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What is the best pet brush
Other than beauty products the single thing I get asked the most is , “What is the best brush for cats?”
Pet brushes are a bit overwhelming. At least to me they were but after leaping in head first and using many tools I have some strong opinions on good tools and how they work.
You may like this crochet absorbent pet bowl or fountain mat pattern
Pet brush for ragdoll cats
When I got my first Ragdoll cat I knew hair management would be something I had to deal with from day one. For long-haired cats I feel it is important to get them accustomed to being brushed immediately so you don’t struggle with mats, hairballs or excessive shedding over the course of their life. It’s also a great way to bond with your pet.
Now that I have two Ragdolls I have tried several brushes over 2 years and they all work in some capacity for different reasons. You may find you need multiple tools for your pet for different reasons. Think of it how a woman uses hairbrushes and combs: One is for blow-drying, one for detangling, maybe another for teasing and so on.
My cats enjoy brushing and one of them even begs for it! Not even once have either of them had a hairball.
The pet brush review
Let’s look at some of the tools out there that I’ve tried and how to best use them. I buy them all on Amazon because it is convenient and they have a great return policy. Links will be included. If you have a new young kitten or puppy start brushing day one. Get them used to it.
If you aren’t familiar with Ragdoll cats they have dense long coats ranging from 3”-5” long hair depending which part of the body. The mane tends to be very long as are the hairs on the tail. The hair will mat at some point if they aren’t kept brushed or can mat even if you go more than 2-3 days without a good brushing depending on the cats’ activity (how it lays, plays, etc)
Depending on the type of pets you have you may need several types of grooming tools to help them maintain their coat.
Metal comb with handle
This tool is good for medium and long haired pets. You can turn it so the tip can work into mats and comb out loose hair. For very thick/long coats keep reading for a better comb option. I like this comb for manes and tails.
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The slicker
This basic is a must have for any type of coat. It helps with loose hair, circulation and owner pet bonding. Get one that suits the size of your pet. A too small brush on large pets will be inefficient and too large will be hard to work into smaller areas of small pets.
Deshedding tool
This is a serious tool for medium to long haired cats and dogs. It works out the undercoat when seasons change. If you don’t have a yard to go in with your pet try using this in an empty tub because the hair will go everywhere. This tool has two different length teeth on opposite sides so you can use the longer one for the mane and belly and the shorter side for legs and back.
The long comb
The full sized metal comb is a must have for long haired pets. Pets lick they don’t necessarily GROOM. They can’t get down to the skin and these combs help get all the way down to the base of the hair. You can prevent tangles that turn into painful mats.
Mat remover
This is hands down my favorite tool. It’s small and designed to be held so it’s easy for you to use and long teeth shaped in a small rounded space so you can work them into the mat and relatively easily get them out without having to cut your pets coat. If my home was on fire, after I get my pets out, I am taking this tool with us!
Let me know if you have any coat concerns I haven’t addressed in this post.
