Best Cat Brush Guide & Grooming Tips for NZ Cat Owners

Brushing your cat might not sound like the most thrilling part of pet parenting, but trust us — it’s one of the best ways to keep your feline’s coat looking sleek, healthy and free of knots. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best cat brush for your furry friend, depending on their coat and grooming needs. Whether you’ve got a fluffy Ragdoll or a sleek Siamese, we’ve got the purr-fect solution.

Why Brushing Your Cat Is Important

While cats are known for their fastidious grooming habits, they still need a helping paw to keep their coat in top shape. Regular brushing can:

• Help prevent mats, tangles and loose fur build-up
• Reduce hairballs
• Distribute natural skin oils for a shiny coat
• Strengthen your bond with your cat
• Allow you to spot skin or coat issues

It’s also a great way to check in on their health, especially for older cats or those needing a little extra TLC. Plus, it can lower stress if introduced gently — a real win for anxious kitties. For cats needing some extra calming, explore our calming essentials.

Types Of Cat Brushes And Their Benefits

Not all brushes are created equal. Different types suit different coats, so finding the right one can make a huge difference to your cat's comfort (and to your furniture). Here are some popular types:

• Bristle Brushes: Ideal for short-haired breeds like British Shorthairs. They remove loose hair and gently stimulate the skin. Options like the Le Salon Essentials Cat Bristle Brush or Le Salon Essentials Cat Triple Finger Massage Brush are great everyday choices for short-haired cats.
• Slicker Brushes: Perfect for removing loose hair and light tangles, especially in medium to long-haired cats. Cat slicker brushes such as the Glamour Puss Cat Slicker Brush or Le Salon Essentials Cat Slicker Brush are popular for regular grooming.
• Deshedding Tools: Designed to remove loose undercoat hair and reduce shedding around the home. Tools like the FURminator Cat deShedding Tool or M-PETS Cat & Dog Deshedding Brush are ideal during heavy shed seasons.
• Grooming Gloves: These give a more natural, hands-on feel and are great for sensitive or anxious cats. Grooming gloves like the Wahl Cat or Dog De-Shedding Glove help remove loose hair while mimicking a gentle patting motion.
• Combs: Ideal for finishing touches, detangling smaller areas and checking for fleas or debris. Cat combs such as the Le Salon Essentials Cat Comb or Glamour Puss Cat Moulting Comb are useful for detail grooming.

Shop our full range of cat brushes and combs to find the best fit for your purrticular feline.

How To Choose The Right Cat Brush For Your Cat

To help you choose the right grooming tool, consider these factors:

• Your cat’s coat length and type: Long-haired cats need more detangling support, while smooth-coated cats benefit from bristle brushes or gloves.
• Skin sensitivity: Older cats or those with sensitive skin need gentler tools.
• Your comfort: Look for ergonomic handles and easy-to-clean models so brushing becomes a joy, not a chore.
• Multi-purpose options: Some deshedding tools and combination brushes offer grooming and hair removal benefits in one.

If your cat has specific skin or coat needs, our skin and coat health supplements may offer added support alongside brushing.

Top Grooming Tips For A Happy Brushing Session

Let’s face it — some cats aren’t immediate fans of grooming. Start slowly and make it positive with treats and praise. Here are some top tips:

• Start brushing in calm moments — after a meal or nap is ideal
• Use gentle, slow strokes and look for signs of discomfort
• Keep sessions short at first, increasing gradually
• Use grooming as a bonding routine — most cats start loving it!
• Store brushes clean and dry to extend their life

Pair brushing with fun by adding a grooming glove stroke session after playtime with their favourite interactive cat toy.

How Often Should You Brush Your Cat?

How often you brush your cat depends on their coat type and how much they shed. Here’s a simple guideline:

• Short-haired cats: Once or twice a week
• Medium-haired cats: Two to three times a week
• Long-haired cats: Daily brushing helps reduce loose hair and tangles

Keep in mind, grooming isn’t just about appearance; it’s about comfort and wellbeing. If your cat is shedding more than usual or their coat looks dull, check in with your local vet — and complement their care using products from our cat health collection.

Brush Up With Petdirect

At Petdirect, We Get Pet. We know that brushing isn’t just about fluff — it’s about care. That’s why our grooming range is carefully selected by pet lovers for pet lovers. Whether you’re after a slicker brush, deshedding tool, grooming glove or comb, we’ve got tools to help every feline feel fab — from tip of tail to top of whiskers.

Don’t forget: join our Pet Perks loyalty programme for exclusive rewards and grooming deals, or add your essentials to Autodeliver to never run out of brushing power!