In this guide
Fur on the couch, on your black clothes and, now and then, a hairball on the rug. Brushing your cat regularly helps a lot, but the right tool depends on the coat type, and how you brush matters as much as the brush.
Quick answer: a long-haired cat needs daily brushing with a wide-toothed comb and a rubber glove. A short-haired cat needs it at least once a week, with a bristle brush and a rubber glove, according to International Cat Care. For heavy shedding seasons, an undercoat tool like the FURminator complements, but doesn’t replace, basic brushing.
What each coat type needs#
| Short hair | Long hair | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum frequency | Once a week | Once a day |
| Recommended tools | Fine-toothed flea comb, bristle brush, rubber glove or brush | Wide-toothed comb, rubber glove or brush |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Source: International Cat Care.
How to brush without stress#
- Pick the right time: when your cat is relaxed and calm.
- Start with your hands: massage the skin with your fingers against the direction of the fur to loosen dead hair.
- Short hair: first use the fine-toothed comb to check for flea dirt (black specks that turn reddish if you drip water on them). If you find any, talk to your vet about flea control.
- Long hair: with the wide-toothed comb, comb from head to tail, only for as long as your cat is comfortable.
- End well: with a treat and praise. If your cat gets irritated, stop and try another day.
The tools we picked#
Chosen based on what the listings say (checked Oct 19, 2026). Shedding and hairball claims are the manufacturers'.
Quick comparison (data from the listings cited below, checked Oct 19, 2026):
| Tool | Type | Best for | Rating at check |
|---|---|---|---|
| DELOMO glove | Silicone-tip grooming glove (1 pair) | All coats, cats that dislike brushes | 4.2 (83,196) |
| Coastal Safari slicker | Self-cleaning slicker brush | Loose hair and tangles | 4.7 (2,797) |
| FURminator Long Hair M/L | Undercoat deShedding tool | Long-haired cats over 10 lb | 4.7 (3,073) |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Best for every cat
DELOMO Pet Hair Removal Glove (1 pair)
Who it’s for: the “rubber glove” International Cat Care recommends for both coat types, and for cats that don’t like brushes.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- 255 silicone tips on a slip-on glove; adjustable wrist strap, one size.
- Comes as 1 pair (a left-hand and a right-hand glove); for long, short and curly coats.
- 4.2 out of 5 from 83,196 ratings, #2 in Cat Hair Removal Products at the time we checked.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
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Best slicker brush
Coastal Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Who it’s for: removing loose hair and small tangles on short or long coats.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- Coated stainless steel pins; push-button self-cleaning design releases the hair.
- Described as removing tangles and mats and reducing shedding.
- 4.7 out of 5 from 2,797 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: a slicker isn’t a substitute for the wide-toothed comb International Cat Care recommends for long hair. Use light pressure and stop if your cat pulls away.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
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Best for shedding season
FURminator deShedding Tool for Medium/Large Long Hair Cats
Who it’s for: long-haired cats over 10 lb during heavy shedding.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- Stainless steel edge that reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair, “when used as directed.”
- FURejector button to release the collected hair.
- The brand says it can help reduce hairball formation; money-back guarantee per the label.
- 4.7 out of 5 from 3,073 ratings, #2 in Cat Shedding Tools at the time we checked.
Heads-up: this is the long hair, medium/large version. FURminator sells separate versions by coat length and cat size, so check before buying. Follow the label directions and don’t overdo sessions.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Related guides#
- Cat nail clippers: when to trim (and when you don’t need to).
- Cat toothbrush and toothpaste: dental care, step by step.
- Cat scratching post: keeps claws in shape without ruining the couch.
Bottom line#
For most cats, the basic kit is simple and inexpensive: a rubber glove for every cat, a wide-toothed comb for long hair, and a bristle brush plus fine comb for short hair. The FURminator is a boost for shedding season. More important than the tool is the routine: brush often, briefly, and end with a treat. To keep the house clean, see also our guide to the best cat litter for odor control.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my cat?
International Cat Care recommends brushing long-haired cats at least once a day and short-haired cats at least once a week, always only for as long as your cat is comfortable.
What's the best brush for a long-haired cat?
International Cat Care suggests a wide-toothed comb and a rubber glove or brush. Undercoat tools like the FURminator can complement them, following the manufacturer's directions.
What if my cat won't let me brush it?
Pick a time when it's relaxed, start with very short sessions, end with a treat and praise, and stop before it gets irritated. If today didn't work, try another day.
Does brushing help with hairballs?
FURminator says its tool can help reduce hairball formation because fewer loose hairs are swallowed during self-grooming. If your cat vomits hairballs often, talk to your vet.
Sources
- International Cat Care — Grooming your cat
- RSPCA (UK) — Cat grooming
- Amazon.com — FURminator Medium/Large Cat deShedding Tool, Long Hair (ASIN B07MZDGF5M)
- Amazon.com — Coastal Safari Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush (ASIN B000YIWUXI)
- Amazon.com — DELOMO Pet Hair Removal Glove (ASIN B01N9KSITZ)
Links open in a new tab. Specs, availability and prices can change after publication — always check the product page before you buy.