11 Best Cat Grooming Tools in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

The relationship we humans have with cats versus dogs is in part due to the evolution timelines of felines and canines. The former became part of our lives about 9,500 years ago, while the latter joined us about 11,000 years ago. We can also say that cats are closer to their wild side than most dog breeds. We tend to think of felines as being able to see to their needs without our intervention.

However, that’s not necessarily true, especially with selectively bred varieties. Their lifestyle also plays a role. We provided these reviews to help you choose the best cat grooming tools to keep your kitty healthy and happy to fulfill your needs too.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2022 Update

The 11 Best Cat Grooming Tools

1. Hepper Cat Nail Clippers – Best Overall

Hepper’s Cat Nail Clippers have all the accouterments that one might expect from a premium set of cat nail clippers. They feature a soft grip to keep your hands comfortable while wrestling your cat to get their nails trimmed properly. Since the grip is made of textured rubber, it’s not only durable; it also helps keep it from slipping when you’re fighting with your resistant feline.
This set of clippers features a 3.5 mm stainless steel blade with a length guard to protect your kitty’s paws while you clip their nails. It also features a safety lock that locks the blades in storage for safety when retrieving them. Since this is a high-quality nail clipper, it will come with a higher price tag. However, you are paying for a durable, long-lasting tool that will help keep your cat’s nail trim and neat.

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!

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2. Andis Steel Pet Comb — Best Value

The Andis Steel Pet Comb is the best cat grooming tool for the money. It’s invaluable for working out tangles on a long-haired cat. We like that it has both wide and fine teeth. You can use the former first to loosen the mats and follow up with a gentle combing. The product is well-made with stainless steel, which gives it good heft. It’s something that we know will last.

The comb has a border along the top that you hold. Some may prefer a handle, but we thought that this design added strength to the product. The price is right too.

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3. Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps — Premium Choice

If you’re looking for something to save your furniture, Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps can save the day by blunting the clawing action of your pet’s sharp claws. You apply them using an effective and non-toxic glue after trimming them to size. It’s not a permanent solution, since your kitty’s growing claws will eventually push them off their paws. However, it is painless and a reasonable compromise for both of you.

The caps come in 13 colors, including pink sparkle. They’re easy to use, particularly if you handle your cat’s paws frequently. On the downside, some kitties won’t like them. They are also hard to remove if that’s the case.

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4. Paws & Pals Cat Deshedding Tool

The Paws & Pals Cat Deshedding Tool is a must-have if you have a long-haired kitty. Sometimes, it’s harder for them to get deep down into their fur. This product can help detangle your pet’s coat and prevent mats. It’ll also remove dander and improve circulation for better skin health. It doesn’t cut the hair but instead, loosens the stray ones to keep them off your clothes and furniture.

The product is well-made, with a good hand feel to it. We suggest going gently and not pressing too hard at first until your cat gets used to it. Otherwise, it’s easy to use and clean. Just rinse it in warm water and dry it promptly.

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5. Frisco Cat Curry Brush

The Frisco Cat Curry Brush is another great pick for several reasons. It does an excellent job of getting rid of excess hair to reduce shedding. The nubbies on the brush gently massage your cat’s skin to improve circulation. This is a great way to bond with your kitty too.

The design of this brush is adorable. The construction is durable and made to last. While cats usually handle their grooming, we found that brushing your cat can help reduce hairballs, which is a significant health benefit. We suggest running a damp cloth over your pet once you’re done, to pick up any stray hairs.

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6. Frisco Nail Clippers

Getting a pair of nail clippers is essential if your pet isn’t declawed or if they haven’t figured out how to use a cat post. Remember that it’s normal for them to scratch. We like this product for keeping their nails trim. It’s easy to handle and control, which is vital if your kitty isn’t keen on having their nails done. We recommended handling your cat’s paws frequently to make these tasks easier for both of you.

These clippers have high-carbon steel blades that hold their edge well. That will make nail trimming go faster. You don’t have to worry about sharpening them either. If they get dull, it’s not a big deal to buy another set because of the affordable price. It’s a small cost to pay to save your furniture.

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7. FURminator Hair Collection Cat Brush

The premise behind the FURminator Hair Collection Cat Brush is unique, although we don’t usually think of sharing our pet’s grooming tools. This one will pick up stray hairs from your kitty, furniture, and you! Its user-friendly design makes it simple to get hairs from hard-to-reach places. We liked that it has different sized tines for using it on your pet’s back and the more sensitive areas around the ears and face.

The product does an excellent job of holding onto the hair, but sometimes it does so too well. You may find yourself rinsing the brush frequently. We like the idea of having the hair remover available since you’re more likely to get covered in stray hair while brushing your pet. Overall, it’s a smart idea at an affordable price.

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8. Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner

If you have a medium or long-haired cat, you’ve probably have had to deal with at least one ear infection or mite infestation. That’s what makes Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner so useful to have at the house. Prevention is the best cure. This product makes it easy, with a non-irritating formula that will clean your kitty’s ears effectively to keep nasty ear problems at bay.

This cleaner is probably the same one that your vet uses, which says a great deal about the product. It’s safe to use every day and even with kittens. It works well with other medications and won’t cause any harmful drug interactions. Simply put a few drops in your pet’s ear, massage the base, and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Some cats might find it uncomfortable to feel it going down the canal. You can wet a cotton ball to use instead.

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9. Optixcare Cat Eye Cleaning Wipes

Optixcare Cat Eye Cleaning Wipes provide a convenient and easy way to clean your pet’s eyes without irritating them in the process. The cloths are soft and just the right size for cleaning. They are pre-moistened and come in a resealable package that unfortunately, doesn’t quite do its job. You’re probably better off putting the opened product in a Ziplock bag between uses, to prevent the remaining wipes from drying out quickly.

Overall, the wipes work well to remove debris and stains. The addition of chamomile in the ingredients gives them a light and pleasing scent, as well as anti-bacterial properties to improve your pet’s eye health.

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10. Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Toothbrush

 

The value of this product is evident, even if your cat makes it difficult to use. The Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Toothbrush can make the task easier and more effective with its clever design. The bristles are soft, but you’ll still need a gentle hand when brushing your pet’s teeth. The dual head is a welcome feature that makes it easier for kittens to get used to it while they’re young.

The brush can handle chewing but a determined cat will break it. Fortunately, the product is affordably priced if that happens. It has an ergonomic handle, which gives it a decent hand feel.

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11. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Cat Poultry Flavor Toothpaste

Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Poultry Flavor Toothpaste is an ideal accompaniment to a toothbrush. As necessary as brushing is for your cat’s good dental health, your success at getting the job done depends on the toothpaste that you use. While we didn’t care for the smell, kitties will love it. Your pet may even desire to have their teeth brushed.

The product does an excellent job of treating gingivitis and preventing plaque when used daily. Fortunately, your cat may view it as a treat, which will make it even more effective. It also comes in Seafood, Vanilla-Mint, and Malt flavors if this one doesn’t get your kitty’s attention. You can use it on a brush or your finger.

Buyer’s Guide: Choose the Best Cat Grooming Tools

While cats don’t require as much grooming as dogs, it’s still a necessary task with pet ownership. That’s particularly true for certain kitties, such as senior felines, which often need help taking care of the little things. For other cats, there are still a few things that you must do to keep them healthy. Things to consider when deciding what you should buy include:

Coat Texture and Length

Cats with longer coats, such as Persians, will require more grooming than short-haired breeds like Siamese. The former are more likely to get mats and tangles that they might not be able to remove themselves. That’s where you can help. Combing and brushing are essential to keep their fur tangle-free. They may also require occasional trimming, if just to keep the hair out of their eyes.

Longer coats can also be a factor in ear infections. Excessive hair can reduce circulation and set up the perfect conditions for bacterial or parasitic infestations. Regular grooming can help prevent that.

Risk of Skin and Other Diseases

Just because they don’t have long coats doesn’t mean short-haired cats don’t need any grooming attention. Handling your kitty frequently gives you a chance to monitor their skin, ear, and eye health. If you’re touching them frequently, it’ll make it easier for everyone when you need to take your pet to the vet or have them groomed.

It’s essential to recognize the red flags that signal that something is wrong. Signs of skin issues include:

When you’re grooming your cat regularly, you can spot these problems early, which will make treatment easier and perhaps less time-consuming. Changes in the appearance or texture of your cat’s coat can also point to nutritional deficiencies. Good grooming starts with a healthy diet. The earlier you spot the signs, the better it will be for your pet — and you!

Outdoor/Indoor Lifestyles

Whether your cat has access to the outdoors can make a significant difference in your pets’ grooming needs. Burrs, beggarticks, and a host of other things can stick to your pet’s fur. Trying to remove them from a long-haired kitty will likely leave you with a few battle scars.

There’s also a heightened risk of parasites, i.e., fleas and ticks. These can lead to secondary infections and hot spots, which can affect your cat’s coat and skin health. Fleas and ticks also often carry zoonotic diseases that your pet can inadvertently pass onto you and your family. There are other risks of letting your cat roam outdoors.

Benefits of Grooming Your Cat

Often, health issues show up first in your cat’s coat, nails, and skin. Remember that felines are notorious for hiding problems and showing their cards only when it’s become too difficult for them to hide anymore. That’s instinct and evolution on parade.

Also, think about it on a more personal level. You don’t have to watch a couple of cats long to notice that grooming is a social ritual. It strengthens the bonds between littermates and other resident pets. It can do the same for you and your kitty. It also allows you to habituate your pet to being handled. Paws, ears, and bellies are vulnerable body parts that they may not normally like you to handle. When you touch your cat often in these places, you’re teaching your pet that it isn’t a threat. They may even find it enjoyable, especially if you associate the touch with a treat. A change in the attitude of your cat will help your vet during annual exams and grooming appointments. It’s also an excellent way to build trust between you and your cat.

Related Read: 10 Best Cat Brushes in 2021 – Reviews &  Top Picks

Conclusion: Best Cat Grooming Tools

The Hepper Nail Clippers makes grooming easy with a durable design, earning the top spot in our reviews. We like that it can help you bond with your pet too. The Andis Steel Pet Comb is a must-have for keeping tangles and mats in check on longer-haired cats. Its durable design makes it easy to use.

Finally, the Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps combines a scratching solution with a dainty touch for your pampered pet. Sometimes, it feels good to indulge your kitty. Your furniture will thank you too!

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Fetaured Image Credit: Helen Sushitskaya, Shutterstock