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Cat Health & Care

10 Best Cat Deshedding Tools in 2026 - Reviews & Top Picks

By Christian Adams
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grey shorthaired cat hepper brush

With over 58 million pet cats around the nation, it's no shock that there are tons of cat deshedding tools on the market. Because of how many tools there are, it can be next to impossible to find which tools are worth your money and which tools should be overlooked.

To help you find the best cat deshedding tool for your home and furry feline, we have considered thousands of reviews to help determine the best cat deshedding tools this year. Each one of these tools will help you groom your cat and keep your house clean in the meantime.

divider cat faces oct 2024

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2026

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Pet Republique Dematting Tool for Dogs & Cat Rake Style with 6+11 Dual-Side Blades Pet Republique Dematting Rake
  • Dual-purpose design
  • Comfortable handle
  • Works well on thick or long coats
  • Best Value
    Second place
    JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush new JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush
  • Highly affordable
  • Keeps short hair coats slick and shiny
  • Comfortable to you and your cat
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    FUR4 Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool FUR4 Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool
  • Helps reduce loose shedding fur
  • Works well for seasonal coat maintenance
  • Easy to use
  • Coastal Pet Safari Dog Flexible Slicker Brush Safari Flexible Slicker Cat Brush
  • Highly effective
  • Suitable for all coat types
  • Delivers what it promises
  • JW Pet Cat Deshedding Tool JW Pet Cat Deshedding Tool
  • Great for long haired cats
  • Affordable rake
  • Highly durable
  • The 10 Best Cat Deshedding Tools

    1. Pet Republique Dematting Rake - Best Overall

    Pet Republique Dematting Tool for Dogs & Cat Rake Style with 6+11 Dual-Side Blades
    MaterialStainless steel blades, ABS plastic body, rubberized grip
    Life StageAdult
    Brush TypeDual-sided dematting rake and deshedding tool

    The Pet Republique Dematting Rake is designed to help remove loose undercoat fur, tangles, and mats from long-haired and heavy-coated cats. Its dual-sided blade system allows pet owners to work through dense fur in stages, using one side to break apart mats and the other to thin and de-shed the undercoat. This makes it especially useful for cats that experience seasonal shedding or frequent coat buildup around the chest, belly, and hindquarters.

    The stainless steel teeth are rounded on the outer edges to help reduce irritation while grooming, though the tool still works best when used slowly and carefully in smaller sections. The ergonomic handle improves grip and comfort during longer grooming sessions, which is helpful for breeds with thick coats that require regular maintenance. While it is not intended as a finishing brush, it performs well for undercoat management and mat prevention.

    Overall, we think this is the best deshedding tool this year.

    Pros

    • Effective for removing loose undercoat and mats
    • Dual-purpose design for dematting and deshedding
    • Comfortable handle for longer grooming sessions
    • Works well on thick or long coats

    Cons

    • Can pull if used too aggressively
    • Not intended for finishing or smoothing

    2. JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush - Best Value

    JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush new
    MaterialRubber
    Life StageAdult
    Brush TypeSlicker

    Our budget-friendly choice is the JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush. Even those on extreme budgets will be able to afford this brush. Skip Starbucks once this week and you’ve already paid for the brush.

    Although highly affordable, this brush is effective too. It comes with an angled slicker that gently pulls away loose fur without damaging your cat’s skin. It is especially great for short-haired cats because it does a great job of keeping their coats slick and shiny.

    Customers report that this slicker is comfortable in the hand too. The company does not list the exact weight of the product, but customers note that it is incredibly lightweight and comfortable because of the rubber shift handle design.

    Though the JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush is great for short-haired cats, it isn’t ideal for long coats. The slicker simply comes with too small of a head and pins to thoroughly dematt and brush through thick long hair coats. Aside from that one drawback, the JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush is the best cat slicker brush for the money.

    Pros

    • Highly affordable
    • Keeps short hair coats slick and shiny
    • Comfortable to you and your cat

    Cons

    • Not suitable for long coats

    3. FUR4 Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool - Premium Choice

    MaterialStainless steel deshedding edge, ABS plastic handle, rubberized grip
    Life StageAdult
    Brush TypeUndercoat deshedding tool

    The FUR4 Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool is designed to reduce shedding by removing loose undercoat fur before it spreads around the home. It uses a stainless steel deshedding edge that extends through the topcoat to lift away excess hair while helping maintain the coat's overall condition. Although marketed primarily for short-haired cats, it can also be used carefully on long-haired cats during seasonal shedding.

    The ergonomic handle is designed to improve control and reduce hand fatigue during grooming sessions. This tool is best used as part of a regular grooming routine rather than as a solution for severe mats or tangles. When used correctly and consistently, it can help reduce loose hair buildup and minimize shedding on furniture and clothing.

    Pros

    • Helps reduce loose shedding fur
    • Comfortable ergonomic handle
    • Works well for seasonal coat maintenance
    • Easy to use for short grooming sessions

    Cons

    • Not suitable for severe mats or tangles
    • Can be too aggressive if overused

    4. Safari Flexible Slicker Cat Brush

    Coastal Pet Safari Dog Flexible Slicker Brush
    MaterialPlastic
    Life StageAdult
    Brush TypeSlicker

    The Safari Flexible Slicker Cat Brush is a great choice if you are looking for a simple brush that is great for nearly all cat coats. The brush features long pins that are long enough for long coated cats. At the same time, it is designed to be flexible so that it does not injure short coat cats’ skin in the process.

    For all cat types, the pins are highly effective at going through the topcoat and removing loose fur from the undercoat. As a result, this tool is highly effective for reducing shedding, making it a favorite among cat owners who try it out.

    As a whole, this brush is highly impressive. No matter what type of cat you have, it will likely do a great job at removing excess fur. That being said, there is nothing outright special about this brush. It doesn’t add anything extra to the plate. It simply delivers exactly what it promises.

    Pros

    • Highly effective
    • Suitable for all coat types
    • Delivers what it promises

    Cons

    • Basic design

    5. JW Pet Cat Deshedding Tool

    JW Pet Cat Deshedding Tool
    MaterialRubber, stainless steel
    Life StageAdults
    Brush TypeRake

    The JW Pet Cat Deshedding Tool is a good choice if you are looking for a highly effective rake on a budget. Unlike most rakes, this tool is pretty affordable. At the same time, it is able to remove your cat’s loose fur and debris, resulting in shiny, healthy coats. Its rake design makes it especially great for long coat cats.

    One major benefit of this rake is that it is highly durable. The rakes are made from thick stainless steel so that they last a long time. Still, the stainless steel rakes are gentle on your cat’s skin since they are curved so to glide over the skin.

    Because of how big the rakes are on this brush, it isn’t the most effective for short haired cats. Even though it won’t hurt the cat, it won’t do as good of a job as brushes with finer bristles for short haired cats. Long haired cats, however, will love this rake.

    Pros

    • Great for long haired cats
    • Affordable rake
    • Highly durable

    Cons

    • Not suitable for short haired cats

    6. FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool

    Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
    MaterialStainless steel
    Life StageAdults
    Brush TypeDeshedding

    Another great cat deshedding tool is the FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool. This tool is specifically designed so that it can remove loose hair in your cat’s topcoat and undercoat. In fact, this remains one of the most effective tools to reduce shedding when used frequently. User after user comments on how effective this tool is at hair removal.

    At the same time, it does not injure your cat’s skin or topcoat. Instead, it has a curved design so that it comfortably conforms to the cat’s body. The tool is comfortable for you as well since it has an ergonomic handle with comfortable padding.

    In terms of effectiveness, we have no complaints about this product. It includes patented technologies that are designed for and by groomers. The only potential drawback is that the model is relatively expensive, especially for a brush design.

    Although expensive, the FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool gets the job done. It delivers exactly what it promises and will help keep your cat hairball free and home clean.

    Pros

    • Patented technology
    • Highly effective
    • Comfortable for you and your cat

    Cons

    • Extensive

    7. Safari Shedding Cat Blade

    Safari Shedding Cat Blade
    MaterialPlastic
    Life StageAll
    Brush TypeDeshedding

    The Safari Shedding Cat Blade has a unique design not commonly seen on cat brushes. Its head is shaped like a circle, almost making it look like a magnifying glass. This circular design means that the brush can pick up more fur at one time than traditional designs.

    Short haired cats especially like this tool because it has short bristles that feel almost like a massage. Especially since it is designed for long strokes, your cat will feel like it is getting a massage. Only a couple of cats reported not liking the feeling, but that’s to be expected of nearly any brush.

    The main downside of this magnifying glass design is that it does not catch any of the hair it is removing. Instead, the fur will fall off the cat, requiring you to pick it up manually. This makes the cleaning process much less convenient than other brushes. Still, the Safari Pet Cat Deshedding Tool does a fantastic job at removing excess herhaire from cats.

    Pros

    • Unique design
    • Effective
    • Feels like a massage to cats
    • Affordable

    Cons

    • Must pick up fur by hand

    8. Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

    Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats
    MaterialSteel
    Life StageAll
    Brush TypeSlicker

    Another great Safari product is the Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. Like all the other products on this list, this brush is highly effective at deshedding your cat and keeping your home clean. The most notable feature about this brush has nothing to do with its brushing abilities, though.

    Whereas most cat brushes are a nightmare to clean, this one is very easy. Its pins can be retracted so that the hair easily falls straight into your garbage bin. Then, you can quickly wipe down the head of the brush for quick cleaning. This easy cleaning ensures that your cat is only being brushed by the most hygienic products.

    The biggest downside to this model is that the retractable pins are very thin. These thin pins bend easily through coarse and thick fur. In other words, this brush is great for short haired cats, but it likely won’t do a great job for long haired ones.

    If you have a short haired cat and want to easily clean up your cat’s brush, we recommend the Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush.

    Pros

    • Effective for short coats
    • Retractable pins make cleaning easy
    • Affordable

    Cons

    • Not strong enough for long coats

    9. Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush

    Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush
    MaterialSilicone
    Life StageAdults
    Brush TypeSlicker

    The Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush is a great product for long coats. Its long pins mean that it can effortlessly rake through deep matts and tangles. The product is even effective enough to cut through the matts on long haired dogs. Depending on your cat’s size, you can get a small, medium, or large brush.

    If you have a short haired cat, you should go with a gentler option. Because of how long the pins are on this brush, it can be difficult to control the pressure on your cat’s back. It simply is too powerful for short haired cats.

    Another drawback of this brush is that it is nearly impossible to get the hair out of the brush. Because of how long the bristles are, cleaning is not very easy. Still, the Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush is a decent choice if you have a long haired cat specifically.

    Pros

    • Suitable for long haired coats
    • Suitable for dogs and cats
    • Comes in 3 sizes

    Cons

    • Too rough on short haired cats
    • Difficult to clean

    10. Pet Magasin Pet Grooming Gloves

    Pet Magasin, Patented Gentle & Effective Shedding Pet Grooming Gloves Bathing & Brushes Works For Dogs, Horses, Cats, and Other Animals (Medium, 1-pair) new
    MaterialRubber
    Life StageAll
    Brush TypeGloves

    The last brush on our list is the Pet Magasin Pet Grooming Gloves. As its name suggests, you wear these gloves on your hand when petting your cat. The palm has silicone bristles to detangle and remove all loose fur. All the while, your hands get to stay clean, and you can feel how much pressure you’re putting on your cat’s skin.

    Although these gloves might be a good choice for regular petting, they aren’t the most effective deshedding option. The silicone bristles on the palm aren’t super effective for long-haired cats or incredibly tough mats. You will have to throw away the caught hair with every swipe.

    These gloves can be a bit of an inconvenience too. Even though they sound good in theory, they aren’t always the best deshedding option. Unless you specifically want a glove design, we recommend one of the other deshedding tools instead.

    Pros

    • Used when petting your cat
    • Not to tough on sensitive skin
    • Keeps your hands clean

    Cons

    • Not very effective
    • Must throw way caught fur
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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Deshedding Tool

    When it comes time to buy a de-shedding brush for your cat, you need to know what to look for. Even when you know which tools are effective, they still might not be right for your cat’s skin and fur. To ensure you pick the right brush for your cat specifically, consider the following four factors:

    Brush Type

    The brush type is the most important factor to consider when looking for a deshedding tool for your cat. The brush type you select will determine whether it is the right amount of power for your cat’s fur type specifically. Here are the most common brush types and types of cats they are great for:

    • Dematting: Matts and long coats
    • Slicker: All coat types with minimal matts; especially short haired cats
    • Gloves: Cats that are afraid of brushes
    • Pin: Long haired cats
    • Bristle: Dry fur

    Comfortability

    You want the tool to be comfortable for both you and your cat. For you, make sure that the tool is designed for the human hand and has rubber or grip features to make holding it more comfortable. If it is not comfortable for you, you might not want to use the tool or you might accidentally be too rough on your cat.

    Likewise, ensure that the brush isn’t too rough on your cat. Flexible heads and angled pins are often the most comfortable design for cats. This is especially important if your cat is short-haired or has sensitive skin.

    Ease of Cleaning

    It is easy to forget at purchase that you will have to clean out the de-shedding tool after it has been used. Most de-shedding tools are not designed to be easy to clean. When the time comes, you will certainly regret picking out a tool that is difficult to clean.

    Some of the easiest cleaning tools are those that have a button that automatically releases the fur when pressed. Often, ease of cleaning comes with a higher price tag.

    Cat Brush Price

    Because there are so many cat-deshedding tools on the market, you can consider price when picking out your tool. If one brush is too expensive, you could likely find one that is just as effective at a lower price.

    brushing a ragdoll cat
    Image Credit: VeronArt16, Shutterstock

    How We Selected Our List of Cat Deshedding Tools

    Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat deshedding tools. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat deshedding tools. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

    divider cat faces oct 2024

    Conclusion

    Keep your cat and home clean using one of the best cat deshedding tools mentioned above. Every one of these products are highly effective and great for a variety of coat types.

    Of the reviews and products, we recommend the Pet Republique Dematting Rake since it is the most effective for deshedding both long-haired and short-haired cats. If you need something a bit more affordable, we recommend the JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush instead.

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