Cat Brushes for Shedding: Slickers, Combs and the FURminator
Which brush suits which cat coat, how a deshedding tool like the FURminator differs from a slicker, how often the ASPCA and Cornell say to brush, how to deal with mats, and when shedding means a vet visit.
AI illustration Hair that ends up in a brush does not end up on the sofa or in the cat’s stomach. For most cats a slicker brush used regularly is enough; a deshedding tool such as the FURminator takes out more undercoat at a time and is meant to be used about once a week. How often to brush depends on the coat: the ASPCA suggests one or two brushings a week for short-haired cats, and every few days for long-haired ones.
When shedding is not just shedding. The ASPCA advises a vet visit if you see bald patches or a significant loss of hair, or flaking, redness, or a cat that scratches, licks or bites itself excessively. No brush fixes those.
Which Tool Does What
| Tool | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Slicker brush | Fine bent wires on a flat head | Everyday brushing of any coat length |
| Deshedding tool | A metal edge, not bristles | Taking out loose undercoat from a heavy shedder, about once a week |
| Wide-toothed comb | A metal comb | Long coats, and checking that you have reached the skin |
| Grooming glove | Rubber nubs on a glove | Cats that will not accept a brush |
Slicker brush
A slicker is the ordinary everyday brush for a cat with any length of coat. Self-cleaning versions have a button or a push plate that draws the wires back into the head, so the collected hair wipes off in one piece. Choose one sized for cats and use it lightly: the wires should glide through the coat, not scrape the skin.
Deshedding tool (the FURminator and similar)
A deshedding tool is a metal edge that reaches through the topcoat to pull out loose undercoat. The FURminator is the best-known, and the maker’s own instructions are more cautious than its reputation suggests: use it once or twice a week for 10 to 20 minutes, inspect the skin first, do not go over the same spot again and again, and do not press. The maker says not to use it on non-shedding breeds or on pets with particularly sensitive skin, and sells versions by coat length and size. It suits a cat that sheds heavily and tolerates grooming well.
Comb and glove
Combs with wide teeth are for long coats and for checking that you have reached the skin; a mat that a comb cannot pass is the one to deal with. Grooming gloves suit cats that will not accept a brush - to the cat, it is being stroked. Furniture rollers pick hair off the sofa, which is a different job.
Brushes for long-haired cats, model by model
A long coat needs the full kit from the table above: a slicker, a comb that reaches the skin and, for a heavy shedder, a deshedding tool used sparingly. Each is described from its maker’s product page, checked on 26 October 2026; we have not tested them, and there are no prices here: the Amazon link searches for the exact product, and we may earn a commission if you buy through it.
- Chris Christensen Top Cat Slicker Brushes: made for cats, with 17 mm stainless pins and small shapes (Tiny, X-Small, Triangle); the maker says they remove tangles, mats and shed fur. Maker’s page · See on Amazon
- Chris Christensen #013 Cat/Carding Buttercomb: a 6 in comb with finely spaced teeth for medium- to long-haired cats, for faces and detail work and for carding out loose hair. Maker’s page · See on Amazon
- FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool for Medium/Large Cats, Long Hair: the maker’s version for long-haired cats; it says to use it once or twice a week for 10 to 20 minutes, to check the skin first and to remove tangles or mats before using it. Maker’s page · See on Amazon
How Often to Brush
- Short-haired cats: one or two brushings a week (ASPCA).
- Long-haired cats: every few days, to remove dead hair and prevent tangles (ASPCA).
- If hairballs are a problem: the Cornell Feline Health Center recommends that owners get into the habit of brushing and combing their cats’ coats daily.
- A deshedding tool: as the maker directs. For the FURminator, once or twice a week.
How to Brush
The ASPCA’s method:
- Short coats: work the brush from head to tail in the direction the hair grows.
- Long coats: start with the belly and legs, combing the fur upward; comb the neck fur toward the chin; part the tail down the middle and brush each side.
And the part no instructions can do for you: choose a moment when the cat is relaxed, begin where it likes being touched, keep sessions short, and stop before the cat has had enough. A twitching tail and flattened ears mean the session is over.
Mats
A mat is a tangle that has tightened against the skin. The ASPCA’s advice is to sprinkle talcum powder on the knot and tease it apart gently with your fingers, and, if that fails, to use a mat-splitter. It says not to cut mats out with scissors - skin is easily cut along with the hair.
If a cat has many mats, or mats tight against the skin, book a groomer or your vet. Regular brushing is what prevents them.
Hairballs
Cornell explains that a cat swallows loose hair as it grooms, and that hair is indigestible. Long-haired breeds and older cats bring up hairballs more often. A hairball every week or two is not unusual, by Cornell’s account.
See the vet promptly if a cat is lethargic, refuses to eat for more than a day or two, or has repeated bouts of unproductive retching or vomiting - those can mean a blockage. Cornell also warns never to give a cat a laxative without a vet’s approval.
Bathing
Most cats seldom need a bath. When one does, the ASPCA says to brush thoroughly first, to remove loose hair and mats. Use a shampoo made for cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my cat?
Once or twice a week for a short coat, every few days for a long one, according to the ASPCA - and daily if hairballs are frequent.
Will brushing reduce hairballs?
It removes hair the cat would otherwise swallow, which is why Cornell recommends daily brushing and combing for cats that get them.
Is a FURminator better than a slicker brush?
They do different jobs. A slicker is the everyday brush; a deshedding tool takes out more undercoat in one session and is used less often, within the maker’s limits. Many owners of heavy shedders use both.
My cat hates brushing. What can I do?
Start with a grooming glove or your hand, in very short sessions, with a treat afterwards. Try a different tool. Some cats only ever tolerate a little.
Can I brush too much?
With a deshedding tool, yes - follow the maker’s limits and do not go over one area repeatedly. A slicker used lightly can be used more often.
Why is my cat suddenly shedding more?
Shedding rises and falls with the seasons. Bald patches, sore or flaky skin, or constant scratching and licking are reasons to see the vet.
Can I use a dog brush on my cat?
If it is the right size and gentle enough. Several makers sell the same tool in a cat size - choose that one.
Should I cut out a mat?
No. Tease it apart, use a mat-splitter, or have a groomer or vet remove it.
Summing Up
For regular grooming, a slicker brush used as often as the coat needs. For a heavy shedder that tolerates it, a deshedding tool such as the FURminator once or twice a week, within the maker’s cautions. A wide-toothed comb for long coats. Never cut mats, and treat bald patches, sore skin or a cat that keeps retching as a matter for the vet.
Related Reading
Last updated: October 2026. The FURminator’s instructions are the maker’s own, read on its site on 9 October 2026.