Brushing your cat is a wonderful way to bond with your beloved feline, and it also helps build trust between you and your cat. All cat owners know how much cats love to groom themselves, but when you have a longhaired cat, grooming is an essential part of being a cat parent. Grooming helps reduce hairballs and prevents mats and tangles, which can be painful for your kitty. That said, every longhaired cat owner should have an effective brush for these purposes.

Many cat brushes flood the market today, which can make choosing an appropriate grooming brush a difficult task—that’s why we’ve listed our top 10 picks and reviews to help you make an informed decision. We’ve included a buyer’s guide at the end to help you even further, so let’s get to it.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Brushes for Long-Haired Cats

1. Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush – Best Overall

Given the picks in this article are specifically for long-haired cats, the Hepper Cat Brush comes in as our top pick for the best overall cat brush for this very purpose. This brush is sturdy and durable and tackles impossible knots with little effort. The stainless-steel metal bristles have rubber tips at the ends that will massage your cat, and they are bent at 60 degrees for an effective grooming session. It’s made from ABS plastic and is waterproof, allowing you to rinse the brush to clean or to wet it for stubborn tangles before brushing.

This brush makes cleanup a cinch: all you do is press the one-button system, and the shed hair comes off the bristles to throw away in one clump for no mess. It’s that simple! It also comes in three colors to suit your style: pearl grey, sky blue, and powder pink.

The stainless steel bristles may irritate some cats, but most handle it well.

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!

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2. Vetnique Labs Furbliss – Best Value

The Vetnique Labs Furbliss pet brush makes grooming your kitty easy and comfortable. You can use this brush wet or dry, which makes it a little more versatile compared to other brushes, as you can use this brush if you need to bathe your cat. You can also use it to remove hair from your furniture and clothing.

This brush uses 100% medical-grade silicone that detangles and removes dead hair, lint, and dander from your kitty. You can use it wet or dry, and your cat will receive a therapeutic massage while you groom, leaving your cat’s coat healthy and nourished. It’s also vet and groomer recommended, and you can use it on both dogs and cats.

This brush may not remove as much hair as you’d like, but it’s inexpensive and does the job for most longhaired cats, making it our pick for the best brush for longhaired cats for the money.

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3. FURminator Long Hair Cat Deshedding Tool – Premium Choice

The FURminator Long Hair Cat Deshedding Tool is specifically designed for feline companions. It features a stainless-steel edge designed to reach underneath a long topcoat, removing dead hair in the process. The curved edge allows for comfortable grooming for your cat, and the ergonomic handle makes grooming comfortable for you, too! The curved-edge teeth conform to your cat’s body for added comfort, and it removes a ton of hair with each stroke. This brush is suitable for longhaired cats, and it won’t cut the skin or damage the topcoat. It features a FURejector button release that easily removes dead hair, and it also features an edge guard that protects the teeth of the brush when stored. It also has a skin guard that prevents the teeth from digging into the skin.

This brush is expensive but effective, but some consumers worry the teeth will cut their cat, as they are fairly sharp. Start gently and slowly to ensure the tool does not injure your cat or make grooming uncomfortable.

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4. Li’l Pals Coated Tips Cat Slicker Brush – Best for Kittens

Kittens need grooming too, and the Li’l Pals Coated Tips Cat Slicker Brush is an excellent option for smaller felines. The flexible wire pins contour to your kitten’s little body, and it quickly removes mats and detangles fur. The wire pins have plastic tips to prevent hurting your kitten’s skin, and the brush massages as you groom, which helps your cat acclimate and enjoy the process.

This slicker brush distributes the natural oils in the coat, leaving the coat healthy and shiny. However, you must always be on the lookout for missing plastic pins, as some may fall off over time, which could hurt your kitten’s skin.

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5. Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

The Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush receives stellar reviews, so we had to add it to our list. This brush is self-cleaning—all you do is press a button to retract the stainless-steel pins, which release dead hair from the brush quickly. It’s excellent for longhaired cats, and it enhances the natural luster of your cat’s coat.

Regular use of this brush may help reduce shedding, and the steel pins are gentle so they won’t hurt your kitty while grooming. Tangles and mats are easily removed with this brush, and the handle is plastic and comfortable.

Some consumers state that the self-cleaning retractable pins bend when you press the button, therefore diminishing the effectiveness of easily removing dead hair from the brush pins.

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6. JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush

The JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush is a terrific option for cats with sensitive skin due to its flexible, stainless steel pins. This inexpensive brush helps keep the coat tangle-free, and you can use it daily if needed, even for cats with sensitive skin. It features a non-slip grip in an ergonomic handle and is suitable for all coat types.

It’s difficult to get dead hair out of the brush for cleaning, as it does not have the retractable stainless-steel pin feature that most brushes on our list contain. This may be a deal breaker for some cat owners, despite its low price.

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7. Frisco Deshedding Dog & Cat Brush

The Frisco Deshedding Dog & Cat Brush features 4.5-inch angled teeth and wide blades to remove plenty of dead hair from your longhaired feline. It detangles easily, and it helps reduce shedding to keep your cat’s coat healthy and nourished. The ergonomic handle has a soft, non-slip grip and is lightweight for added comfort while grooming.

While this brush is designed for all coat types, it may not work on certain cat breeds with long hair. Some state the teeth are too short to be effective at removing hair, and it may pull the fur.

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8. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush is suitable for dogs and cats of all coat types. It features nylon bristles on one side that remove dead hair and distributes the natural oils for a healthy coat with each use and stainless-steel pins with plastic tips on the other side for use on longer coats to remove tangles and mats.

It has an ergonomic handle for your comfort and breather holes for gentle and smooth brushing for your cat’s comfort. It’s also made by a trustworthy company—Hartz has been in business for over 95 years.

A common complaint with this brush is the bristles fall out over time, which will require you to inspect the brush before each use. The head is also not flexible to contour to your cat’s body while grooming.

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9. Safari Shedding Cat Blade

The Safari Shedding Cat Blade doesn’t look like a brush, but it’s effective in removing dead hair, especially in longhaired cats. The stainless steel blade removes hair gently and effectively, and it helps keep shedding down to a minimum. This steel blade can help reduce shedding and hairballs with regular use and improve the look of your kitty’s coat. This tool is also easy to use—simply run the toothed side from head to toe.

Some cats may not like the feel of this de-shedding tool, and the handle is flexible, which makes it hard to hold at times.

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10. Paws & Pals Best in Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool

The Paws & Pals Best In Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool is small and compact, but don’t let the size fool you. This de-shedding tool effectively and safely removes loose hair with a stainless-steel blade, and it helps remove mats and tangles. This brush stimulates the natural oils for a luxurious coat, and it’s comfy to hold with its economic handle. It’s also gentle and effective without irritating your cat’s skin.

This brush is more effective for longhaired cats, so if you have a shorthair in your family, you’ll need a separate brush. Some consumers state the brush may get tangled up in the fur given its small size, so take caution when brushing. To prevent the brush from getting tangled up in the fur, take slow strokes and do not hurry through the fur.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Brushes for Long-Haired Cats

Now that you’ve seen our top picks for the best brush for longhaired cats, some factors should be considered before buying, such as the type of brush that’s suitable for your cat’s sensitive skin, the material it’s made of, and other factors. Let’s take a look.

Types of Brushes

1. Bristle Brush

Bristle brushes are one of the more common cat brushes on the market. These brushes are excellent choices for cats with sensitive skin, as the bristles are soft and gentle. The only downfall with bristle brushes is they do not remove as much hair as other types, but they work well enough for cats who don’t particularly care for being groomed or even elderly cats that require a gentler brushing. Bristle brushes also help distribute the natural oils in the coat for a luxurious shine.

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2. Slicker Brush

Slicker brushes are excellent options for removing hair, which makes them ideal for use on longhaired cats. These brushes use thin wires that safely dig into the hair for removal. The heads of these brushes are typically flat, and the thin wires are angled to keep them from irritating your cat’s skin. These brushes are also a good choice for removing tangles.

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3. Dual-Sided Brush

These brushes give you the option of soft, nylon bristles on one side and steel pins on the other for a thorough grooming. Take caution not to dig into your cat’s fur with the steel pin side, as this may irritate your cat’s skin and cause your cat to dislike the grooming process.

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4. Mitt Brush

These brushes fit your hand like a glove, literally. Mitt brushes are a terrific option for cats that do not like the site of grooming brushes but enjoy being petted and rubbed—it’s a good way to fool your cat into getting groomed without him even knowing that’s what’s happening. A mitt brush has soft rubber tips that gently untangle the fur, but they can be hard to clean.

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5. Deshedding Tool

Deshedding tools are one of the most popular grooming accessories, even though they are not technically a “brush.” Deshedding tools are a good choice for removing mats from your cat’s fur, and they work particularly well for longhaired cats. A downside is these may not be the most comfortable option for your cat.

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6. Massage Brush

If your cat loves massages, a massage brush may just be the ticket for successful grooming. These are generally made of soft silicone with little nub-like protrusions that gently massage as you groom. An added bonus with these brushes is you can use them during bath time to get deep into the fur instead of using your hands. However, there is no handle, which can be a little tiring for you. These brushes are also not a good choice for removing a vast amount of hair.

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7. Undercoat Rake

We didn’t list an undercoat rake in our reviews, but they can be a good choice for longhaired cats. Similar to a de-shedding tool, undercoat rakes consist of a single row of stainless-steel teeth that do a superb job of removing dead hair and tangles, which help prevent matting. Undercoat rakes are generally used by professional groomers, and we advise you to watch a tutorial before attempting to use one, as you can hurt your kitty if not used properly.

If you’re unsure of which cat brush to use, please contact your vet or a reputable groomer for a recommendation.

Our Brushes for Long-Haired Cats Selection Process

Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best brushes 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 brushes. 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.

Other Factors to Consider

Handle

The handle is important because it makes a difference for the groomer during grooming sessions. You should look for a brush with an ergonomic handle to keep your hand from becoming tired. Keep in mind that massage brushes do not have handles but are good choices for cats that hate being groomed.

Ease of Cleaning

Brushes with a retractable release button are fantastic choices for ease of cleaning—you just press the button, and the hair automatically separates from the pins of the brush, allowing for quick and easy cleanup. These types of brushes are also considered “self-cleaning.”

Your Cat’s Sensitivity

The last thing you want is to cause your kitty discomfort, and if your cat already has sensitive skin, bristle brushes are a good choice. Massage brushes are a good choice too, but the only downfall is these brushes are not as effective in removing dead hair. However, they still remove some hair, which is better than nothing.

Conclusion

We hope our reviews of the best brushes for longhaired cats help you make the best decision for your kitty.

For our best overall choice, the Hepper Cat Brush features a one-button system to remove hair from the brush for easy cleanup, is effective in removing hair, and is waterproof. Vetnique Labs Furbliss removes tangles and mats comfortably, as well as lint and dander for the best value. For our premium choice, the FURminator Long Hair Cat Deshedding Tool is excellent in removing tangles and mats and has an ergonomic handle for comfort.

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Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock