8 Different Types of Cat Brushes (With Pictures)
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When it comes to picking the right products for your cat, it is never easy. As you likely know, there is a dizzying array of cat-related products out there, including cat brushes for grooming your four-legged friend. That is why we have put together this list of eight different types of cat brushes, along with the relevant info for each like what type of hair it’s for, its ease of use, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
By the time you finish reading through the information below, you should know more about cat brushes so you can pick the right one for your beloved pal.
The 8 Types of Cat Brushes
1. Bristle Brush
The typical bristle brush for cats looks like the average hairbrush we use, complete with soft and flexible bristles made of plastic. This type of brush is designed to soften the hair and evenly distribute the scalp’s natural oils throughout the hair to create a nice shine. A bristle brush is ideal for a cat with a short, silky coat as the brush will gently pull through and separate the hair strands while massaging the scalp. This type of brush is very affordable, which is a big plus if you are on a budget. This brush is not suitable for all hair types, as it simply will not pull through thick or long cat hair.
- Affordable
- Softens hair and distributes oils
- Creates a nice shine
- Soft and flexible
- Not suitable for all hair types
2. Deshedding Tool
While it’s not technically a brush, a cat deshedding tool is one of the most popular cat grooming products to help keep your clothing and furniture hair-free. This handy tool is great for long-haired cats and safely removes loose hair to keep your cat’s coat looking and feeling great.
A deshedding tool also helps prevent matting which is great if your cat often has mats that are difficult to remove. The only downside to this tool is that it can pull the hair to cause your cat discomfort. It can also be tiring to use if the tool you get doesn’t have a comfort grip handle.
- Ideal for long-haired cats
- Safely removes loose hair
- Helps reduce cat hair on furniture and clothing
- Can help prevent matting
- Can strain your hand with prolonged use
- Can pull the hair to cause discomfort
- Not ideal for all types of hair
3. Slicker Brush
You can never go wrong with a slicker brush, regardless if your cat has a short, long, or thick coat. This type of cat brush consists of fine short wires positioned close together on a flat surface.
A slicker brush does a great job of removing tangled and knotted hair and smoothing the coat to give it a nice sheen. This is a good option if your cat sheds a lot or often has tangled hair. A slicker brush is a good overall pick, but it isn’t effective at removing mats.
- Good for many hair types
- Removes tangles and knots
- Smooths the hair and gives it a sheen
- Not effective at removing mats
4. Glove Brush
A glove brush is a relatively new kind of cat brush that fits right on your hand. Not only is this type of brush convenient to use, but it also works very well at collecting loose hair. A glove brush has soft rubber tips that cover the palm of your hand to gently undo tangles. You can find these brushes in different sizes and in both right and left-handed varieties.
A glove brush can be used effectively on cats with short or long hair. However, this type of brush is prone to ripping, and it’s not easy to clean since you need to run the glove under running water to remove the hair.
- Can be used on both long and short-haired cats
- Easy to use
- Good for removing loose hair
- Prone to ripping
- Not the easiest cat brush to clean
5. Undercoat Rake
Like a deshedding tool, an undercoat rake isn’t technically a brush, but it is a popular type of cat grooming tool. An undercoat rake can be used on cats with both long and short hair. It does a great job of removing loose dead hair and tangles to prevent matting. This tool consists of a single row of stainless-steel rounded pins that glide through hair.
You should know how to use an undercoat rake properly, so you don’t cause your cat discomfort by putting too much pressure on the tool as you’re directing it through the hair. There’s a learning curve involved with an undercoat rake so watch an instructional video online or ask your groomer to show you how to use one.
- Can be used on both long and short-haired cats
- Removes dead hair and tangles
- Prevents matting
- There’s a learning curve involved with using the tool
- Can cause discomfort for the cat
6. Massage Brush
A massage brush for cats is typically made of soft silicone and features nub-like protrusions that brush through the hair while massaging the cat’s skin. A massage brush can be used on both wet and dry hair and for long or short hair. A massage brush removes tough tangles and helps with shedding.
It’s important to note that a massage brush doesn’t do an especially great job at de-shedding because it simply can’t trap a whole lot of hair. And since there is no handle, a massage brush can be uncomfortable to use, especially for longer grooming sessions. Other than that, the calming brushing action of a massage brush is sure to leave your cat looking and feeling like a million bucks.
- Massages as it detangles
- Can be used on both wet and dry hair
- Can be used for both long and short-haired cats
- Not great at de-shedding
- Not ergonomically friendly
7. Double-Sided Brush
A double-sided brush usually has steel pins on one side to remove tangles and excess hair and nylon bristles on the other to enhance the softness and shine of your cat’s hair by distributing the natural oils. This is a great dual-action cat brush that can be used on all types of cat hair, including long and fluffy hair.
You should use caution when using the steel pin side of a double-sided cat brush. Those pins can feel sharp to a sensitive cat or if you press too hard. Otherwise, this is a great option that’s super versatile, giving you more bang for your buck!
- Can be used on all types of cat hair
- Versatile
- Removes tangles and excess hair
- The steel pin side of the brush can feel sharp to a sensitive cat
8. Rubber Multi-use Brush
A rubber multi-use cat brush features soft rubber nubs that act like magnets to capture loose, fly-away hairs. As a multi-use brush is removing hairs and deshedding, it is also providing your cat with a gentle massage. This is a firm and flexible type of cat brush with an ergonomic grip to make it easy for you to use.
This type of brush does a good job of removing loose hairs and massaging your cat, but it is not an easy brush to clean.
Hint: Use running water while cleaning the brush, and be sure to put a strainer in your drain to capture all the hair!
- Good at removing loose hair and deshedding
- Ergonomic grip
- Gently massage your cat
- Challenging to clean
The Best Brush for a Cat That Hates Brushing
If your kitty hates being brushed, we feel your pain and understand your frustration. But we also know that you want your cat to look nice and feel good, and that requires some brushing.
Of all the cat brushes mentioned above, the type that tends to be the most gentle is the glove brush. You can easily find glove brushes for sale at local pet stores or online. Just be sure to get the right model for your dominant hand and one that fits your hand size.
Once you have the glove brush, slowly introduce it to your cat and let him smell it. Then slowly start brushing him in the direction of the hair growth, starting on his back, right behind his head. Speak quietly and calmly as you brush your cat and tell him what a good boy he is for sitting through it!
If you need a great brush, we recommend the Hepper Cat Brush. This easy-to-use product reliably removes loose hair and knots, and you can clean it with the touch of a button! Try it and you’ll see why this brush is perfect for you and your cat.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning about the different types of cat brushes on the market today. Now all you have to do is pick the type you need and buy it.
When using a new brush, give your cat time to get used to it, and always be gentle. Before you know it, your feline BFF will purr with delight every time you call him for a brushing session.
Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock
