Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

8 Best Cat Grooming Tools of 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

Share

Whether you have a short- or long-haired cat, there’s no doubt that finding your cat’s hair everywhere—and we do mean everywhere—is not your favorite part of the day.

Grooming is an essential part of pet ownership. It helps us keep our homes clean and helps our cats feel comfortable and healthy. Regular grooming can also help prevent gastric obstructions, such as hairballs.

But with so many grooming tools on the market, which one is right for your cat? Look no further than these reviews! Here are the best grooming tools that you can use to improve your cat’s (and your) daily life!

divider 1 paws

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2026

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Frisco Beginner Grooming Kit Frisco Beginner Grooming Kit
  • Affordable
  • Contains all the tools you need
  • Best Clippers
    Second place
    Hepper Cat Nail Clipper Set Hepper Cat Nail Clipper Set
  • Comfortable, non-slip grip
  • Three tools in one affordable set
  • Stainless-steel clippers with safety features
  • Best Brush
    Third place
    Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush
  • Doubles as a de-shedder
  • Gently massages while brushing
  • One-click hair removal for easy cleanup
  • Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
  • Self-cleaning
  • Slicker brush detangles and de-sheds
  • JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Comb JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Comb
  • Detangles fur to prevent matting
  • Comfort grip
  • The 8 Best Cat Grooming Tools

    1. Frisco Beginner Grooming Kit — Best Overall

    Frisco-Beginner-Grooming-Kit

    Kit or Single Product? Kit
    Includes a De-shedder? Yes
    Self-Cleaning? No

    Frisco’s Beginner Grooming Kit is the best overall cat grooming tool because of its versatility. It’s a perfect marriage of affordability and function because it has all the tools needed to keep your cat well-groomed packed into it.

    The real downside is that none of the tools packaged into this kit have self-cleaning ejectors. You’ll have to clean each of these tools by hand if you want to use them, but that’s not as big of a deal as it might first seem. If you keep up with keeping the tools clean, grooming shouldn’t take more than a minute or two!

    Pros
    • Contains all the tools you need to keep your cat well-groomed
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • No self-cleaning apparatus

    2. Hepper Cat Nail Clipper Set — Best Clippers

    Hepper Cat Nail Clipper Set

    Kit or Single Product? Kit
    Includes a De-shedder? No
    Self-Cleaning? No

    The Hepper Cat Nail Clipper Set stands out as the best clipper option since it’s a 3-in-1 set, offering great value for the money. These clippers are designed with sharp stainless steel blades, ensuring a quick, clean cut every time. The handle features a comfortable, non-slip grip, making it easier for cat owners to maintain control during nail trimming sessions. The nail clippers are designed with safety in mind to ensure your cat will not experience any pain or discomfort while their nails are being trimmed.

    However, the handles of the nail clippers are a bit small, which might make it difficult for some cat owners to use.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Stainless-steel clippers with safety features
    • Comfortable, non-slip grip
    • Three tools in one affordable set
    Cons
    • Handle on the small clippers might be too small for some owners

    3. Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush — Best Brush

    Hepper-Brush-Long-Hair-Cat-Orange
    Image Credit: hepper.com
    Kit or Single Product? Single Product
    Includes a De-shedder? Yes
    Self-Cleaning? Yes

    For top-tier grooming, the Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush is our best cat brush choice. It effectively removes loose fur from the undercoat, reducing shedding and hairballs while promoting a healthier, shinier coat. The fine, stainless steel pins are at a 60-degree angle, and rubber tips glide through all fur lengths effortlessly, gently massaging your cat’s skin as you brush. It also features an easy-to-clean mechanism, so you can spend more time grooming and less time fussing over clean-up.

    The only drawback is that it might not be as effective on cats with severely matted fur.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • One-click hair removal for easy cleanup
    • Gently massages while brushing
    • Doubles as a de-shedder
    Cons
    • May not be able to work through matted fur

    4. Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

    Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

    Kit or Single Product? Single product
    Includes a De-shedder? No
    Self-Cleaning? Yes

    Slicker brushes have narrow-set metal pins that detangle, de-mat, and have some de-shedding capabilities. Slicker pins aren’t as sturdy as de-shedder teeth, and a cat with a particularly dense coat could find themselves doing more damage to the brush than the brush does to them! However, these brushes are a great in-between for pet parents who want to groom and de-shed their cats with one tool.

    The Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush also has an auto-ejector that ejects the fur out of the pins as a small mat that you can peel off the face of the ejector and discard.

    Pros
    • Slicker brush detangles and de-sheds
    • Self-cleaning
    Cons
    • Some cats may find the slicker uncomfortable

    5. JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Comb

    JW-Pet-Gripsoft-Cat-Comb

    Kit or Single Product? Single product
    Includes a De-shedder? No
    Self-Cleaning? No

    JW Pet’s Gripsoft Cat Comb is an excellent option for cat parents who need to detangle their cat’s fur. The comb’s teeth will help redistribute the skin’s oils throughout the coat and help keep the coat looking shiny and sleek. Regular combing will help keep your cat’s coat from becoming matted and reduce any hairballs that might obstruct their stomach tract.

    Additionally, this comb has a comfortable grip handle that makes it easy for anyone to use without pain or discomfort. It allows you to maneuver the teeth into hard-to-reach places without bending your wrist or fingers in unusual shapes!

    Pros
    • Comfort grip
    • Detangles fur to prevent matting
    Cons
    • Not self-cleaning

    6. Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath

    Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath

    Kit or Single Product? Single product
    Includes a De-shedder? No
    Self-Cleaning? N/A

    Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath is a veterinarian-formulated, all-natural foam shampoo that you can use to keep your cat smelling fresh! This is an excellent option for pet parents of indoor-outdoor cats that may come back home with the accouterments of their freedom.

    It’s a leave-in shampoo, so you don’t have to worry about rinsing a screaming cat clean while they flail suds all over the bathroom. Your cat probably won’t like the process at first, but it shouldn’t be hard to get them used to it with some treats!

    Pros
    • Water free but keeps your cat’s coat shiny and smelling nice
    • All natural and veterinarian formulated
    Cons
    • Doesn’t de-shed or detangle your cat’s fur

    7. Safari Complete Cat Brush

    Safari Complete Cat Brush

    Kit or Single Product? Single product
    Includes a De-shedder? No
    Self-Cleaning? No

    Safari’s Complete Cat Brush is an excellent option for pet parents who just need a little bit of detangling power or those looking to give their cats a quick massage without worrying too much about the grooming side of things.

    It features gentle plastic pins tipped with little balls to prevent the nails from scratching at the skin. The pins redistribute the skin’s oils throughout the fur. The little balls on the pins also give your cat a pleasant massage as you brush their hair.

    This brush can detangle but will likely struggle if your cat’s fur is heavily tangled or matted. It also doesn’t feature any de-shedding properties, which could be a turnoff for some pet parents who want to reduce the shedding of their cats.

    Pros
    • Gentle pins give your cat a massage while detangling fur
    • Redistributes the skin’s oils through the fur
    Cons
    • Doesn’t de-shed the cat

    8.  Kong Cat ZoomGroom Multi-use Brush

    KONG Cat ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush New

    Kit or Single Product? Single product
    Includes a De-shedder? No
    Self-Cleaning? No

    Kong Cat’s ZoomGroom Multi-use Brush is an excellent option for pet parents looking to give their cats a massage first and groom second. It’s a perfect way to introduce grooming tools to your cat without making them feel threatened or uncomfortable, since it’s made with sturdy rubber that redistributes the oils and feels great on their skin while it works.

    This multi-use brush features rubber fingers blunted to provide a pleasant feeling against the skin. Because of its gentle design, it’s a great way to introduce grooming time to kittens. The soft pins will help teach them that grooming is a positive thing they shouldn’t be afraid of and get them acclimated to the process when they need more intensive grooming.

    Pros
    • Sturdy rubber design
    • Gentle teeth massage the skin
    Cons
    • Doesn’t self-clean or de-shed

    divider 1 paws

    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Grooming Tool

    Do All Cats Need to Be Groomed?

    No, most cats don’t need to have their fur groomed. Cats can have one of three coat lengths: short, medium, and long. Medium- and long-haired cats will need to be groomed at least every other day to maintain good coat health and prevent their fur from becoming tangled or matted. However, short-haired cats don’t see the same tangling and matting as their longer-furred cousins.

    Still, grooming your short-haired cat can have many health benefits that often get overlooked by pet parents simply because their fur won’t suffer immensely from lack of grooming. Short-haired cats don’t need to be groomed as frequently or even at all, but many situations may necessitate occasional grooming or regular grooming.

    Additionally, cats need to have their nails trimmed regularly. While cats can maintain their nails if provided with adequate scratchers, trimming their nails regularly can protect your furniture and help them keep up with their nail growth.

    owner-brushing-her-siamese-cat
    Image Credit by: Cerrotalavan, Shutterstock

    Health Benefits of Grooming

    Grooming your cat improves their health in many ways, even if their fur isn’t tangled or matted. First, when you brush your cat’s fur, it disperses the skin’s natural oils throughout the hair. This dispersal moisturizes the coat and keeps it looking sleek and shiny.

    Second, when you’re using a slicker brush or de-shedding comb, the pins penetrate the undercoat to remove fur that has shed and been trapped in the undercoat. Additionally, slicker brushes and de-shedding combs loosen the coat that is about to clear into the undercoat and remove it, reducing the overall amount of shedding outside the grooming sessions.

    Third, trimming your cat’s nails can help keep them at a manageable length. While cats preen and groom their nails, domestic cats don’t use their claws as regularly as their wild ancestors and may find that their nails can become unmanageable since they don’t have the same need to use them.

    Claws that are too long can cause pain while walking or grow into the paw pads, leading to infection or surgical intervention to remove the offending nail.

    Types of Grooming Tools

    There are several grooming tools for cats that you’ll see on the market. Understanding the difference between each tool and what they provide will help you select the best tools for your cat’s specific needs.

    Bristle Brush

    Bristle brushes have bristles, like the ones you’d see on a human toothbrush. These are primarily cosmetic brushes that brush away any fur trapped in the overcoat and disperse the skin’s oil throughout the hair. They have some detangling and de-matting power, but generally, the bristles aren’t rigid enough to get any real work done with them.

    Bristle brushes aren’t recommended as a primary grooming tool for medium- and long-haired cats because they can’t comb through any knots and de-mat the fur where necessary. These brushes also don’t de-shed cats since they don’t penetrate the undercoat.

    However, bristle brushes can be good for getting your cat accustomed to being groomed. They’re very gentle and most cats will tolerate them easily.

    Owner brushing cute cat at home
    Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

    Pin Brush

    Pin brushes are a step up from bristle brushes. They feature more rigid, wide-set pins or fingers like you’d see on a human hairbrush. These pins can be made of plastic or metal and might be topped with little plastic or rubber balls that shield the skin from scratching the nails. The skin guards on the pins can be very pleasant for cats since they can massage the skin while detangling the fur.

    The rigid pins break up hair clumps and detangle the fur while dispersing the skin’s oils through the coat. Pin brushes with metal pins may also lightly de-shed the cat if the pins are long enough to get into the undercoat. However, since the pins are so widely set, they don’t usually have enough pressure to loosen much of the shedding fur.

    Slicker Brush

    A slicker brush is like a cross between a pin brush and a de-shedding comb. Slicker brushes have narrow-set metal pins that penetrate the undercoat to remove fur trapped in the undercoat while spreading the skin’s oils through the hair.

    Slicker brushes also put a lot of pressure on the fur since the pins are narrow set and will loosen hair that’s about to shed. Its de-shedding power isn’t quite as strong as a de-shedder comb, but it is an excellent option for pet parents of cats that fight them when being groomed, so they need to have a catch-all tool for fur grooming.

    De-shedding Comb

    De-shedding combs feature long, narrow-set metal teeth that penetrate deep into the undercoat and pull out fur that’s trapped inside the undercoat. Since the teeth are narrowly set, the comb will also loosen and pull out any hair that’s about to shed, releasing it into the undercoat where the comb can pick it up and remove it from the body.

    Nail Clippers

    Nail clippers are designed to help with trimming pet claws. While you can use human nail clippers, the shape and design of human nail clippers are for the flat nail plate that humans have rather than the rounded claw that pets have, and using human nail clippers may cause the nails to splinter.

    Pet nail clippers act like a vice or pair of scissors with a rounded opening that cleanly slices through the claw with as little splintering as possible.

    Flea Combs

    Flea combs are gentler than de-shedding combs, featuring long, narrow pin teeth that don’t put as much pressure on the coat. The narrow teeth pick out flea eggs, dirt, and larvae. Unfortunately, you probably won’t get any adult fleas with a flea comb since those little suckers can be pretty slippery.

    divider cat paw scratch oct 2024

    Our Cat Grooming Tools Selection Process

    Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat grooming tools. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.

    divider 3 paws

    Final Verdict

    There are lots of cat grooming tools out there for you to add to your repertoire, including among these reviews. For the best overall experience, grab Frisco’s Beginner Grooming Kit! For your cat’s nail clipping needs, the Hepper Cat Nail Clipper Set is a great budget-friendly option. Lastly, if you’re looking for a brush that effectively reduces shedding and hairballs, then Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush is the way to go.

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Rescue Cats Deserve Beautiful Endings

    We all know that beauty is only skin deep, and that scars always tell a story, and this is one cat with a...

    Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Gets Diarrhea from Wet Food! (March 23, 2026)

    Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

    Cat Shampoo Alternatives That Are Already in Your House

    If your cat has ever gotten into something disgusting and you’ve found yourself without cat shampoo, we’re here to help. Before you panic...

    Licky Treats: A Scientific Investigation into the Tube-Based Delights Taking Over Modern Cat Households

    By Professor Lucifer Fluffovich, Department of Applied Snackology Human civilisation has produced many inventions of questionable usefulness: vacuum cleaners, pyramids, and the laser...

    More related

    Why Do Cats Purr? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons Behind the Behavior

    There’s something soothing about sitting with a purring cat, but do you know the reasons behind that distinctive vibration? It’s commonly thought that...

    15 Vet-Verified Facts About Cat Paws: Anatomy, Purpose & Benefits

    Cat paws are equally adorable and interesting features of our favorite felines. A cat’s paws play a role in several important functions, such...

    Can Cats Eat Sausage? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Facts & FAQ

    As cat lovers, we all want to spoil and treat our feline friends, but we also want to keep them happy and healthy....

    My Cat Just Threw Up Worms, What Do I Do? 7 Vet-Approved Tips

    It is unsettling to see your cat throwing up worms. After all, worms are not something that you expect to see when your...

    Keep reading

    11 Best Cat Affiliate Programs – Reviews & Top Picks of 2026

    If you are looking for the best cat affiliate programs of this year, you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to take a look at the 11 best cat affiliate programs, including thorough reviews...

    cat sitting in cardboard box

    10 Best Raw Cat Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    The saying, “you are what you eat,” applies to cats too, and one diet that’s growing in popularity is raw food. Although more controversial than regular kibble or canned food, raw diets are designed to better mimic the way that...

    tabby cat eating from metal bowl

    Why Does My Kitten Climb Me Like a Tree? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & How to Stop it

    Your little rascal has already won their way into your heart, but maybe you don’t want to sacrifice your new pants or sensitive skin to their shredding claws. Kittens sometimes climb their humans like they would climb a tree for...

    Kitten climbing on a person's tree

    Purina Pro Plan Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary Purina Pro Plan Cat Food is full of recipes that your feline friend is sure to love. With several lines and flavors to pick from, even the pickiest of eaters will love to eat these foods. The lines...

    Purina Pro Plan Wet Cat Food Review

    10 Best Cat Foods Made in the USA in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Choosing high-quality cat food is a hugely important decision when it comes to the health of your beloved pet. You might have been trying to shop more locally for food supplies for your own family, and it makes total sense...

    Wet vs Dry Cat Food

    Can Cats Eat Lobster? Vet-Approved Diet Facts & FAQ

    Not only is lobster nutritious, but it’s also something we humans look forward to spoiling ourselves with, especially in certain parts of the world. If you’re wanting to share the enjoyment and give your cat the treat of a fancy,...

    Can Cats Eat Lobster

    How to Make a Hyperthyroid Cat Gain Weight: 4 Vet-Reviewed Ways to Help

    Cats with hyperthyroidism can live healthier lives if their condition is managed. Since one major sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss, cat owners may wonder how to help their cats gain weight. An experienced vet is your best source of...

    loss weight or skinny cat

    Do Feral Cats Play? Vet-Reviewed Cat Behavior

    Feral cats are outdoor cats that have had minimal or no contact with humans and can survive independently or with minimal human intervention. They are typically wary or fearful of people, often scavenging or hunting for food, living in colonies,...

    two feral cats

    Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




    Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.