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10 Best Cat Brushes for Dandruff – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Chantelle Fowler

By Chantelle Fowler

Tabby cat lying in her owner's lap and enjoying while being brushed and combed

Dandruff is not only a cosmetic inconvenience for humans but also a condition that cats can suffer from. If your cat’s fur is covered in white flakes, it could be dealing with a bout of dandruff.

There are a lot of potential causes for your pet’s dandruff, so it’s always a good idea to get them to the vet to determine what’s causing it. Chances are your vet will have several treatment recommendations depending on the cause, but one of the best ways you can help rid your kitty of those pesky white flakes is through proper grooming.

The right brush or comb can not only help your cat’s coat look shinier and healthier but can also brush out dandruff. Keep reading to find our reviews of the best cat brushes for dandruff on the market today.

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A Glance at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Cat Dandruff Brush Hepper Cat Dandruff Brush
  • Easy to keep clean
  • Comfortable to hold
  • One-click fur removal
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Brush Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Brush
  • Dual action brush
  • Softens coat
  • Reduces shedding
  • Third place
    Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Simple to clean
  • Gentle pins
  • Mr. Peanut's Hand Gloves Mr. Peanut's Hand Gloves
  • Not as “scary” looking as other brushes
  • Adjustable wrist strap
  • Soft silicone tips
  • JW Pet Gripsoft JW Pet Gripsoft
  • Flexible pins
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Non-slip grip
  • The 10 Best Cat Brushes for Dandruff

    1. Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush – Best Overall

    hepper orange cat being brushed

    Check Price on Amazon
    Material: ABS plastic, stainless-steel needles
    Type: Brush

    Hepper’s Deshedding Cat Brush is our pick for the best overall cat brush for dandruff. It’s effective at lifting excess fur and dandruff, offers a high-quality design, and provides the most satisfying and gentle grooming session for your cat. This brush is made with a waterproof ABS plastic material and stainless steel bristles that will stand the test of time, so it’s extremely simple to clean and highly durable. Its 60-degree angled bristles reduce any potential discomfort and are a great way to introduce kittens, or any cats new to brushing, to the lovely world of human-led grooming.

    This brush is made to fit in the palm of your hand, so it is comfortable to use while being painless and relaxing for your kitty. It also features easy cleanup because, with one click, all of the fur and dander is forced to the end of the bristles making it easy to transfer directly to the garbage.

    All in all, we think this is the best cat brush for dander available this year.

    Pros
    • Easy to keep clean
    • Comfortable to hold
    • One-click hair removal feature
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • May not be ideal for cats with irritated skin

    2. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush – Budget Buy

    Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Brush

    Material: Plastic, steel, nylon
    Type: Pins & bristles

    Most of the brushes on our list are very affordable, but if you are looking for the best budget cat brush, this option from Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush is your best bet. This brush combines nylon bristles and stainless-steel pins to give you a choice when grooming your cat. The nylon side removes loose hair and debris and can even help distribute the natural oils in your cat’s fur. The pin side works to remove loose hairs and get rid of pesky tangles. The pins have a protective coating, so they’re gentle on your cat’s skin.

    The handle is ergonomic, so it’s comfortable to hold during long grooming sessions. The brush may be much smaller than anticipated, so that’s something to keep in mind if you have a larger pet.

    Pros
    • Dual action brush
    • Softens coat
    • Reduces shedding
    • Can redistribute natural coat oils
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • A bit small so not as useful for large cats

    3. Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

    Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

    Material: Steel, metal
    Type: Slicker

    This Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush may cost a bit more than some of the other options on our list, but its high-quality and easy-to-use design makes it more than worth the cost. This brush has retractable pins, which makes cleaning out the hair easy. The stainless-steel pins get down to the root of knots and tangles but are gentle and won’t irritate your cat’s skin.

    The brush is ergonomic, comfortable to hold, and has a grip that ensures a firm hold every time. It comes in three sizes, so you can choose one that works best for the size of your cat.

    The pins may not be durable enough to stand up against longer hair cat coats.

    Pros
    • Comfortable to hold
    • Simple to clean
    • Gentle pins
    • Comfort grip handle
    Cons
    • May not work well for long-haired cats
    • Expensive

    4. Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves

    Mr. Peanut's Hand Gloves

    Material: Glove
    Type: Neoprene, rubber

    If your cat isn’t too fond of classic hair brushes, Mr. Peanut Hand Gloves might be a better pick. You might be able to convince your kitty that you’re petting them and not brushing them.

    These gloves are designed to collect any loose fur or hair, and their evenly distributed soft rubber tips feel comfortable against your cat’s skin. They work well on all different types of coats and can work in dry or wet fur.

    The gloves have an adjustable strap that allows you to adjust them to a size that works best for your hands. Your purchase will come with one glove for each hand, unlike other glove-style brushes on the market.

    Cleaning the hair from the silicone tips can be a bit difficult.

    Pros
    • Not as “scary” looking as other brushes
    • Adjustable wrist strap
    • Soft silicone tips
    • Two gloves included in the price
    • Can be used on wet or dry fur
    Cons
    • Cleaning hair out is difficult

    5. JW Pet Gripsoft

    JW Pet Gripsoft

    Material: Rubber
    Type: Slicker

    This soft slicker brush from JW Pet Gripsoft is designed to be non-irritating, so it’s great for cats with sensitive skin. It is outfitted with grip soft technology to provide a non-slip grip and an ergonomic handle that’s comfortable to hold during your grooming sessions. It works great for every cat breed and works well on any hair length. The stainless-steel tines are gentle on your cat’s skin and flexible.

    The angled pins work great for daily grooming sessions to prevent tangles and mats but may not be as great as grooming a coat that’s already tangled.

    Pros
    • Flexible pins
    • Comfortable to hold
    • Non-slip grip
    • Great for daily grooming
    Cons
    • Doesn’t remove tangles easily

    6. Andis Steel Pet Comb

    Andis Steel Pet Comb

    Material: Steel, metal
    Type: Comb

    This Andis Steel Pet Comb features both wide and narrow set teeth, so you can choose the side of the comb that works best with your cat’s fur type. The wider side is best for untangling mats, while the finer side is best for cats with thinner coats or sensitive areas such as the face. The tips of the teeth are rounded, so they’ll be easier on your cat’s skin and non-irritating.

    This comb is also fantastic for finishing and fluffing to give your pet a professionally groomed look.

    The teeth may be spread too far apart for some coat types. Some people may find holding this comb uncomfortable for prolonged grooming sessions.

    Pros
    • Narrow and wide side
    • Sturdy construction
    • Rounded tooth tips for comfort
    • Great for finishing
    Cons
    • Teeth are far apart
    • Not ergonomic

    7. Hertzko Self-Cleaning

    Hertzko Self-Cleaning

    Material: Stainless steel, metal
    Type: Slicker

    This slicker brush from Hertzko Self-Cleaning is fantastic for brushing out tangles and works well for most lengths and types of coats. The unique design of the bristles works to penetrate long coats to remove painful mats without irritating your cat’s sensitive skin.

    This brush is solid and durable, and its comfortable grip handle is easy to hold for those longer grooming sessions. All you need to do to clean out fur is press the bristle retraction button and wipe away the excess fur. This brush may be best used for removing tangles and not for everyday grooms.

    Pros
    • Great at removing tangles
    • Works on any coat length
    • Easy to remove fur
    Cons
    • Not great for everyday brushing

    8. Four Paws Magic Coat Professional Series Gentle Slicker

    Four Paws Magic Coat Professional Series Gentle Slicker

    Material: Plastic, wire
    Type: Slicker

    This professiona Four Paws Magic Coat Professional Series Gentle Slicker features flexible wire bristles that can work with any coat length. Because this brush is flexible, it’s very gentle to use and therefore great for use on cats with sensitive skin. It has a non-slip handle for easy gripping for those long grooming sessions and gives you better brush control.

    The brush works well versus tangles and mats and can easily remove dead hair, which is a godsend for cat owners looking to get rid of some of their cat’s dandruff.

    The wire bristles may be too aggressive for cats with thinner fur.

    Pros
    • Great for getting mats out
    • Comfortable to hold
    • Loosens dry skin and dead hair
    • Flexible bristles
    Cons
    • Some may find bristles too rough

    9. Babyliss Pro Pet

    Babyliss Pro Pet

    Material: Silicone, plastic, stainless steel
    Type: Slicker

    Babyliss Pro Pet is a big brand name in the world of human grooming tools, but did you know they also make tools for use on pets? Their Pro Pet Slicker Brush has extra-long pins that go to work to penetrate your cat’s coat to remove mats and dead skin cells. Its stainless-steel pins are flexible and not too abrasive on your cat’s sensitive skin.

    This brush has an anti-slip handle with bubble gel to allow maximum control and comfort.

    This slicker works best on cats with medium to long-length coats.

    Pros
    • Easily removes knots
    • Non-slip handle
    • Comfortable to hold
    • Flexible pins
    Cons
    • Not great for short-haired cats

    10. Safari Bamboo

    Safari Bamboo

    Material: Wood
    Type: Bristle

    Safari’s Bamboo brush is a great pick if your goal is to improve the look of your cat’s coat. Its unique bristles leave the coat with a beautiful sheen and can help reduce shedding. Not only will you benefit from less cat hair floating about, but your cat will also enjoy fewer hairballs.

    This brush works great on both long and short-haired breeds and is gentle enough for everyday use. It has an eco-friendly handle that’s comfortable to hold for those longer grooming sessions. The bristles are super soft, which is excellent for cats who can’t handle the more abrasive bristles on stainless steel brushes.

    Pros
    • Very gentle
    • Leaves coat shiny
    • Comfortable to hold
    Cons
    • May not reduce shedding as well as advertised

    hepper cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Cat Brush for Dandruff

    Now that you know some of the best brushes on the market that can reduce dandruff, you’re on your own to decide what to buy. It’s not quite as easy as randomly choosing one from our top 10 list as there are some factors you must consider first. Keep reading to find out more.

    What Style Is Best?

    There are three main styles of brush that work well versus dandruff: wire slicker brushes, fine-toothed combs, and bristle brushes.

    • Wire slicker brushes look like medieval torture devices with their sharp-looking pins. These brushes work great for cats with any length coat and are fantastic at removing dead hair and loose dander. Since dander and dandruff act similarly on your cat’s skin, this style of brush will work great for removing those unsightly white flakes.
    • Fine-toothed combs work similarly to slicker brushes. Their fine pins can get in between every hair to loosen dandruff flakes from your cat’s coat. You probably won’t want to use a fine-toothed comb over your entire cat, as they’re tedious to use and less comfortable to hold, but they’re great for spot-reducing dandruff.
    • Bristle brushes are great for use after you’ve removed dandruff from your cat’s fur. Their soft bristles encourage healthier skin and coats and are great at distributing your pet’s natural and beneficial oils throughout its coat.

    What Causes Cat Dandruff in the First Place?

    Several things can cause cat dandruff.

    • The normal growth cycle for skin cells and hair typically ends in shedding. If dead skin cells are allowed to build up, they can become visible on your pet’s fur in the form of white flakes. Sometimes lack of grooming can cause these cells to build up, but even cats with the most impeccable grooming habits can sometimes be prone to dandruff. Overweight and senior kitties are most at risk of dandruff because they do less grooming.
    • Cat dandruff can also be caused by dry skin. If your home is excessively low in humidity, you may notice the flakes appearing more often on your cat’s fur. Too much oil on the skin can cause skin cell build-up and dandruff.
    • Allergies or even parasites, or infections can also cause dandruff. If you’re unsure what the driving force behind your cat’s dandruff is, it’s best to have them seen by a vet.

    Dandruff vs. Dander

    Dander and dandruff are not the same, though many people seem to use the terms interchangeably. They look similar, making it challenging to identify the white flakes on your cat’s fur.

    Dander is entirely normal and healthy for cats. It’s dead skin cells that are regularly shed and eventually replaced with new skin cells. Dander is often considered an allergen and the culprit of cat allergies. It is not the dander that causes allergies but the protein naturally produced in a cat’s saliva.

    What Are the Best Remedies for Cat Dandruff?

    Aside from assisting your kitty with proper grooming, there are other things you can do to help remedy dandruff.

    Nutrition & Hydration

    First, nutrition can play a role in boosting your cat’s skin health. If your cat is overweight, speak to your vet about a weight management program to help it lose weight and restore a healthy grooming regimen.

    Foods rich in essential fats can also help boost skin and coat health. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit kitties with allergies or dry skin. They’re full of fats that can help your cat grow a fuller and shinier coat. Similarly, omega-6 fatty acids can boost energy levels and skin, fur, and joint health.

    You might also consider adding more canned food to your cat’s diet. Feeding wet food is a great way to ensure your kitty gets the hydration it needs to address any dry or itchy skin issues.

    Supplementation

    Your vet may recommend skin supplements, creams, or lotions to help rehydrate your cat’s dry and flaky skin. They may recommend you start your pet on an omega-3 fatty acid supplement if you cannot get your kitty on a diet rich in this nutrient.

    Shampoo

    Cat shampoos have been formulated to keep hair and skin healthy. Try bathing your cat with a moisturizing shampoo to help relieve itching and remove dandruff. Be sure to use a cat or dog-specific shampoo as the kind made for humans is more likely to make dandruff worse.

    Use a Humidifier

    If the air in your home is dry, so will your and your pet’s skin be. Try using a humidifier to keep the air moist to prevent skin dry out and reduce dandruff. Run the humidifier in the room where your kitty spends most of its time.

    Woman brushing a gray cat
    Image Credit: Sergey Gerashchenko, Shutterstock

    How to Brush Your Cat

    You’ll be happy to know that brushing your cat does more than remove dandruff and dead skin cells. It can also stimulate blood circulation, reduce hairballs, and improve the overall condition of its skin, too.

    Before you start brushing your cat, ensure you’re in a comfortable position and that your cat is in a good mood, so it’s receptive to grooming.

    Start slowly with gentle strokes. Pick the spot where your cat enjoys being petted and start there first/ Brush in the direction of hair growth.

    Once your cat is comfortable, you can start venturing into their more sensitive areas, such as their tummy. If they try to scratch you or pull away, back off. Do not force them to sit still when they’re uncomfortable and not receptive to going further.

    Offer a reward after every grooming session. You know your cat best, so reward them with something you know they love, such as one-on-one play time or a tasty treat.

    Talk to Your Vet About Your Cat’s Dandruff

    Even if you’re treating your cat’s dandruff at home with regular grooming sessions and a healthier diet, it still doesn’t hurt to talk to your vet. Your vet can help you determine the root cause of your cat’s dandruff so they can recommend an appropriate treatment. If they’re not convinced that dry skin is the cause, they will perform a thorough physical. They may also recommend lab work to rule out potentially serious underlying causes.

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    Conclusion

    For the overall best cat brush for dandruff, Hepper’s Deshedding Cat Brush is an effective solution that works not only to remove dandruff but loose hair as well. For the best budget cat dandruff brush, Hartz’s affordable dual-action brush works to remove dandruff and loose fur while softening the coat.

    We hope our brush reviews and subsequent buying guide have helped you make a better and more informed buying decision. Take your time introducing your kitty to its new brush, and you may find that your grooming sessions become a lovely bonding moment for the two of you.


    Featured Image Credit: Impact Photography, Shutterstock

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