How often should I brush my cat?

Short-haired cats do well with one or two sessions a week; long-haired cats need a few minutes every day to stay mat-free.

My cat hates being brushed.

Shorten the session to thirty seconds, brush only the head and cheeks where most cats enjoy it, and stop before the tail starts twitching. Build up over weeks.

Slicker brush or deshedding tool?

A slicker brush is safer for routine use. Deshedding tools remove more coat but are easy to overuse on a cat's thin skin.

Cat brushes

Choosing a Cat Brush: Slicker Brush Buying Guide

Regular brushing means fewer hairballs, less shedding on the sofa and, in long-haired cats, no painful mats. A slicker brush is the workhorse for medium and long coats; short-haired cats often prefer a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt.

A self-cleaning slicker brush for cats with fine angled bristles and a non-slip handle

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What to look for

Fine, angled, flexible pins: Pins should bend slightly under pressure so they lift the undercoat instead of scraping skin. Coated tips help with sensitive cats.
A head sized for a cat: Dog-sized heads are unwieldy around a cat's face, armpits and belly, which is exactly where mats form.
A self-cleaning button: A retract button that releases the collected hair makes a five-minute session actually take five minutes.
A comfortable, light handle: You will hold it at odd angles. A light non-slip handle keeps your wrist steady and your strokes gentle.

What to avoid

Sharp uncoated pins used with pressure — they cause 'brush burn'.
Deshedding blades on a cat's thin skin unless you know how to use them.
Trying to cut a mat out with scissors; that is how cats end up with stitches.

Getting it right at home

Short-haired cats: once or twice a week. Long-haired: daily.
Brush in the direction of coat growth, in short sessions, ending before the cat asks you to stop.
Work mats loose with fingers and a wide comb; take severe mats to a groomer or vet.

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Affiliate link — as an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my cat?: Short-haired cats do well with one or two sessions a week; long-haired cats need a few minutes every day to stay mat-free.
My cat hates being brushed.: Shorten the session to thirty seconds, brush only the head and cheeks where most cats enjoy it, and stop before the tail starts twitching. Build up over weeks.
Slicker brush or deshedding tool?: A slicker brush is safer for routine use. Deshedding tools remove more coat but are easy to overuse on a cat's thin skin.

Other buying guides

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