The Best Brushes for Short-Haired Cats

You’ve got a pet vacuum, a lint roller, you’ve picked up new gadgets that you discovered on social media, and you try not to wear black. But no matter what you do, cat hair is just a part of your life as a cat owner. It gets on your clothes, all over your furniture, and sometimes it just swirls about in the air when a draft comes through. Luckily, you have a short-haired cat. But even they shed and require a little extra care to help keep them, your home, and your clothes clean(er).

Your kitty is already well-versed with self-grooming. You can often catch her licking her coat in a sunny spot, sprawled out, enjoying her leisurely life. Cats are incredibly clean and posh, which is why they spend so much time grooming themselves. It’s also why, every once in a while, you happen to step on a mushy little hairball. (Ah, the joys of cat parenting!) Although she remains committed, she can’t get through all of her fur herself. This is where you come in. To keep your kitty’s coat shiny and healthy, you can incorporate regular brushing sessions to supplement the already great work she’s doing.

We found the top brushes for short-haired cats and have compiled them in a neat list below. We explain the features of each brush and what they’re each best for. If you’re still not sure which brush might be best for your kitty, we help you decide based on several different factors. We know not every kitty likes to be brushed so we also give you some tips on how to get yours to comply. Finally, we answer some of your frequently asked questions to bolster the information we provide throughout this article.

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Brushes for Short-Haired Cats

#1 Best Overall: FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool

The best overall brush for short-haired cats is the FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool.

This brush is ideal for removing loose hair in medium or large cats, so long as they have short hair. It’s designed especially for cats that weigh more than 10 pounds because of its size. It’s made with a stainless steel de-shedding edge that reaches straight through the topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat. It has a safety design that doesn’t damage your kitty’s coat or cut her skin, so long as you’re using it gently and as directed.

Cleanup is made extra easy because it has a fur ejector button, which releases all the hair that it’s gathered during your brushing session with ease. The ergonomic handle is designed specifically for your comfort, so no matter how long it takes, you can effectively release any loose undercoat from your kitty. This is a great tool to use as part of a weekly regimen, especially for cats with double coats. Living with your cat means that you live with pet hair but with this professional-grade grooming solution, you can have a much happier home with a lot less cat hair floating around.

Pros and Cons of the FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool

Best Overall

FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool

• Designed for removing loose hair from short-haired cats
• Made for cats that weigh 10 pounds or more
• Its stainless steel de-shedding edge safely and easily removes loose hair and undercoat
• When used as directed, will not damage your cat's coat or cut her skin
• The fur-ejector button quickly and easily releases all the hair that you've gathered during your brushing session

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2. Best Self-Cleaning: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

As the best self-cleaning brush we recommend the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush.

This self-cleaning slicker brush is super effective, reduces shedding, gets all those pesky tangles out, and removes dirt and debris. It does this all to keep your kitty’s coat looking super shiny and super healthy. If you happen to have a multi-cat home or your cat shares a home with a dog, you can actually use this tool for both of them (or all of them)!

The easy-clean design makes it so that you don’t have to pull the fur out of the bristles. You can retract the bristles easily with a push of a button. Then, all you have to do is wipe away the collected fur and pop it into your trash bin. The smart design allows fine, angled bristles to get through your cat’s short-haired coat and the ergonomic comfort-grip handle makes it ultra-comfortable for you throughout the grooming process.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the bristles are quite sharp which some pets do not like.

Pros and Cons of the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Best Self-Cleaning

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

• Trusted by millions of pet owners
• Reduces shedding and removes tangles, dirt, and debris
• Keeps your cat's coat super shiny and healthy
• Bristles retract with the push of a button for effortless cleanup
• Features an ergonomic comfort grip to make grooming pleasant for you as well as for your cat

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3. Best for Dematting: GoPets Dematting Comb with 2 Sided Professional Grooming Rake

The best option for dematting is the GoPets Dematting Comb with 2 Sided Professional Grooming Rake.

This dematting comb has two sides that allow you to deliver professional grooming for your kitty at home. It’s designed to clear all sorts of different mats and tangles. Each side has a different number of teeth. On one side, you have a lower-density dematting rake that is perfect for tackling those super stubborn matts and tangles. The other side is high density, which makes it ideal for detangling, de-shedding, and it serves very well as an undercoat rake to thin out your kitty’s coat.

This is a great brush because it affords you multiple uses. Plus, it provides you with a really comfortable gel-filled handle that’s made with nonslip silicone. It’ll easily conform to your hand no matter how you hold it. This is a brush that’s not just comfortable for you but also for your cat’s sensitive skin. The teeth prevent hair pulling and the rounded edges make it a lot safer than other brush designs. You don’t have to hurt your kitty to help her groom herself better. This brush presents you with a variety of ways to get your cat’s coat looking and feeling amazing.

The only drawback to this product is that it is an expensive option.

Pros and Cons of the GoPets Dematting Comb with 2 Sided Professional Grooming Rake

Best for Dematting

GoPets Dematting Comb with 2 Sided Professional Grooming Rake

• Features two sides for professional grooming results
• Designed to remove all sorts of mats and tangles
• The teeth prevent pulling and rounded edges make this model safer than most
• Works well as an undercoat rake to thin your cat's coat
• Features a comfortable, non-slip silicone, gel-filled handle

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4. Best Glove Design: Mr. Peanut’s Gloves Grooming & Deshedding Aid

If you feel like you’ve tried every brush on the market and your cat is just not having it, you may need to get a little creative with the solution you choose. Therefore, we recommend Mr. Peanut’s Gloves Grooming & Deshedding Aid.

This glove brush is an anti-shedding aid made with silicone pins that allow for effective grooming. It removes loose cat hair and traps it in the glove so that you can easily clean it up. It’s ideal for different hair types, especially with short-haired cats and you can use it on wet or dry fur.

The gloves come with adjustable Velcro straps so you can fit any size hand. The silicone rubber tips gently fix all those nasty tangles and mats while at the same time lifting up any dirt and dust from your cat’s fur. When these gloves need cleaning, just pop them into your washing machine and let them air dry underneath the sun.

Unfortunately some customers repoerted that these gloves are not surable and do eventually split along the seams.

Pros and Cons of Mr. Peanut’s Gloves Grooming & Deshedding Aid

Best Glove Design

Mr. Peanut's Gloves Grooming & Deshedding Aid

• Set of 2 gloves that are perfect for cats that allow you to pet them but won't tolerate brushes
• Features silicone pins to remove loose hair and trap it in the glove
• Can be used on wet or dry fur
• Adjustable Velcro straps for a custom fit
• Machine washable, air dry

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5. Best for Massaging: CeleMoon Cat Brush

If your kitty loves getting a massage then we recommend the CeleMoon Cat Brush.

This ultra-soft silicone brush delivers a full-on massage experience for your kitty. It has silicone pins and doesn’t have any sharp edges, which means absolutely no scratching on your cat’s skin. It helps with removing 90% of shedding hair from your cat within just a few minutes. All you have to do is comb it gently over your cat’s coat and you’ll see how fists full of fur come off with ease. After each use, you can rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any excess hair from the brush. Then, just store it away somewhere safe before the next use.

The hand grip for this brush is unique. It fits perfectly into your hands and fingers, and it has a non-slip grip. It’s really compact and very comfortable to hold and use. To attract even more hair during your grooming sessions, you may want to splash just a little bit of water onto the surface. This helps it pull up even more hair than usual.

Unfortunately, this while this brush does loosen a lot of shedding hair it does not collect it all which can be quite messy.

Pros and Cons of the CeleMoon Cat Brush

Best for Massaging

CeleMoon Cat Brush

• Ultra-soft with no sharp edges, so it won't scratch your kitty's skin
• Removes up to 90% of shedding hair within minutes
• Rinse thoroughly after use to remove shed hair from the tool
• Non-slip grip
• Compact and easy to use

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How to Choose the Right Brush for Short-Haired Cats

The most important consideration when deciding on the proper brush for your short-haired cat is the type of brush. It must be specially designed for short-haired cats. There are cats with medium-length coats and long-haired cats that require a different set of tools. The brushes we highlight in this article are designed specifically for short-haired cats, so you have a good selection to pick from.

Type of Brush

The type of brush for short-haired cats is another important factor. You may even need to stock up on more than one type to make sure that you are being thorough with your cat. One of the most popular brush options is a slicker brush. These brushes have fine wires that are lined up on a flat surface. This is a great brush if your kitty usually has tangles in her fur or has developed any matting. This type of brush can be a little bit harsh on your kitty’s skin, so it’s best to be ultra-gentle when using it. They work effectively but you need to have a gentle touch to not repel your kitty.

Another type of popular brush is a bristle brush. These are ideal for smoothing out your cat’s fur and helping to distribute all those healthy, natural oils that keep her coat looking lustrous. Usually, these are great for short-haired cats because you’re not having to take out too many tangles or mats and can just keep her coat looking fresh.

Another option you’ll see for short-haired cats is a rake brush. These brushes typically look like the letter T and are designed to remove any dead hair. If you notice that your cat is shedding a lot, this type of brush can help to remove all of those shedding pieces so you can discard them in one place instead of your kitty discarding them throughout your home. This type of tool also requires a gentle touch because it does have pointed edges, so be sure to pay mind to your cat’s feedback as you work with it.

There are times when you’ll find a double-sided brush that can do two things in one. For example, on one side it might have a bristle brush to keep your cat’s coat shiny and on the other side, it may have a fine tooth brush, which can take out any knots or matted fur. We also made sure to highlight a glove option on this list. This can be a great solution for cats that are completely against being brushed with a regular brush. A glove is more reminiscent of regular petting and could be helpful with removing excess fur and smoothing out your kitty’s coat.

Your Cat’s Preferences

If you’re a cat parent, you know that there is just no way of getting a cat to do what you need her to do. She has a mind of her own and she’ll do whatever she wants, even if she has to hiss and claw you to get it. Some cats take to brushing easily and seem to enjoy it. If you happen to be a cat parent to one of those cats, we are jealous. Other cats, no matter how gentle you are, just won’t take to a brush. Instead of torturing your kitty trying to get out tangles, you can opt for a professional groomer or use a tool that is accepted by your cat. This process may take some trial and error but in lieu of traumatizing your cat, you can work with her to make sure that you’re helping her groom with an appropriate tool.

Is It Necessary to Brush Your Cat?

On the one hand, for cats that enjoy the brushing process, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to enjoy bonding experiences. Regular brushing equals quality time for you and your cat. Additionally, when you brush your cat’s fur, you’re also helping to rid it of any dirt and debris that she may have collected from lounging about. Sometimes, cats just sprawl on your floor and if it hasn’t been completely cleaned up just before she decides to make it her resting spot, she may pick up some unwanted particles that then get trapped in her fur.

Brushing also helps to distribute all those natural oils that her fur needs to remain healthy. As you brush, you’re helping to improve blood circulation, which contributes to a healthier coat and skin. Yes, cats do take care of the majority of self-grooming but with your help, their skin and coat health are greatly improved. You can also help to reduce hairballs. A cat coughing up a hairball is a scary sound and it’s not exactly a comfortable process for them either. When you help to de-shed with regular brushing, there’s less hair that accumulates in their stomachs, which means fewer sticky globs on your floors.

How to Get Your Cat Comply With Grooming

Even if your cat isn’t a big fan of brushing, you can take some dedicated action to make the experience more pleasant—for both of you. To begin, you have to first assess the type of mood your cat is in. If your cat is already agitated or waiting on dinner then it’s not a great time to try and get her attention on grooming. Try approaching your cat and gently petting her to see if she’s receptive to being touched at that moment. If she is, you can proceed.

Introduce her to the new brush. Let her sniff it and rub her head against it to get acquainted with the tool. Keep moving slowly with gentle petting and start using the brush with gentle strokes. Aim for the areas on your kitty’s body where she usually enjoys being touched. For example, if she loves scratches behind her ears, direct your brush to that area. Watch her response and keep moving slowly and gently.

You can gradually begin stroking the brush on other parts of her body, being careful to watch for her reaction. Some cats are okay with their bellies being touched while others will react strongly if you attempt to touch them there. Move gently and with intention, keeping a keen eye on her response to the brush. Realize that this may not be a 100% perfect brushing session on the first try. If you’re only able to reach a couple of spots on her head and back, that was a great first session. If she starts getting uncomfortable, don’t try to force her. This will just create a negative association with the brush, which will make further brushing attempts more difficult.

Finally, when the brushing session has come to an end, you can reward her with a treat or with her favorite toy. The idea is to create a positive association for brushing. She’ll come to understand that every time you bring out the brush, she’s either getting a treat or she’s getting rewarded with some fun playtime with you. Throughout the session, be sure to offer positive words of affirmation, so she knows that she’s doing good as you work through her coat. Even if you become frustrated, refrain from expressing it. It’s always better to take a break than to create any negative associations.