Cat Grooming Tools: Brushes, Combs, Clippers and What You Need

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Grooming a cat is easier when you have the right tools. The wrong brush can pull, scratch or frighten a cat, while the right one feels like a massage. This guide explains the main tools, who needs them, and how to build a simple kit.

The basic kit

For most cats, you need:

• A brush or comb suited to the coat.
• Nail clippers.
• A soft cloth or wipes.
• Treats.

Add these as needed: cat-safe shampoo, ear cleaner, dental supplies, and a mat splitter for longhairs.

Brushes and combs

Slicker brush. Fine, bent wire bristles that remove loose hair and tangles. Good for medium to long coats. Use light strokes, because the wires can scratch skin.

Bristle brush. Soft, natural or synthetic bristles that polish short coats and spread oils.

Rubber brush or grooming glove. Gentle, massage-like tools that lift loose fur from short coats. Many cats love them.

Metal comb. A wide and fine tooth comb for finding tangles. A wide-toothed one is best for undercoats.

Flea comb. A very fine comb for catching fleas and flea dirt. See fleas on cats.

Deshedding tool. A bladed comb that removes undercoat. Use sparingly, and gently, in short sessions.

Mat splitter or dematting comb. For small mats. Large or tight mats should be handled by a groomer or vet. See how to remove mats from cat fur.

Choosing by coat

• Shorthair. A rubber brush or glove, and occasional comb. See how to brush a cat.
• Longhair and semi-longhair. A slicker brush and a metal comb. See grooming longhaired cats and longhaired vs shorthaired cats.
• Double coat. A comb or undercoat rake during seasonal shedding.
• Rex coats. Very soft brush or a damp cloth. See Sphynx vs Devon Rex.
• Hairless cats. Wipes, soft cloths and a cat-safe shampoo. See how to bathe a cat.

Nail clippers

Choose scissor-type or guillotine clippers made for cats. Keep them sharp, and cut only the clear tip. A styptic powder helps if you cut the quick. See how to trim cat nails.

Bathing supplies

Cats rarely need baths, but if they do, use a shampoo made for cats, a rubber mat, a cup for rinsing and several towels. Avoid human shampoo, dog products with pesticide and essential oils. See how to bathe a cat.

Ear and eye care

Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls, never swabs inside the canal. See how to clean a cat's ears. Wipe eye discharge with a damp cloth. See cat eye problems.

Dental tools

A soft brush and pet toothpaste. See how to brush a cat's teeth.

Using tools with a nervous cat

• Let the cat sniff each tool first.
• Start with a few seconds of brushing, and reward.
• Choose a quiet time, after a meal or play.
• Brush in the direction of the fur, and avoid sensitive areas, such as the belly, until the cat is comfortable.
• Stop if the cat flicks its tail or tenses. See cat tail language and why does my cat bite me while petting.

Care of tools

Clean brushes after each use, by removing hair and washing the bristles with soap. Dry them fully. Replace bent or rusty tools, and keep clippers sharp.

Professional groomers

Some cats need professional help with mats, sanitary trims or heavy shedding. Find a groomer who is experienced with cats, and ask about sedation policies. Never shave a cat at home.

Signs to watch for

When you groom, check for lumps, sores, fleas and changes in weight. See cancer in cats and cat skin allergies.

Budget and where to buy

You do not need an expensive kit. A good slicker brush, a steel comb and a pair of clippers are enough for most longhaired cats, and a rubber glove is all that many shorthairs need. Buy from reputable pet stores or your vet, and avoid tools with sharp edges or cheap plastic that can break. If you are unsure, ask a groomer which tools suit your cat's coat, and try one tool at a time so that the cat is not overwhelmed. Replace bristles that bend, and consider keeping a small basket of tools and treats in one place.

When to see a vet

See a vet for skin sores, hair loss or lumps. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.