps the gloves on while you’re grooming so you can quickly clean your cat. The strap is quite comfortable and soft.

    Pros
    • Flexible mesh
    • Adjustable straps
    • Comfortable to wear
    • More cat-friendly than some other options
    Cons
    • Not as effective as brushes

    5. Frisco Cat Bristle Brush

    Frisco Cat & Dog Bristle Brush

    Type Bristle Brush

    For most daily grooming, we highly recommend the Frisco Cat Bristle Brush. It helps smooth down their coat without causing any pain. The flexible bristles help flatten your pet’s fur and spread out their natural oils. The oils are essential for your cat’s overall health because they prevent unnecessary tangles and help them stay clean.

    The ergonomic handle ensures that your hand stays comfortable while you’re grooming. It has comfortable padding and helps you maintain a firm grip. The Frisco Bristle brush is versatile and is suitable for cats of all ages and sizes. It’s ideal if you have a multi-pet household. In some cases, it may be the only brush that you need for all your pets.

    Pros
    • Versatile
    • Flexible bristles
    • Ergonomic handle
    • Gentle on skin
    Cons
    • Not effective at removing mats

    6. Safari Bristle Cat Brush

    Safari Bristle Cat Brush

    Type Bristle Brush

    For most Ragdoll cats, the Safari Bristle Cat Brush is considered a reliable model. It removes loose hair and debris from your cat’s coat, which keeps them clean and prevents hairballs. Furthermore, the bristles are soft and don’t irritate their sensitive skin. Since the Safari brush is gentler than similar models, most cats will accept being groomed with it.

    The bristles also help spread the natural oils to keep your cat’s fur healthy. This brush is small, which makes it ideal for kittens and small breeds.

    Pros
    • Soft, flexible bristles
    • Gentle
    • Small enough for cats
    Cons
    • Too soft to pick up massive amounts of loose fur

    7. FURminator Hair Collection Dog & Cat Brush

    FURminator Hair Collection Dog & Cat Brush

    Type Comb

    The FURminator Hair Collection Dog & Cat Brush is not nearly as effective for Ragdolls, and some cats may not like the rubber tips. However, this four-sided brush is designed to work on your cat and upholstery and rugs. It will remove cat fur wherever it is present, which makes it versatile.

    The multiple sides are designed to remove hair from crevices and other small areas. It can theoretically replace other hair collection tools. The rubber material is made to be durable, preventing the brush from changing shapes and losing its effectiveness over time.

    However, the FURminator brush doesn’t penetrate as nicely as other brushes on the market. It doesn’t help as much with shedding as it should. Therefore, it may not prevent hairballs if that’s a concern you have.

    Pros
    • Versatile
    • Durable rubber construction
    • Four sides
    Cons
    • Doesn’t penetrate a Ragdoll’s fur
    • Doesn’t prevent hairballs

    8. Burt’s Bees Double-Sided Cat Comb

    Burt's Bees Double Sided Cat Comb

    Type Comb

    Of all the cat combs on the market, Burt’s Bees Double-Sided Cat Comb is one of the best options. As the name suggests, it is double-sided, which makes it versatile.

    One side is designed to remove debris, including flea eggs and fleas, while the other side detangles your cat’s fur and leaves a smooth finish. The handle is made out of bamboo, which is a much better material for the environment in general.

    The Burt’s Bees comb can be used with longhaired cats like the Ragdoll. However, it is ineffective at removing massive amounts of loose fur, which is likely the main reason you’ll be grooming your Ragdoll. Therefore, it isn’t always the most appropriate model.

    It is also quite expensive, especially considering that you won’t be using it often.

    Pros
    • Double-sided
    • Made with bamboo
    • Can penetrate long hair
    Cons
    • Not effective at removing excessive amounts of hair
    • Expensive

    9. Resco Pro-Series Rotating Cat Comb

    Resco Pro-Series Rotating Dog & Cat Pin Comb

    Type Comb

    The Resco Pro-Series Rotating Cat Comb can be a nifty tool in certain circumstances. As the name suggests, the pins on the comb rotate 360 degrees. This feature is meant to be gentler on your cat’s skin, which can reduce the struggle and drama during your cat’s grooming sessions.

    The grip is made with heavy-duty metal for durability, but it is ergonomic and lightweight, making it suitable for longer grooming sessions. The primary purpose of this tool is to remove knots and mats, so it may be helpful occasionally.

    However, it does not remove cat fur, which is likely the main reason you need to groom your Ragdoll. The Resco Pro-Series is also expensive.

    Pros
    • Made with heavy-duty metal
    • Ergonomic and lightweight
    • Pins rotate 360-degrees
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Not suitable for Ragdolls

    10. FURminator Adjustable Dematter Cat Tool

    FURminator Adjustable deMatter Dog & Cat Tool

    Type Dematting

    As the name suggests, the FURminator Adjustable Dematter Cat Tool is designed to remove mats from your cat’s fur. It has a curved edge to ensure that it accomplishes this safely and efficiently. You can adjust the edge to match the length of your cat’s fur for extra safety and comfort.

    The stainless-steel edge and slide tab locks into place to ensure your cat isn’t cut or harmed. It also has a non-slip handle to ensure maximum control during the grooming process. However, your Ragdoll shouldn’t have mats often, so you likely won’t get the full use out of this tool.

    Furthermore, this tool isn’t that sharp, so it doesn’t seem to remove mats quite as quickly as similar tools. Several owners felt that the blade was too curved and had difficulties using it.

    Pros
    • Adjustable
    • Stainless steel
    • Non-slip handle
    Cons
    • A bit too curved
    • Not suitable for most Ragdolls
    • Expensive

    11. Hertz Groomer’s Best Fur Fetcher De-Shedder Cat Brush

    Hartz Groomer's Best Fur Fetcher De-Shedder Cat Brush

    Type De-Shedder

    When grooming a Ragdoll, you’re trying to reduce the amount of hair they’re shedding. The Hertz Groomer’s Best Fur Fetcher De-Shedder Cat Brush does a decent job, and it isn’t that expensive.

    But when using this tool, the hair ends up all over you and your cat. The brush doesn’t do a good job capturing it, even if it does remove it. Furthermore, you can only do one stroke at a time. Otherwise, it gets clogged up and doesn’t work as effectively.

    It also isn’t great with longhaired cats, which will be an issue with Ragdolls.

    Pros
    • Blade-free
    • Ergonomic design
    Cons
    • Clogs easily
    • Not good at capturing hair
    • Not that effective with longhaired cats

    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Brush for Ragdoll Cats

    Purchasing a brush for your cat can be frustrating, especially if you aren’t knowledgeable about the types of bushes. In this section, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about choosing an effective brush for your feline. In some cases, you may need to purchase more than one, as each has its uses and benefits.

    Types of Brushes That Your Ragdoll Needs

    Before you purchase a new brush, it’s important to understand the differences between the types of brushes and what your Ragdoll needs. Not all Ragdolls will need the same brushes; it depends on how often you groom them and their lifestyle.

    • Bristle Brush: In most cases, a bristle brush is the best option for your Ragdoll. The primary purpose of this brush is to smooth out your cat’s coat and remove excess fur. If you don’t remove the loose fur, your cat will have hairball problems. While hairballs are often considered a “normal” thing with cats, they can be dangerous. Pin brushes and slicker brushes aren’t nearly as gentle.
    • Deshedding Brush: When Ragdolls groom themselves, they can ingest too much hair and have problems with hairball impaction. Using a de-shedding brush once a week can remove more loose hair, but it’s not necessary to use it daily. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need one. In many cases, regular grooming with a bristle brush is enough to avoid the need for a de-shedding brush.
    • Dematting Brush: Many Ragdolls get mats at some point in their lives. They don’t have a true undercoat, so it doesn’t happen nearly as much as it does for other breeds. However, if you regularly brush your cat, they may not get enough mats to make one of these brushes worth it. They can be expensive, so it isn’t odd for Ragdoll owners to skip out on them.
    • Comb: In some cases, a comb can be helpful. They are great at removing tangles and debris from your cat’s coat. However, a comb isn’t necessary since Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat. Still, combs can be inexpensive and helpful in some cases. Therefore, you may want to consider picking one up.

    Using the Brushes

    Fortunately, grooming a Ragdoll is simple, especially compared to other cats. Their coat is thick and soft. They shed profusely, which will be your main problem. If you don’t groom your Ragdoll, they will groom themselves. Often, they will ingest a large amount of hair in the process. This can be a severe problem because impaction can occur if the cat cannot expel the hair as a furball.

    Therefore, your primary purpose when grooming your cat should be to remove as much hair as possible. Mats can occur in a Ragdoll’s coat, but not nearly as often as other breeds. While you should keep an eye out for mats, daily brushing will prevent them.

    You should brush your Ragdoll every day to remove excess fur and prevent tangles. We recommend starting as soon as you adopt your cat, even if they don’t need the grooming when they’re kittens. Establishing a regular practice will go a long way toward helping your feline get used to the grooming process, which can make future sessions much easier.

    You should start with a bristle brush, which should remove much of the excess hair. For deep tangles, a comb is helpful. However, severe matting will require a de-matting brush or a pair of scissors. The key is to brush out the tangles before they become a mat.

    woman combing ragdoll cat
    Image Credit: VeronArt16, Shutterstock

    Cat Brush Price

    Most brushes are inexpensive. However, when you have to purchase several, it can get pricey. Luckily, you don’t need all four types of brushes to successfully groom your cat, though they can all be useful at different times.

    If you’re on a budget, we recommend purchasing a quality bristle brush at the very least. You likely won’t need the other brushes, but a bristle brush is essential for removing excess fur. If you have more money to spend, invest in a comb, preferably made of stainless steel.

    Cat Brush Quality

    The quality of the brush matters when you’re grooming your feline. The last thing that you want is a low-quality brush, making your cat’s grooming sessions even more difficult than they already are. Preferably, the brush you purchase will quickly and efficiently remove dirt, grime, and excess fur.

    Therefore, it’s often in your best interest to invest in quality brushes. Although they cost more, you typically only pay a few extra dollars. The efficiency that those few extra dollars will provide can be paramount to your success in grooming your feline.

    Final Thoughts

    There are many different cat brushes available, but our favorite model is the Hepper Cat Brush. It can remove much of your cat’s excess fur, and it has a comfortable handle and isn’t that expensive.

    For those on a strict budget, the Frisco Cat Curry Brush is a solid option. It’s incredibly gentle on your cat’s skin but can remove a bit of fur and dirt. It is also much cheaper than most of the brands on our list.  We hope our reviews have helped you narrow your choices and find the best brush for your Ragdoll.


    Featured Image Credit: VeronArt16, Shutterstock

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