Best Cat Brushes UK 2026: Match the Brush to the Coat

Most owners buy a cat brush blind, learn the cat hates it, and quietly retire it to the bottom drawer. The cat continues moulting on the sofa. The brush sits unused. The fix is rarely "try harder" - it's usually "wrong brush for the coat." A short-haired tabby and a longhaired Persian have completely different grooming needs, and a brush that suits one will torment the other. This guide matches brush type to coat type, plus practical tips for getting your cat to actually tolerate grooming.

Why Brushing Matters

• Reduces hairballs. Hair brushed off the cat is hair the cat doesn't swallow. Hairballs are uncomfortable and occasionally a vet emergency.
• Distributes natural oils. A brushed cat has a glossier coat and healthier skin.
• Reveals problems early. Lumps, fleas, ticks, sore spots, dry patches - all easier to find with regular grooming.
• Reduces shedding around the house. Loose hair removed at the source doesn't end up on the cushions.
• Bonds you with the cat. Most cats grow to enjoy brushing once the right tool is matched and sessions are short and stress-free.

Coat Types and the Right Brush

Short-Haired Cats (British Shorthair, Tabby, DSH)

Smooth, dense coats. Twice-weekly brushing is plenty outside of moulting season; daily during spring and autumn moults.

Best brush type: rubber grooming glove or short-bristle slicker brush. Rubber gloves are particularly good for cats that hate metal teeth. The cat reads it as petting.

Recommended: HandsOn Pet Grooming Glove, Pat Your Pet deshedding glove, Hertzko Slicker (small head version), Ancol Ergo cat brush.

Medium-Haired Cats (American Shorthair with double coat, Russian Blue)

Denser undercoat, prone to mats behind the ears and under the legs. Brush every 2-3 days year-round.

Best brush type: slicker brush plus a fine-toothed metal comb for finishing. Combination tools work well.

Recommended: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker (the retracting-pin version), JW Pet GripSoft slicker, Andis Premium pin and bristle, Safari pin brush.

Long-Haired Cats (Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest)

Long, often double coats. Need daily brushing to prevent mats. Mats trap skin underneath, cause discomfort, and may require shaving by a vet to remove.

Best brush type: wide-tooth metal comb for the body, narrow-tooth comb for face and feet, plus a deshedding tool during moult. A pin brush helps with surface grooming.

Recommended: ANDIS pet comb (greyhound-style), FURminator Long Hair deshedding tool, Chris Christensen Big G slicker (premium), Mars Coat King carder.

Hairless and Sparse-Coated Cats (Sphynx, Devon Rex)

Don't need brushing in the conventional sense. Need wiping with a soft cloth (and occasional bathing for Sphynx) to manage skin oils.

Best tool: soft microfibre cloth, mild pet-safe wipes. No brush needed.

Deshedding Tools: Useful but Easily Misused

Deshedding tools (FURminator-style) have a fine metal blade that pulls dead undercoat through the topcoat. Used correctly they remove enormous amounts of loose fur. Used incorrectly they damage the coat.

• Use only during moulting seasons (spring and autumn in the UK).
• Use sparingly - 5-10 minutes weekly is plenty.
• Never on hairless or thin-coated cats.
• Stop if the cat shows discomfort - pressing too hard can scratch skin.

Recommended: FURminator Cat deShedding Tool (long-hair or short-hair version, sized to weight band), DakPets deshedding brush.

How to Brush a Cat That Hates Brushing

• Start with sessions of 30 seconds. Build up gradually.
• Always brush in the direction of fur growth, never against.
• Avoid the belly and tail base early on - these are sensitive areas. Start with cheeks, neck, and back.
• Pair with treats. Brush 30 seconds, treat. Repeat.
• Switch tools if the cat consistently flinches. The wrong brush won't be tolerated.
• Use a grooming glove first if metal teeth are unpopular. The cat learns "this person plus this thing equals petting."

Mats: How to Handle Them

Small mats can sometimes be teased out with a metal comb and patience. Larger mats should be cut out, ideally by a vet or groomer with clippers (never scissors close to skin - cat skin is paper-thin and easy to nick).

Prevention is much easier than cure. Daily brushing of long-haired cats almost eliminates mat formation.

Brushing Frequency by Coat Type

• Short-haired: twice weekly normally, daily during moult.
• Medium-haired: every 2-3 days normally, daily during moult.
• Long-haired: daily, all year.
• Hairless: wipe weekly, bath monthly.
• Senior cats of any coat type: daily, gentle. Older cats often groom themselves less and benefit from extra help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my cat?

Depends on coat. Short-haired: twice weekly. Long-haired: daily. Brush more during spring and autumn moults regardless of coat type.

Why does my cat bite me when I brush her?

Wrong brush, wrong area, or session too long. Try a softer tool (rubber glove), focus on the head and shoulders only, and end at 30 seconds. Build up over weeks not days.

Are FURminator-style tools safe?

Yes when used appropriately. Use only on cats with undercoats, only during moulting season, and only with light pressure. Misuse can cause skin irritation.

How do I get hair off the brush after grooming?

Self-cleaning slickers have a button that retracts the pins. Otherwise, comb the bristles with a wide-tooth comb or pull the hair off in clumps. Wash the brush monthly.

Do I need different brushes for different parts of the cat?

For long-haired cats, yes. A wide-tooth comb for the body and a narrow-tooth comb for face and ears is the standard pairing. Short-haired cats usually need only one tool.

Can I bath my cat instead of brushing?

No. Bathing doesn't remove loose dead hair, and most cats find it distressing. Brushing is the standard method. Hairless breeds are an exception and do benefit from regular bathing.