11 Best Brushes for Short-Haired Cats in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
Our short-haired kitties do much of the grooming for us—cleaning themselves thoroughly without fail. But to get their coats to have that lovely sheen, brushing helps rid debris and let the fur shine. It also keeps those loose hairs from winding up on your pillow at night.
So, since you don’t have a wild, long-haired kitty that requires lots of detangling, what are the best brushes for your cat? We went ahead and compiled some reviews of the 11 best brushes for short-haired cats we could find. Let’s discover your favorite.
This Hepper Cat Brush for Short-Haired Cats comes in as our overall best brush for short-haired cats. We love the simple but modern design that is effective and affordable. Many cats are not fans of being brushed, but this brush makes it easy. It features wire bristles that trap hair effectively and has a 60-degree bend. This bend helps reduce uncomfortable pressure that some brushes can apply by contouring to your cat’s body.
It also is a breeze to use due to its one-click cleaning. One click will remove all the hair caught in the bristles, so you don’t need to spend time slowly picking out the fluff every few minutes! The design is also waterproof so giving it a deep clean is easy. The brush has a relatively small surface area compared to some others on the market, but its ease of use makes it just as effective as large surface area brushes.
Pros
One-click cleaning
Bristles bend for body contour and comfort
Comes in three colors
Waterproof
Cons
Relatively small surface area
You might have guessed, this is our own product – but we love it so much we just have to share it, and hope you get to own one too!
2. KONG Cat ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush – Best Value
If you’re looking to save a few bucks but still want a product from a reputable brand, try out the KONG Cat ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush. It is the best brush for short-haired cats for the money, offering usefulness and affordability.
This adorable gripping tool doubles as a massager. It can help destress your cat in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations with its firm rubber tips. It’s also a great tool to use at home for general relaxation.
You can use this brush daily, as it is gentle and durable. Since it is rubber, it gently collects loose hairs to reduce shed tracking in your home. However, if you have a heavy shedder, it may not get rid of your overall problem.
If you want the best product around and don’t mind paying the piper, check out the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. It’s a little more expensive than models in its class, but we think it is a very sturdy model with a long-lasting design—so, it might just be worth your money.
This brush smooths hair like a charm, and it collects all the dead follicles along the way. It’s a breeze to use, providing an anti-slip grip with an easy button release for emptying.
You can feel the quality as you hold this product—it is slightly weighted and well-made. Overall, we love the proficiency of this brush, but we realize you can get similar products for less.
The Safari Bristle Brush is a simple design, but it works very well. This product is perfect for daily brushing, gently removing any unwanted hair from the fur. It’s lightweight and easy to use, so your cat may just enjoy this nice petting.
If you want a brush that will leave your cat’s coat super soft, this one removes most debris and circulates blood flow. The nylon bristles are stiff but adhere to the natural flow of your cat’s body. In addition, these bristles don’t penetrate deeply enough to irritate the skin.
Though this design is perfectly true to the intended purpose, it might not work as well to remove the dead hairs in the undercoat. So, if your short-haired cat has particularly thick hair, they may need a different style.
Next on our list for best overall brush for short-haired cats is this PetCraft Supply Self-Cleaning Brush. It gets the job done—reducing shed and leaving your cat’s short coat shiny and sleek.
The entire design is a perfect size, fitting in almost any hand comfortably. It has a rubber handle so you can get a firm grip. There is a simple release button on the top of the brush for discarding hair.
The bristles are firm, but bendable, creating an ideal pressure for brushing. It won’t likely irritate your cat’s skin, getting deep to remove any strays without scratching. It doesn’t take long to get the job done—a few passes and you have a freshly combed cat.
If you have a kitty that doesn’t take so kindly to brushing, the Dooki-Be Pet Grooming Gloves might work well for them. These gloves allow you to pet your cat while removing unwanted dead hair and debris. Your cat may not even notice the difference.
These gloves are one size, fitting most hands. They have an adjustable band around the wrist portion to keep them where you are comfortable. Although if you have particularly large or small hands, they may not stay on properly.
These gloves are easily washable, and you can even use them during bath time. If you have a particularly frantic cat during cleanings, you can protect your hands while you get the job done. It’s a win-win. However, gloves aren’t very efficient for detangling or heavy shed removal.
We liked the Hartz Groomer’s Cat brush because it has an amazing grip and a practical design. Because it is uniquely shaped, it gets in hard-to-reach areas, like between the legs and belly.
The bristles are firm and thin, with tiny protective guards on the tips. This design protects your cat’s skin while penetrating the roots for optimal hair reduction. The handle is smooth rubber that won’t slip or become uncomfortable with use.
If you hate the static involved with daily brushing, this company touts the brush’s ability to stay cling-free. We didn’t notice any static while we were brushing, so we’d have to agree. Unlike other slicker brushes, this one doesn’t have an easy-empty push button. Instead, you have to remove the hair manually.
If you’re looking for a product that doubles as a bath scrubber, take a look at the Kwispel 2-Piece Grooming Brush. This handy duo deals with shedding by simply slipping on the wide part of your hand with adjustable points. You can use these brushes for bath time—or just a daily massage.
The rubber spikes gently work out dirt, debris, and dander, so you can gently wash away for a shiny finish. These brushes work on dry hair as well to circulate blood flow and collect some hair—but it isn’t an ideal brush for heavy shedding.
When you are finished using it, you can simply rinse this product in soapy water. We like that there are two options—one with short rubber points, the other longer. You can choose the correct pressure that works best for your cat.
The Poodle Soft Bristled Brush is a great product to reduce the collection of everyday hair loss for cats. This gentle design softly removes the top layer of dead fur to create a sleek shine.
Although it didn’t feel as strong as some like products, the brush seemed fairly durable and lightweight. The bristles collect hair, but they can be challenging to clean since it comes out in chunks. Also, it leaves a lot of room for puffs of fur to float around your room while you try to get it in the waste bin.
The handle has a rippled rubber grip around the handle portion to slip away or become uncomfortable during long sessions. Overall, there’s no defining feature that sets it above the rest, but it does do the job—and that’s what counts.
We like the BV Dog & Cat Brush because it is multi-purpose—fitting all your short-haired cat’s needs. It is a double-sided selection that works well for just about any grooming session.
A side offers soft, tightly bound synthetic bristles that remove dead fur and make the coat soft and supple. The other side boasts stainless steel pins that penetrate the fur without causing any uncomfortable pulling or scratching.
The ergonomic handle comes with a durable ribbed rubber cover for optimal grip. This brush is larger than some—which may not work as well for smaller cats or kittens. So, if you find it doesn’t work for you, this product does offer a satisfaction guarantee.
The Con-Air Pro Pet-It Boar Bristle Brush is ideal for quick grooming sessions to eliminate loose fur—even though it’s not the best choice for tangles or tough debris. It has a hook handle on the back of the brush so you can slip it on your hand for a controlled grip.
Though the product states it is boars hair—that’s only partially true (which can be misleading until you read further. These bristles actually contain half synthetic, half boar’s hair bristles. But it gives the brush a firm but bendable flow.
This unique blend allows you to pass over your cat, getting swiftly under the arms and underbelly. It’s also compact and easy to store away when you’re finished using it. However, the design might not be as comfortable for certain people or cats.
Pros
For quick sessions
Easy to store
50% boar hair
Cons
Not for tangles or debris
Not all will benefit from the design
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Brush for Short-haired Cats
Buying a brush for your short-haired cat might seem like a no-brainer—until you start shopping. It seems like you’re swimming in an endless sea of products and it’s hard to know which are worth your money.
So, we are going to go over the different types of cat brushes along with their benefits and shortcomings. This way, you can find a brush that works well for your cat’s coat.
Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock
How Often Should You Brush Your Cat
How often you should brush your cat depends significantly on their grooming habits and shedding level. Some cats shed less or more—and sometimes, it has nothing to do with how much fur they have.
As a recommendation, you can lightly brush your cat daily. That will eliminate any build-up, control dander, smooth the coat, and pick up loose hair.
Most cats who are used to brushing think it feels pretty good. They love the attention and affection they receive from their owners. It’s a great way to take care of your kitty while making them feel valued at the same time.
Less Shedding
Cat’s shed naturally 365 days a year—unless they are entirely hairless. So, these particles are constantly clinging to your fabrics. Brushing reduces shedding, catching hair into a convenient hand-held trap.
Image Credit: photong, Shutterstock
Increases Natural Shine
Brushing pulls natural oils from the root of the hair throughout. It helps increase shine naturally for a sleek finish.
Smooths the Coat
If your cat has frequent strays or tangles, brushing daily can smooth the coat for a uniform look.
Reduces Debris and Dander
Even though all cats carry dander, you can reduce it with brushing. Brushing takes away the hair allergen proteins cling to and limits exposure to potentially irritating side effects.
Helps blood circulation
Brushing helps to improve blood circulation, which encourages new hair growth.
Excellent Brushes for Short-Haired Cats
Deshedding Tools
Deshedding tools that suit short cats penetrate the fur to remove dead follicles. It’s not meant for everyday use, but short-haired cats benefit from a brushing session every 2 weeks.
Slicker Brushes
Slicker brushes use firm, short bristles to penetrate the fur and collect the shed. Once it’s all gathered up, they typically have a simple push-release button for easy discarding.
Synthetic Brushes
Brushes with synthetic bristles are perfect for light, everyday brushing. They gently pass over the fur, providing light debris removal and a polished finish. But they can be messy to clean.
Animal-Hair Brushes
Some brushes are made from coarse animal hair—like a boar or pig. The hair gently but firmly removes debris and dead hair.
Grooming Gloves
Grooming gloves are popular choices for cat owners whose felines aren’t crazy about traditional brushes. You can hold and comfort your haywire kitty while protecting your hands.
Rubber Brushes
Rubber brushes are generally used for massage and mild hair collection. These brushes are fabulous in the sense that they usually don’t break down easily—and you can use them during bathtime.
Conclusion
We hoped these reviews introduced you to a product that caught your eye. However, we still stand by our first choice, the Hepper Cat Brush. It’s practical and efficient, giving your cat a shiny coat and leaving your cushions fur-free.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, the ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush. It does the job, reducing hair tracking and offering a gentle massage. This pick can also work very well for anxious cats to calm their nerves.
No matter which one you pick, we think these products will work efficiently and stand the test of time.
Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.
