British Shorthairs have short, plush, and thick coats. Although they are moderate shedders, their coats need regular grooming to remain pristine. A good brush can make all the difference in the quality of your grooming sessions and ensure your furry friend remains comfortable and stress-free.
So, which are the best brushes for British shorthairs?
Given their distinctively heavy coats, you need a brush designed to dig into the plush pile of fur and gently massage the skin to relieve stress and anxiety. The ideal brush should also do an excellent job of distributing natural oils to keep your cat’s coat in tip-top shape.
After careful consideration, we now present the best brushes for British shorthairs. Hopefully, you’ll find a product from our list that perfectly fits your needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
The 10 Best Brushes for British Shorthairs
1. Frisco Deshedding Cat Brush—Best Overall
Type: | Deshedding brush |
Bristles: | Angled metal teeth |
Handle: | Non-slip |
Frisco Deshedding Cat Brush is a quality tool designed to make it easy to keep your cat’s coat shiny and healthy. It’s what you need for a spa-like experience without visiting a professional groomer. The stainless-steel blade and angled teeth ensure that you remove all loose hair and debris in just a few smooth strokes.
Another great feature is the ergonomically designed handle that gives you enhanced control during grooming sessions. Thanks to the non-slip grip, you don’t have to worry about hurting your wrist when digging into your cat’s thick coat.
The Frisco Deshedding Cat Brush is built with quality materials for maximum durability. Although it is a worthy purchase, its weight may make it unsuitable for everyday use.
- Premium quality stainless steel blade
- Angled teeth for effective fur removal
- Comfortable non-slip handle
- It may be too heavy for your liking
2. Ruff’ N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush & Nail Clippers— Best Value
Type: | Slicker brush |
Bristles: | Metal prongs |
Handle: | Anti-slip |
A coat brush and nail clippers are any cat’s most essential grooming tools. We picked the Ruff’ N Ruffus package as our best-value product because it comes with both tools. Apart from the heavy-duty, stainless-steel clippers, the package comes with a well-designed slicker brush that makes removing loose hair, knots, and dander from your pet’s coat fairly easy.
One of the best features of the slicker brush is the comfortable anti-slip handle that prevents wrist strain. Also, the metal bristles have plastic balls on the ends to protect your cat from potential injury. Thanks to the self-cleaning design, you only need to press a button to remove the dead hair and dander from the brush.
The price of this brush clipper combo is unbeatable. Although there are numerous great reviews about the design and effectiveness of the Slicker brush, some users find the clippers too heavy for use on a cat.
- Effective de-matting slicker brush
- Heavy-duty nail clippers included
- Self-cleaning brush design
- Clippers may feel too heavy
3. FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool —Premium Choice
Type: | Deshedding brush |
Bristles: | Stainless steel |
Handle: | Anti-slip |
If you hate finding cat fur on your furniture and carpeting, here is a tool that can dramatically reduce your cat’s shedding. The FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool, is a premium product with a stainless-steel comb that digs through the top coat and into the undercoat to remove all loose hair and debris.
The four size options allow you to pick the perfect tool for your British shorthair kitten or adult cat. Irrespective of your choice, the tool has an ergonomically designed handle for a comfortable and firm grip. Also, cleaning the comb is a breeze; you merely need to press a button to remove collected fur from the prongs.
This is one of those products that works beautifully and does not leave you with much of a wish list. Like with all other premium products, it is a tad pricey.
- Effective at removing loose hair
- Durable tool with stainless steel prongs
- Available in four size options
4. Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Brush for Short Hair —Best for Kittens
Type: | Thick bristle brush |
Bristles: | Thick silicon |
Handle: | Plastic |
British shorthair kittens are energetic and playful. Although this is a charming trait, it can make grooming their coats a hurdle. The Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Brush can make your job easier because it is easy to hold and maneuver. Moreover, it has soft silicon bristles that are much gentler on a kitten’s delicate skin.
The bristles on the Vetnique Labs Furbliss Pet Brush may not be long enough to reach the undercoat of an adult. Still, the tool is ideal for British shorthair kittens because they don’t have overly thick coats. The silicon bristles do a splendid job of attracting loose hairs, ensuring your kitties maintain smooth and shiny coats.
Cleaning the brush is easy because of the size and spacing of the bristles. Once you remove the furs and dander, you can sterilize the brush further in your washing machine.
- Soft, kitten-friendly silicone bristles
- Easy to hold and maneuver
- Super easy to clean
- Not ideal for adults with thicker coats
5. Hartz Groomer’s Slicker Brush
Type: | Slicker brush |
Bristles: | Metal pins |
Handle: | Non-slip |
Are you on a budget but need a grooming brush that works well? You should consider Hartz Groomer’s Slicker Brush. It has tightly spaced metal prongs designed to grab all the loose hairs from your cat’s coat. They also effectively scrap out skin flakes and debris to give your pet a smooth and neat coat.
Another welcome feature is the protective plastic tips on the metal bristles. These help make grooming more pleasant for your cat, massage the skin, and distribute natural oils. You’ll also appreciate the ergonomically designed handle that will make grooming sessions easier on your wrist.
A potential drawback is that the tightly-packed bristles are not the easiest to clean. You’ll likely spend ten minutes or more removing hair from the tool after use.
- Affordable
- Protective plastic tips on metal prongs
- Ergonomically designed handle
- Challenging to clean after use
6. JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush
Type: | Slicker brush |
Bristles: | Metal pins |
Handle: | Rubber-sheathed |
Another reliable yet affordable slicker brush for British shorthairs is the JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush. Although simplistic, it boasts numerous features designed to make grooming sessions a joy.
First, the brush has soft pins that dig into thick coats to remove unwanted hair. Secondly, the bristles are expertly angled to give your feline a soothing massage with each stroke.
Moreover, this brush offers excellent ergonomics with its rubber-sheathed handle. Its Gripsoft technology ensures you have a firm grip on the tool to avoid straining your wrist.
Even with soft, angled metal pins, you must groom your furry friend gently. The prongs can hurt its skin, especially if you are too rough. Also, plan to spend some time cleaning the brush after use because removing the hairs between the pins can be a long and painful process.
- Soft, expertly angled pins
- Comfortable handle design
- Affordable
- Not the easiest brush to clean
7. Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves For Cat Grooming & Deshedding
Type: | Grooming gloves |
Bristles: | Rubber |
Handle: | N/A |
Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves For Cat Grooming & Deshedding is one of the best brushes for cats that hate grooming sessions. It features hundreds of soft rubber tips designed to lift loose fur, dirt, and dander. The glove design allows you to groom those hard-to-reach places, including under the legs and around the face.
Furthermore, the bendable bristles are a clever design that ensures your pet enjoys a gentle, relaxing massage during grooming sessions. They mimic the touch of your hands, and your furry friend will hardly notice it is getting groomed. Moreover, cleaning the gloves is easy; you only need to peel and dispose of the collected fur.
Unfortunately, these gloves come in one size, which can be too large for people with small hands. It features Velcro wrist straps which don’t help much if your hand feels overly wobbly inside the glove.
- Soft rubber tips massage the skin
- Designed to mimic your hand’s touch
- Easy to clean
- Not ideal for people with small hands
8. Pet Republique Dematting Rake
Type: | Dematting rake |
Bristles: | Stainless-steel teeth |
Handle: | Non-slip |
The Pet Republique Dematting Rake scores high for its quality build and affordable price. It’s also one of the most functional dematting rakes on the market, ideal for cats with thick fur like the British shorthair. The tool has stainless-steel teeth designed to remove loose hair quickly and painlessly.
This tool’s lightweight and compact design makes handling it comfortable when grooming your pet. The ergonomically designed handle ensures easy maneuvers around tough-to-reach spots without losing grip.
Generally, this tool works well for most pet parents. Unfortunately, it’s a bit rough and unsuitable for fussy cats or those with sensitive skin.
- Affordable
- Quality construction for maximum durability
- Ergonomically designed for ease of use
- Not ideal for cats with sensitive skin
9. Frisco Pin Bristle Brush
Type: | Double-sided pin and bristle brush |
Bristles: | Pins & regular bristles |
Handle: | Non-slip |
Does your British shorthair have a super thick coat? Slicker and bristle brushes are two crucial grooming tools that can help you remove loose hair and keep your furry friend looking its best.
While a slicker brush soothes the skin to make grooming sessions more enjoyable, a bristle brush reaches beneath the top coat to detangle fur and give your furry friend a soothing massage.
With the Frisco Pin Bristle Brush, you can say goodbye to the awful experience of grooming a whining cat or one that wants to make a break for it. This double-sided tool has a slicker (pin brush) on one side and a bristle brush on the other. You can pick the side your furry friend best prefers.
Design-wise, this is a sturdy tool with a non-slip handle designed to prevent wrist strain. The only downside is that it lacks a self-cleaning design, and the bristle side can be particularly challenging to clean.
- Double-sided for twice the grooming power
- Sturdy with a non-slip handle
- Ideal for pets with super thick coats
- Lacks a self-cleaning design
10. KONG Cat ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush
Type: | Thick bristle brush |
Bristles: | Flexible rubber |
Handle: | N/A |
Are you looking for an inexpensive grooming brush for your British shorthair and other pets in your household? It’s hard to go wrong with the KONG Cat ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush. Although it has one of the most straightforward designs compared to other brushes on our list, it is one of the most practical grooming tools you can own.
First, it’s made of quality materials for maximum durability. Secondly, it is user-friendly with an ergonomic grip. The tool also features 3/4-inch flexible rubber bristles designed to brush out loose fur and massage your pet to leave it in a blissful state.
The KONG brush can make grooming messy because of its sparsely spaced bristles. Although they effectively remove loose hair, they don’t trap and hold it firmly in place when brushing. For the best experience, use the brush outdoors.
- Affordable
- Practical design
- Long and soft 3/4-inch rubber bristles
- It can make grooming indoors too messy
Buyers Guide: How to Buy the Best Brush for Your British Shorthair
Shedding is a normal function in cats. It helps to eliminate loose and damaged hairs, which are replaced by new follicles. By brushing your pet’s coat, you help remove the dead hair and skin cells to prevent your cat from shedding on your carpeting and furniture.
There are four main types of brushes ideal for British shorthairs.
Slicker Brushes
Slicker brushes have flexible metal tines that move smoothly along the body’s curves. They have tightly packed metal prongs that do a splendid job at removing loose or dead hair on cats with short, thick coats. Moreover, they are ideal during shedding season when British shorthairs shed more than usual.
Grooming Gloves
If your furry friend dislikes grooming sessions but doesn’t seem to mind petting time, you can trick it using grooming gloves.
Grooming gloves are ideal for cats who are sensitive to regular brushes or those that love a good massage. They feature dozens of soft, flexible rubbers on the palm side of the glove that can help remove loose hair, distribute natural oils, and stimulate circulation.
Bristle Brushes
Bristle brushes look similar to the hairbrushes humans use. However, they have uniquely designed bristles that help to remove loose hairs without damaging your cat’s delicate skin. These brushes come in different bristle lengths, allowing you to find the perfect product for your British shorthair.
Rakes
Rakes are often shaped like shaving razors and feature one or two rows of closely packed pins. These pins penetrate the thick coats of British shorthairs to remove dead furs and debris close to the skin. Like bristle brushes, you must find a rake whose pin length matches your cat’s hair length.
Deshedding Tools
British shorthairs can leave huge amounts of fluff and hair around the house during shedding season. Deshedding tools are the Holy Grail that can help you find lasting solutions. They penetrate the thick coat and remove all the dead and loose hair in a single smooth motion.
Like most cat brushes, de-shedders come in different sizes, ideal for varying coat lengths. Choosing the right tool size can make grooming a more pleasant experience for your furry friend.
What Makes a Good Brush for British Shorthairs?
Grooming time with your British shorthair covers a lot of bases. You get to remove loose pet hair, check the skin for abnormalities like lumps and bumps, and enjoy quality bonding time.
Do you want a brush that gives you and your furry friend the best odds of enjoying smooth, therapeutic grooming sessions? Here are some things you should consider.
Bristles
Brushes for British shorthairs have bristles made from plastic, metal, silicon, or rubber. Irrespective of the material, a good brush will have bristles designed to make grooming a pleasure for your cat. Any sharp edges can make your cat twist and squirm as you try to brush its coat.
Moreover, ensure the brush can effectively collect loose hair and remove skin flakes and other debris. They must also penetrate your cat’s thick coat and glide through effortlessly.
Ease of Maintenance
It is good practice to clean all your grooming tools after your session. This includes the brush you use on your British shorthair’s coat. A good brush, irrespective of its type, will be easy to clean. Products like the Ruff’ N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Pet Slicker Brush feature a convenient self-cleaning design. You only need to press a button to push out all the collected fur and dander.
Ergonomics
When it comes to brushing a British shorthair, the ergonomics of your grooming tools matter. The feline breed has a heavy coat, and it’s easy for your wrist to hurt if you use a poorly designed brush.
If you use a grooming glove, ensure it fits your hand snugly for easier brushing. On the other hand, a regular brush must feel comfortable in your grip. Brushes with rubberized handles are easier on the wrist.
FAQ
Why Does My British Shorthair Not Enjoy Coat Brushing?
Some cats have brush sensitivities which make grooming sessions unpleasant. In this case, it is better to use a grooming glove, especially if your pet loves petting sessions. Also, it helps to introduce your furry friend to coat brushing early and groom it regularly as a kitten. This gets it accustomed to being handled during grooming, increasing its odds of being more cooperative.
How Often Should I Brush My British Shorthair’s Coat?
Coat brushing is crucial to prevent your cat from leaving piles of fur in your living spaces. According to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), you should brush your cat once or twice weekly to keep its coat and skin healthy. Brushing also helps to distribute natural oils and enhance circulation to relieve your furry friend of stress and anxiety.
Does Regular Coat Brushing Help Minimize Shedding?
Yes. Brushing your British shorthair at least once weekly and more frequently during shedding season can help minimize the furs you find on your carpets and furniture. Brushing also removes skin flakes and dirt, ensuring your pet’s coat remains in tip-top condition. If you keep up with the recommended brushing routines, but your cat still sheds more than usual, it would help to consult a vet.
Final Thoughts
Cat hair everywhere? We get it.
Even British shorthairs are not hypoallergenic. They shed throughout the year, and it’s easy to find lumps of fur floating around, especially during the shedding season.
Our best overall choice, the Frisco Deshedding Cat Brush, is durable, sturdy, and comfortable on the hand. It offers the perfect combination of affordability and high-quality performance. We picked the Ruff’ N Ruffus package as our best value because it gets the job done for a good price. If you want to remedy the situation, consider our Premium product, the FURminator Short Hair Cat Deshedding Tool. It works like a charm and effectively removes loose hair and dander.
Featured Image Credit: marketlan, Shutterstock