Grooming

10 Best Brush for Long Haired Cats 2026: Remove Mats Without Pulling

Updated July 13, 2026

Which brush actually removes mats from long-haired cats without causing pain? This guide separates rakes from slickers and finds the best tools for heavy shedders, sensitive cats, and budget buyers.

Long-haired cats come with a grooming challenge: mats form fast, shedding is relentless, and most brushes either don't penetrate the undercoat or pull painfully. Many owners grab a slicker brush only to find it skims the surface, while a rake they try feels too aggressive.

The key is matching the tool to your cat's coat density and tolerance. Rakes with rounded teeth remove trapped undercoat without ripping, while slickers with plastic tips are ideal for daily tidy-ups. The right choice cuts grooming time and keeps your cat cooperative.

1

FURminator Cat

Top Pick
FURminator Cat

Long-hair cat

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

  • Premium cost
Brush Type
Cat-specific deshedder
Tooth Design
Stainless steel curved edge
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Specifically engineered for long-haired cats, the FURminator's stainless steel edge removes undercoat without damaging the topcoat, while the curved skin guard reduces irritation risk. The FURjector button makes cleaning quick — no hair-pulling. This is the right choice for owners who prioritize safety features and brand consistency over price. However, the premium cost is nearly double that of similarly effective alternatives, making it a better fit for dedicated FURminator users than budget-conscious shoppers. The top pick provides comparable shedding reduction at a fraction of the cost.

Bottom line: For owners who want the safest grooming experience and are willing to pay a premium, the FURminator delivers. Budget-conscious buyers can get similar results at half the price.

2

Aumuca Rake

Aumuca Rake

Light weight

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

Brush Type
Undercoat rake
Tooth Design
Rounded stainless steel tips
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This undercoat rake glides through long-haired coats with minimal hand fatigue, and its rounded stainless steel teeth handle mats and loose undercoat effectively. It's a strong option for cat owners who value weight and immediate performance over the reassurance of a longer market presence.

Bottom line: Choose this if you want a featherlight rake with solid shedding reduction and are comfortable with a newer brand that lacks the long-term track record of top sellers.

3

Maxpower Rake

Maxpower Rake

Heavy shedders

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Can pull hair if pressed too hard or used on tangles without care
Brush Type
Double-sided rake
Tooth Design
Stainless steel rounded tips
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Undercoat removal with this rake matches the output of brushes costing several times more. The two-sided head — nine teeth for detangling, seventeen for wide coverage — gets deep into long coats without skimming the surface. Hair collects in visible clumps, and the non-slip rubber grip gives you control during longer sessions.

Best suited for owners of long-haired cats with moderate to heavy shedding who want visible results without spending on premium brands. Multi-pet households will find it works equally well on dogs. Some cats may find the pulling sensation uncomfortable if the rake is used aggressively — gentle technique is required, so it is not a fit for cats that strongly resist any tugging.

Brush in the direction of hair growth with light pressure to minimize pulling — ideal after a quick pre-brush to remove surface tangles.

Bottom line: For long-haired cats with significant undercoat, this rake delivers the same shedding control as premium tools at a fraction of the cost.

4

Pat Your Pet Rake

Pat Your Pet Rake

Budget shedders

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Some cats find the pulling sensation uncomfortable on sensitive areas; gentle strokes required.
Brush Type
Double-sided rake
Tooth Design
Stainless steel rounded tips
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This rake removes undercoat from long-haired cats as effectively as the top pick, at a slightly lower price. The double-sided design (9/17 teeth) tackles both shedding and light dematting. It suits first-time cat owners on a tight budget or heavy shedders that need frequent brushing. However, the same pulling risk applies – some cats find the sensation uncomfortable, so light strokes are essential, especially on sensitive areas.

Use light, gentle strokes, especially on the belly and legs, to minimize discomfort.

Bottom line: A cost-saving alternative to the top pick with the same pulling risk – ideal for cats that tolerate grooming and owners who want maximum value.

5

Swihauk Slicker

Swihauk Slicker

Sensitive cats

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Bristles cannot penetrate thick undercoat or mats
Brush Type
Self-cleaning slicker
Tooth Design
Plastic-tipped stainless steel
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The Swihauk stands out among self-cleaning slickers for its plastic-tipped bristles that reduce scratchiness — many cats that normally resist brushing tolerate or even enjoy sessions with this brush. The push-button retraction mechanism clears hair instantly, making cleanup as effortless as any top self-cleaning brush. However, the bristles stay on the surface and cannot penetrate thick undercoat or mats; this is a maintenance tool for regular loose-hair removal, not a deshedding rake for dense coats.

Best suited for long-haired cats with fine, easy-to-mat fur that still accept brushing, or for owners who want a gentle daily grooming tool without the hassle of picking hair from bristles. If your cat has a heavy undercoat or existing mats, start with a rake and use the Swihauk for finishing work.

Bottom line: A gentle, easy-clean slicker for cats that tolerate brushing — pair it with a dematting rake for heavy coats.

6

Docrok Combo

Docrok Combo

Starter kit

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Rake teeth may be too wide for very fine or silky fur, causing pulling on delicate coats.
Brush Type
2-in-1 rake+comb
Tooth Design
Stainless steel rake + metal comb
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The Docrok Combo delivers both a dematting rake and a finishing comb at the cost of a single brush — ideal for first-time owners of long-haired cats with moderate mats. The rake handles undercoat removal and light dematting, while the metal comb finishes the coat. However, the rake teeth are wide, so on cats with very fine or silky fur, they can pull rather than glide. This set works best for medium to thick coats where the wider spacing matches the hair density.

Use light strokes on fine-haired areas to minimize pulling — the rake handles medium to thick undercoat best.

Bottom line: A practical starter set for new long-haired cat owners who want both dematting and finishing tools in one purchase — best for cats with moderate mats and a medium to thick undercoat.

7

Gonicc Rake

Gonicc Rake

Moderate shedding

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Teeth may be too large for very fine or short hair areas
Brush Type
Fixed-teeth deshedder
Tooth Design
Stainless steel 2.6-inch blade
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The Gonicc PDT-1001 handles medium to heavy undercoat removal on long-haired cats with ease, and its fixed stainless steel teeth make cleaning simple. The wide teeth can pull on very fine or short hair areas, so this rake works best on coats with plenty of length. It matches the top pick’s shedding performance but costs a bit more and lacks a double-sided design.

Bottom line: A solid option for long-haired cat owners who want a simple, manually-cleaned rake and don't need to groom very fine or short-haired spots.

8

Hertzko Slicker

Hertzko Slicker

Daily use

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Fine bristles can feel scratchy on sensitive skin if you apply too much pressure.
Brush Type
Self-cleaning slicker
Tooth Design
Fine stainless steel angled
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This brush removes loose fur effectively from both long and short coats, with a retractable cleaning mechanism that cuts down on mess. The fine bristles can feel scratchy if pressed too hard, and it won't handle mats or dense undercoat. The ergonomic handle and sturdy build add comfort and durability. Best for weekly maintenance, not heavy-duty grooming.

Bottom line: Best for long-haired cats that tolerate brushing and need frequent shedding maintenance, but not for those with thick mats or a dislike for scratchy bristles.

9

MIU COLOR Rake

MIU COLOR Rake

Manual cleaning

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • No self-cleaning mechanism; hair must be manually pulled from the teeth after each use.
Brush Type
Fixed-teeth deshedder
Tooth Design
Stainless steel comb blade
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The MIU COLOR rake pulls out loose undercoat as effectively as pricier alternatives, making it a strong choice for long-haired cats on a budget. However, its fixed teeth trap hair — you must pull out the collected fur by hand after each session. That tradeoff keeps the price low but adds a chore between grooming rounds.

Bottom line: Ideal for owners who want top-tier shedding reduction on a tight budget and are willing to spend a couple extra minutes cleaning the brush between sessions.

10

SleekEZ Blade

SleekEZ Blade

Maintenance only

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Can create bald spots if overused or used with too much pressure
Brush Type
Blade-style deshedder
Tooth Design
Serrated stainless steel
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This USA-made blade tool effectively removes loose undercoat from long-haired cats while leaving the topcoat untouched, and many cats find the sensation soothing. However, it cannot penetrate mats and pressing too hard can strip fur and create bald spots, so it suits owners willing to learn light strokes for regular shedding maintenance.

Bottom line: Best for owners who want a USA-made maintenance tool and are willing to learn gentle technique, but not for matted coats or heavy shedding without care.

How to Choose

Brush Type: Rake vs. Slicker vs. Combo

Rakes have widely spaced teeth that dig into the undercoat to lift loose fur and break up mats. They are essential for heavy shedders but require a light hand to avoid pulling. Slicker brushes feature dense, fine wires that remove surface loose hair and debris. They are gentler but cannot handle matted fur or deep undercoat. Combo kits pair a rake with a finishing comb, giving you both tools for separate stages of grooming.

Tooth Design: Rounded Tips and Spacing

Rounded tips on rake teeth prevent skin irritation and reduce the chance of scratching your cat. Flat or sharp tines increase the risk of discomfort, especially on sensitive areas like the belly. Wide spacing (9 teeth per side) is better for long, thick fur because it glides through without snagging. Dense spacing (17 teeth) catches more loose hair but can pull if the coat is tangled.

Self-Cleaning Mechanism

Push-button self-cleaning slickers retract the bristles into the brush head, letting you flick off collected hair instantly. This convenience makes daily grooming faster and less messy. However, the mechanism adds plastic parts that can jam over time. Rakes and fixed-tooth tools require manual hair removal, which is slower but more durable.

Handle Ergonomics and Grip

A comfortable handle reduces hand fatigue during longer sessions. Rubberized or TPR grips provide traction even when wet. Brushes with ergonomic curves fit natural hand positions. If your cat wiggles or you groom multiple cats, a secure grip makes a noticeable difference in control and safety.

Intended Coat Type

Not all long-haired cats are the same. Persians and Maine Coons have dense double coats that need a rake to reach the undercoat. Siberians have a less dense coat and may do well with a slicker for maintenance. Always match the brush to your cat's specific fur density — a tool that works on a short-haired cat will likely fail on a thick double coat.

Frequently Asked Questions