Pet Hair Cleaning Brush
Because cats do most of the work taking care of their own coats, many cat owners neglect to do much grooming at home.
No matter how well your cat takes care of his own coat, he could probably benefit from some help from time to time.
Regular grooming helps reduce hairballs, improves skin and coat health, and it gives you some quality time to spend with your cat.
You don’t have to spend a lot of time doing it, but it should be something you include in your weekly pet care routine.
At a Glance: Best Cat Brushes To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Grooming your cat isn’t difficult, but you do need the right tools for the job. A good brush for cats will depend on the length and thickness of your cat’s coat. Read on to learn more about how to properly groom your cat and to see our recommendations for the best cat brushes.
What To Look For In A Good Cat Brush?
Not all cat brushes are created equal. A regular bristle brush is fine for most cases, but sometimes you need something that will really get into your cat’s undercoat or something to work through tangles.
Long hair cats need a different type of brush than short hair cats, and a very thick coat might need a different kind of brush entirely. Keep these things in mind when shopping for a cat brush.
Here are some things to consider when shopping for a cat brush:
- Fur Length – Long-haired cats need a brush with very fine teeth like a slicker brush while short-haired cats do well with a bristle brush or pin brush. You can even find dual-sided brushes that have one of each.
- Pins or Bristles – Bristles are great for smoothing your cat’s coat and removing loose hair while pins may be better for working through tangles.
- Bristle Spacing – The spacing of the bristles on your cat brush is determined by your cat’s coat type and length. For a very coarse coat, stiff closely spaced bristles work best.
- Handle – Comfort is important for both you and your cat during a grooming session, so look for a cat brush that has a handle comfortable enough to hold for an extended period of time.
- Cleaning – Depending how often you brush your cat, you may collect a lot of dead hair and you’ll need to clean the brush. Make sure you choose one that isn’t too difficult to clean – some deshedding tools even come with an automatic cleaning feature.
Now that you know a little more about the options in cat grooming tools, you have a better idea what to look for when shopping. Because there are so many options out there, however, you might still be a little confused. To help you find the best brush for your cat, read on to see our recommendations.
The Importance Of Grooming Your Cat
As a cat owner, it’s your job to support your cat’s total health and wellness. In addition to choosing a high-quality and nutritious cat food, you also need to make sure your cat’s skin and coat stay healthy.
Grooming your cat regularly keeps his fur smooth and soft, free from mats and tangles. As you brush your cat’s coat, you’ll distribute the natural oils produced in his skin which keep the skin and coat hydrated.
Frequent brushing helps reduce shedding (any may also reduce hairballs), and it gives you more opportunities to spot problems like fleas, injuries, or changes in skin and coat condition.
Simple Tips For Brushing Your Cat
Cats are known for being a little ornery at times.
They can go from purring nicely on your lap to grabbing your hand with their sharp teeth or claws.
If you haven’t done it before, the idea of keeping your cat still and patient long enough to groom him might sound like a dream.
The truth is you may have to start slowly, getting your cat used to the idea with some grooming gloves before you move on to a pet hair brush or pet comb. With a little practice, however, you’ll become an expert groomer.
Here are some tips for grooming your cat properly:
- Approach your cat when he’s in a relaxed mood and offer him a few treats to encourage him to stay near you – if he enjoys petting, you can do a little of that as well.
- Start out slowly, running a bristle brush or grooming gloves over your cat’s coat without applying much pressure – you may need to keep your grooming session short at first.
- Once your cat gets used to grooming, brush in the direction of hair growth down his back and sides, working from head to tail
- If you encounter a mat or tangle, try to gently work through it with your fingers instead of pulling on it with the brush or cutting it out – you may need a dematting tool for stubborn mats.
- For cats that are a little nervous, try laying them down on a counter or on the floor between your legs, facing away from you – be sure to offer a few treats along the way as rewards.
While you’re at it, you may as well trim your cat’s nails.
Depending how fast your cat’s nails grow, you may need to trim them more often than once a week.
Simply press gently on the toe to expose the nail then trim off the sharp tip – don’t cut too far or you’ll sever the quick and cause the nail to bleed.
Final Remarks
Every pet owner needs a good pet brush. Whether you have a cat with long hair, short hair, thin hair, or a thick coat, taking care of it is part of your job as a responsible cat owner.
Your cat will do most of the work in grooming himself, but he may need a little extra help with it comes to detangling and removing mats.
Plus, a weekly grooming session is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your cat.
When it comes to the best brush for cat grooming, there is no single recommendation. We’ve done our best to assemble a list of the best options on the market in different categories to help you choose the right one for your cat and for your own needs.