10 Best Slicker Brushes for Cats in 2023

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You’ve seen the celebrities who pay good money to have their dogs groomed with the latest style. From tails dyed pink to outrageous cuts, dog grooming is an entire industry of its own. What you don’t see a lot of is cat grooming.

Cats have a reputation for being obsessive groomers – they spend just as much time washing themselves as they do sleeping. Just because your cat does a lot of the work himself, however, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give him a hand from time to time. Grooming your cat helps keep his skin and coat healthy, plus it may help reduce shedding. It’s a win-win situation!

In this article, we’ll talk about the slicker brush including what it is and its benefits for your cat. We’ll also talk about what to look for when shopping for a cat brush and our top picks for the best slicker brushes on the market for cats.

What is a Slicker Brush?


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When it comes to grooming your cat, having the right tools makes all the difference. Cats can be finicky and they don’t always like to sit still when you want them to – especially when you’re trying to do something that’s good for them like brushing. If you’re looking for the best brush for cats that hate to be brushed, a slicker brush could be the perfect fit.

A slicker brush is easy to identify because it has very thin wire teeth. Many slicker brushes have curved or angled heads designed to reach into your cat’s undercoat where all the dead and loose hair tends to accumulate. These brushes are perfect for removing that hair along with dirt, dander, and other debris. When used regularly, a slicker brush helps prevent matting and may reduce shedding as well.

Here are some of the benefits of using a slicker brush: 

  • Fine wire bristles are angled or tipped to avoid scratching or puncturing the cat’s skin.
  • The angled or curved head helps reach into the cat’s undercoat.
  • The wide head distributes pressure evenly to avoid pulling too much on the coat.
  • Wire bristles remove dead and loose hair as well as dirt and debris.
  • The bristles help distribute natural oils from the skin throughout the coat.
  • Some slicker brushes come with a self-cleaning feature that ejects accumulated hair.

Now that you know what a slicker brush is and what it does, you’re ready to start shopping for one. Before you do, however, consider the features you should be looking for. All cat brushes are not created equal, so consider your options before choosing the best one for your cat.

What to Look for in a Slicker Brush for Cats

Shopping for a cat brush doesn’t have to be difficult. Though there are many options to choose from, none are likely to be a bad choice. Think about your cat’s coat length and thickness when shopping for a cat brush and compare different models to make the best choice.

Here are some features to consider in a slicker brush: 

  • Bristles – Most slicker brushes have fine wire bristles, but they may vary in length and how closely they are spaced. Choose a brush appropriate for your cat’s coat type.
  • Head Size/Shape – The size and shape of the brush head is largely a matter of preference but keep your cat’s size in mind as well. A curved head may dig deeper into the coat than a flat one.
  • Handle – Look for a brush with a handle that is comfortable and easy to hold. Many cat brushes feature padded, ergonomic handles. The handle should also give you good control of the brush.
  • Easy to Clean – Most cat brushes are a bit of a challenge to clean but some are a little easier than others – some slicker brushes even have a self-cleaning feature.
  • Price – Because most slicker brushes are pretty much the same, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money. Consider the other features and test the brush on your arm to make sure the bristles aren’t too sharp.
When it comes to shopping for a cat slicker brush, it’s largely a matter of preference which option you choose. Many slicker brushes are similar but there are subtle differences in bristle length, handle comfort, and don’t forget additional options like a self-cleaning feature. Read on to see our top picks for the best slicker brushes for cats.

The Top 10 Best Slicker Brushes for Cats

One slicker brush is likely to do as well as another, but it doesn’t hurt to consider your options. If you have preferences for the size or shape of the brush, that’s a good place to start. You’ll also want to think about the handle and how comfortable it will be to hold for an entire grooming session. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve reviewed some of the top slicker brushes on the market.

Here are our top picks for the best slicker brush for cats: 

Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats

Take the hard work out of grooming your cat with this Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats. This brush features gentle stainless-steel pins that remove loose hair, dirt, and debris without pulling on your cat’s coat. When the hair starts to accumulate in the brush, simply press the button to retract the bristles and discard the hair.

Pros: Retractable pins for easy cleanup, gentle stainless-steel pins, comfort grip handle

Cons: May not work as well on long coats, some cats dislike it

JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush

Some slicker brushes can be a little sharp for cats with sensitive skin but this JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush is designed to be gentle for both you and your cat. The gripsoft handle is ergonomically designed to optimize comfort and control while the fine, angled pins are gentle enough for everyday grooming. This slicker brush is suitable for all cat breeds and is even a good choice for kittens and senior cats.

Pros: Gentle on sensitive skin, gripsoft handle for comfort and control, angled pins for safety

Cons: Some users found the bristles to be too long

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats

If you’re looking for an option that’s a little more heavy-duty, consider this Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats. This slicker brush features uniquely designed bristles that penetrate even thick fur while massaging your cat’s skin with the blunted tips. The result is healthier skin and a shinier coat, not to mention less shedding and fewer tangles. Plus, this slicker brush has a self-cleaning option – just press the button to retract the bristles and throw away the accumulated hair.

Pros: Curved bristles reach into the undercoat, retractable bristles for easy cleaning

Cons: Locking mechanism may eventually break, regular size may be too large for some cats

Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats

You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot on a cat brush – this Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats is a great option that is also highly affordable. It is a small slicker brush ideal for cats and the bristles are tipped for safety. The brush features an ergonomically designed handle for comfort and control while the fine, thin bristles work through tangles and remove dead and loose fur.

Pros: Ergonomic handle for comfort and control, highly affordable price, round-tipped bristles

Cons: Bristles may be too stiff for some cats, may be tricky to remove accumulated hair

Four Paws MagicCoat Slicker Brush

Designed to be extra gentle for kittens and cats with sensitive skin, this Four Paws MagicCoat Slicker Brush is another great option. This slicker brush features a wide head with flexible wire bristles suitable for all coat lengths. The nonslip grip provides plenty of control as well.

Pros: Wide head with fine wire bristles, ergonomic grip for comfort and control

Cons: May be tricky to remove accumulated hair

Li’l Paws Coated Tips Cat Slicker Brush

Some cats don’t like the feel of wire bristles on their skin. This Li’l Paws Coated Tips Cat Slicker Brush features plastic tips on the end of each bristle to give the brush a gentler feel. The brush quickly detangles fur and removes loose hair while massaging the skin to stimulate circulation and the production of natural oils. It’s also perfectly sized for small cats and kittens.

Pros: Plastic-tipped bristles for gentle feel, small size perfect for kittens

Cons: Some users found the small size awkward to use

ConairPRO Soft Slicker Brush

If you’re looking for a soft cat brush, this ConairPRO Soft Slicker Brush is a great option. It features a small, oval-shaped head with gentle pins – this makes it great for brushing sensitive and hard-to-reach areas. The non-slip handle ensures control and your own personal comfort while the reinforced tips ensure safety for your cat.

Pros: Perfect for sensitive and hard-to-reach areas, nonslip memory gel foam handle

Cons: May be too small for some cats, bristles are less flexible than some models

JW Pet Self-Cleaning Cat Slicker Brush

Ergonomically designed with an over-molded handle, this JW Pet Self-Cleaning Cat Slicker Brush is comfortable for both you and your cat. It features a rounded head to reach sensitive areas and the pins retract to make the brush easy to clean. The pins are uniquely designed so they don’t bend when you retract them, ensuring the brush lasts for many uses.

Pros: Self-cleaning feature, ergonomic over-molded handle for comfort and control

Cons: May not work as well on long-haired cats

Master Grooming Tools Double Flexible Cat Slicker Brush

Some cats really dislike the pressure of a brush on their body which is what makes the Master Grooming Tools Double Flexible Cat Slicker Brush so unique. This cat brush features a dual-headed, flexible design that contours to the shape of your cat’s body. Choose from soft, hard, or extra-firm bristles according to your cat’s coat type. The stainless-steel pins are perfect for everyday grooming but are sturdy enough to help work through tangles. Plus, the handle is designed for comfort and to prevent fatigue.

Pros: Flexible head contours to the shape of the body, sturdy stainless-steel bristles

Cons: Some cats don’t like the feel of it

Babyliss Pro Pet Triangle Slicker Brush

Keeping your cat’s coat in good shape can be tricky, especially when it comes to sensitive and hard-to-reach areas. This Babyliss Pro Pet Triangle Slicker Brush is designed specifically for that purpose with a small, triangle head. The brush features stainless pins that are flexible, angled, and extra-long so they penetrate the coat to remove loose fur with ease. The ergonomically designed handle is comfortable to hold and features an anti-slip grip to prevent fatigue.

Pros: Great for sensitive and hard-to-reach places, extra-long flexible bristles

Cons: May not be large enough for full-body grooming

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are slicker brushes safe for cats? Safety is always a concern when choosing products for your cat, even with cat brushes. Slicker brushes are designed with fine wire teeth which, if they are too sharp, could scratch or even puncture your cat’s skin. Look for a slicker brush where the teeth are angled or tipped to prevent this from happening and avoid using too much pressure with the brush. It’s also a good idea to avoid using a slicker brush if your cat skin is broken or irritated by flea bites or skin conditions.
  2. Is a slicker brush the best brush for cats that hate to be brushed? All cats have their own unique preferences, but many cats enjoy the feeling of a slicker brush. Fine wire bristles in a large, wide brush head tend not to pull on the hair as much as some brushes and as long as you’re gentle, many cats enjoy the feeling of being groomed with a slicker brush. Just keep in mind that a slicker brush is not the best cat brush for mats – if your cat has long or tangled fur, you’ll need to use a wire pin brush or a wide-toothed comb.
  3. How do I use a slicker brush properly? No matter what type of cat brush you use, it’s important to work slowly and to avoid using too much pressure. Use the slicker brush in long, slow strokes from neck to tail, working in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a tangle, switch to a wide-toothed comb or pin brush to work through it before returning to the slicker brush. Don’t use the slicker brush on your cat’s face – you can use a soft cat brush like a bristle brush for this purpose.
  4. How do you clean accumulated hair from the brush? Some models like the Hertzko self-cleaning slicker brush come with a feature that ejects the accumulated hair with the push of a button. For most models, however, you’ll have to remove the fur yourself. You can do this fairly easily by hand or you can try taking another brush or comb and rubbing the two together – this is a better way to reach the hair deep in the bristles. After you’re finished grooming your cat, clean and disinfect the brush then let it dry thoroughly before putting it away.

Grooming should be part of your regular routine with your cat. Short-haired cats should be brushed about once a week while long-haired cats may require more frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. As long as you use the right tools and do it properly, your cat shouldn’t mind – he may even enjoy the sensation and you’ll get to spend some quality time with him.

If you’re looking for a cat brush to control shedding and keep your cat’s coat smooth and shiny, a slicker brush is your best bet. Try one of our recommendations for the best cat slicker brush above.

 

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