How to brush your cats fur and get knots out

So we’re going to show you how to brush a cat. There are lots of different brushes on the market, so one of the hardest things to figure out is which brush is going to work for my cat? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution because not all cats will tolerate all kinds of brushes. But there are a few do’s and don’ts. Don’t use anything harsh like this. It’s not suitable for a cat. These brushes are designed to strip out the undercoat of a long, thick-haired dog, so they’re not suitable for a cat. Cats don’t need these brushes, and using them may cause trauma to their delicate skin. So this is a don’t. It’s a big red cross.

Brushes like this one are generally a pretty safe bet. This is a smaller version, quite lightweight. There are larger ones available too. But in general, this feels like a massage for a cat. It will groom the top layers of fur nicely without pulling out too much fur. It will gently brush through and prevent some knots. Longhaired cats require regular brushing. As you can see here, our cat Tofu is tolerating this nicely. It’s probably like a massage for her. I can sit her on my lap or next to me on the sofa, and I can gently work my way through her coat. This will help prevent her fur from getting matted.

Something like this is a gentler version. It may not work through many knots, but it will remove loose fur. This is great because it’s rubber-based, which feels like a massage for the cat. Some cats will love this, and you’ll hear that big, deep rumbling purr that we all love. The rubber will attract and remove the loose fur. As you can see, a lot of fur is coming out. This is particularly useful during shedding season. Cats typically shed twice a year—once before summer to get rid of the thick winter coat, and again in preparation for winter to shed the summer coat. When you see loose fur everywhere during these times, this brush will help protect your furniture and clothes and prevent the fur from matting in their coat.

Finally, we have a FUminator. This is a unique grooming tool or brush because it has clipper blades along with brush blades. The brush comb will work through knots, and it will also clip away anything that’s starting to get matted, causing less trauma. However, I wouldn’t use it for deep-rooted mats. In those cases, it’s better to have a professional use mechanical clippers to remove them. This brush is helpful for light mats or cats with thick coats. It can reach deeper and remove more fur, leaving a glossy finish. Cats often like this brush too, but it’s a metal comb rather than plastic or rubber, so it can be a bit harsher. I would be gentler when using this one, especially with bonier cats, to avoid bruising or discomfort.

Sometimes, it’s a bit of trial and error, so we may need to try out a few different brushes to find one that our cat enjoys and that does the job we want. But hopefully, this gives you an overview of what to look for in different circumstances so you can choose the right brush accordingly.