9 Best Cat Brushes for Long Hair in 2024

If you decide to bring home a long-haired cat, you should be prepared to do a lot of grooming. Cats do a pretty good job of keeping dirt and other debris out of their fur, but there’s no substitute for a good brushing session.

Long-haired cats are prone to mats and tangles which, if you don’t work them out quickly, can develop into a serious problem. Matted fur is uncomfortable or even painful for cats, and they can contribute to skin problems as well. You should introduce your cat to a grooming routine as soon as you get him home, so he gets used to it. It will make future grooming sessions more pleasant for the both of you!

In this article, you’ll receive helpful tips for grooming your long hair cat as well as recommendations in what to look for when shopping for a brush. You’ll also see our top picks for the best brush for long haired cats to get you started.

Tips for Grooming Long-Haired Cats

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As a cat owner, it’s your job to make sure your cat is properly cared for. Providing a high-quality diet to support your cat’s health and wellness is essential, but you also need to think about his coat. Your cat does a good job of keeping himself clean, but regular grooming is still recommended – especially for long-haired cats. Grooming promotes skin and coat health while reducing shedding and hairballs, plus it gives you some quality time to spend with your cat.

Here are some simple tips for grooming a long-haired cat: 

• Groom your cat as often as needed according to his coat type – you should brush him at least three times a week but daily brushing may be required.
• Use a wide-toothed metal comb to work through mats and tangles – you may also want to keep a mat splitter on hand for more stubborn mats.
• Keep a soft bristle brush on hand for everyday grooming – it helps remove dirt and loose hair from the coat while also distributing the natural oils in the skin that make the coat shine.
• Make grooming a positive activity for your cat by including it in your daily routine and by providing treats as rewards.
• Pay attention to your cat during the grooming session and know when to stop – some days your cat may be willing to sit longer than others.
• Brush your cat from head to tail, working in the direction of hair growth – don’t forget the belly and under the arms where mats are most likely to form.
• Be gentle when brushing your cat so you don’t accidentally scratch him or break the skin – avoid tugging on mats and tangles as well.

What to Look for in a Cat Brush for Long Hair

Though your grooming session should start with a wide-toothed comb or a mat raker, you’ll definitely want to keep a good brush handy. Cat brushes come in a wide variety of designs with different types and lengths for the bristles as well as add-ons like self-cleaning features. It’s a good idea to know what’s out there and what works best for long-haired cats before you start shopping.

Here are some of the things to consider when shopping for a cat brush: 

• Bristle Type – Stiffer bristles or wire pins work well for long-haired cats because they help detangle the coat. Just make sure the bristles or pins aren’t too sharp.
• Bristle Length – Cats with longer coats need brushes with longer bristles to reach through the topcoat into the undercoat. The length will depend on the length of your cat’s coat.
• Bristle Spacing – Widely spaced bristles are ideal for detangling and working through mats while more closely spaced bristles work well for shedding and everyday brushing.
• Handle – Look for a brush with a padded or ergonomically designed handle so you’ll have good control and your hand won’t tire out during brushing.
• Cleaning – Some brushes offer a self-cleaning feature which makes it easy to remove accumulated hair. This saves a lot of time and hassle.

Now that you know what you’re looking for, you’re ready to start shopping! Read on to see our top picks for the best cat brushes for long hair.

The Best Brushes for Long-Haired Cats

The best brush for long haired cats may vary by breed. Some cats have thicker coats than others and the texture may vary as well. It’s a good idea to have a good comb to work through mats and tangles as well as a wire pin brush and a slicker brush for shedding. A soft bristle brush for cats is recommended as well to help smooth the coat at the end of a grooming session and to give it a little extra shine.

Here are our top picks for the best brush for long haired cats: 

Our 2024 Picks: Best Cat Brush for Long Hair
	FURminator deShedding Edge Cat Brush Effectively reduces hairballs Guaranteed to reduce shedding Price: $$$	CHECK PRICE
	Paws & Pals Best-in-Show Dog & Cat  Removes loose hair and dander Reduces shedding and pet odor Price: $	CHECK PRICE
	JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush Reduces hairballs Reduces shedding Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker  Durable and anti-slip handle Perfect for brushing out tangles and knots Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	ConairPRO Cat Pin Brush Stainless steel pins capped Non-slip handle Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Dakpets FURblaster Deshedding  Reduces shedding up to 90% Gentle on your dog’s skin Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Four Paws Magic Coat Mat Remover  Non-slip grip Soft bristles Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Hertzko Double-Sided Dog & Cat Dematting  Removes loose hair Eliminates tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush  Nylon bristles Dual-action brush detangles Price:  $	CHECK PRICE

FURminator deShedding Edge Cat Brush for Long Hair

All cats shed, but if your cat has long fur it might be more noticeable when he leaves a layer of hair on your furniture. The FURminator deShedding Edge Cat Brush for Long Hair is a great solution to have on hand because, with regular use, it reduces shedding up to 90%. This deshedding tool features a stainless-steel edge that reaches deep into the cat’s topcoat, removing dead and loose hair from the undercoat before it can be shed. Plus, it has an ergonomic handle for your comfort and control.

Pros: Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use, curved edge for comfort, ergonomic grip handle

Cons: May take time to learn how to use it, may tug on mats and tangles

Paws & Pals Best-in-Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool

If you’re looking for a more affordable option than the FURminator cat brush, this Paws & Pals Best-in-Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool is a good option. It features a wide stainless-steel blade with long teeth that remove loose hair while stimulating circulation and oil production in the skin. This tool also features a comfort-grip handle that provides an ergonomic grip so you can control the pressure easily.

Pros: Affordable price, wide stainless-steel blade, ergonomic grip for comfort and control

Cons: May pull on mats and tangles, some cats dislike the feel of it

JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush

For everyday brushing, especially in tough to reach areas, this JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush is just what you need. It features a small, round head that works well under the arms where mats and tangles are most likely to form. The pins are long and fine, blunted to protect your cat’s sensitive skin. This brush also features non-slip grips and an ergonomic handle. Though designed for cats with all coat types, this brush works particularly well for long and fine coats.

Pros: Small head works well for tough areas, long fine pins, non-slip grips and ergonomic handle

Cons: May not be the best tool to remove mats

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush

When brushing your long-haired cat, it doesn’t take long for hair to accumulate in the brush head. This Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush is a great solution because it has a self-cleaning feature. Simply release the button on the handle to retract the pins and accumulated hair slides right into the trash. This slicker brush comes in two sizes with stainless-steel pins and a comfortable, anti-slip handle.

Pros: Comes in two sizes, retractable pins for easy clean-up, anti-slip handle for comfort

Cons: Button must be depressed to keep the pins out

ConairPRO Cat Pin Brush

You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on the best brush for long hair cats. This ConairPRO Cat Pin Brush is an affordably priced option that does very well. It features long, stainless-steel pins capped with comfort tips to protect your cat’s skin, helping work through minor tangles. It also has a non-slip handle for optimal comfort and control, reducing hand fatigue during grooming.

Pros: Affordable price, gentle pins tipped for safety, non-slip handle for comfort and control

Cons: May be tough to remove accumulated fur

Dakpets FURblaster Deshedding and Light Trimming Tool

Some long-haired cats have very thick fur which can make daily grooming a lot of work. This Dakpets FURblaster Deshedding and Light Trimming Tool is a good solution because not only does it help remove dead hair from the coat, but it actually trims the undercoat as well. This tool features a rust-resistant stainless-steel blade and an ergonomic handle designed for both long and short haired cats.

Pros: Reduces shedding up to 90%, lightly trims the undercoat, stainless-steel rust-proof blade

Cons: May pull on tangles and mats with improper use

Four Paws Magic Coat Mat Remover for Cats

Our top pick for the best cat brush for mats is this Four Paws Magic Coat Mat Remover for Cats. This tool features two angled rows of stainless-steel pins designed to reach through the topcoat to help remove mats and tangles without cutting our pulling out the fur. It features a non-slip grip handle so you have complete control the entire time and the size of the head is perfect for precision.

Pros: Double row of stainless-steel pins, comfort grip handle, designed for tangles and mats

Cons: May take time to learn how to use it properly, some cats dislike it

Hertzko Double-Sided Dog & Cat Dematting Comb

Another option for the best cat brush for mats is this Hertzko Double-Sided Dog & Cat Dematting Comb. This tool is double-sided so you can choose the ideal spacing for the task at hand. The teeth are made from durable metal and are rounded for safety – they won’t scratch your cat’s skin. When used properly, it feels like you’re massaging your cat’s skin while removing mats and tangles deep in the undercoat.

Pros: Rounded metal teeth, double-sided design, comfort-grip handle to prevent wrist strain

Cons: May pull on mats and tangles, some cats don’t like the feel of it

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush for Dogs & Cats

If you want to avoid having to buy too many brushes, this Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush for Dogs & Cats does the work of two in one. Not only does it feature a wire pin brush with stainless-steel comfort-tipped pins, but it also has a soft bristle brush for cats on the other side. Use the wire pin side to remove loose hair and work through tangles then finish the coat with the bristle side for added shine.

Pros: Wire pin and bristle brush in one, comfort grip handle, designed for comfort and safety

Cons: May be too large for some cats

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should you brush a long-haired cat? The average cat needs to be brushed about once a week but cats with longer fur may need it more often. Long-haired cats are more prone to mats and tangles, so frequent brushing is the best way to keep your cat’s coat smooth and tangle-free. Some cats don’t mat as badly as others, so you’ll need to use your best judgment but at least 3 times per week is recommended. Some cats need daily brushing.
2. How do you deshed a long-haired cat? You can’t stop your cat from shedding, but you can take steps to reduce the amount of fur that ends up on your furniture and floor. Daily brushing removes loose and dead hair from your cat’s coat before it can be shed – even brushing a few times a week will help. You may also want to look into a deshedding tool like the FURminator cat brush that is designed to remove fur from the undercoat.
3. Do long-haired cats need baths? Your cat does a good job grooming himself, but cats with long hair tend to need a little help. Regular brushing helps prevent mats and tangles, but the occasional bath may be necessary as well. A bath with god cat shampoo will clean and condition the coat, helping remove some of the natural oils that tend to accumulate at the base of the fur, giving it a greasy appearance. You should only need to bathe your cat every 4 to 6 weeks, and maybe not even that often.
4. Can you over-brush a long-haired cat? Daily brushing won’t hurt your cat and it is actually good for him. In addition to reducing shedding, brushing helps distribute the natural oils produced in your cat’s skin so it can condition and hydrate the coat. You still need to be careful to use the right tools and follow proper grooming technique to avoid hurting your cat but brushing him often won’t do any harm.

Though cats are known for being excellent groomers to themselves, you’ll still have to do a little work as a cat owner – especially for long-haired cats. Cats with long hair are prone to mats and tangles which can not only affect the appearance of the coat but can also be uncomfortable or painful.

You’ll save yourself a lot of headache by buying the best brush for long hair cats you can find. If you’re not sure where to look, try one of the models we’ve recommended above!