8 Best Brushes for Cat Mats 2026

Effortless grooming meets smart design in the Depets Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, a standout for pet owners who dread post-brush cleanup. With its 60-degree bent stainless steel needles, this brush dives deep into the undercoat to extract loose hair and prevent matting, while the round-tipped bristles safeguard delicate skin from irritation—ideal for cats prone to tangles and shedding. The real game-changer? The one-click self-cleaning mechanism, which ejects trapped fur in seconds, turning a usually messy chore into a seamless routine. If you’ve ever spent minutes picking hair off a brush, this innovation alone is a lifesaver for daily grooming.

In real-world use, the Depets brush shines on cats with short to medium-length coats, efficiently lifting dander, dirt, and loose fur without snagging. The non-slip, ergonomically contoured handle reduces hand fatigue during extended sessions, making it comfortable for owners with arthritis or weak grip strength. However, it struggles with dense mats or thick double coats, where the bristles can’t penetrate deeply enough—this isn’t a dematting powerhouse, but more of a maintenance tool. It’s best used between professional grooming sessions to keep shedding under control and skin stimulated.

Compared to heavier-duty tools like the FelineFun or GoPets models, the Depets brush trades raw power for user convenience and skin safety, positioning itself as the go-to for light grooming and bonding time. It’s perfect for owners with low-shedding or short-haired cats who want a gentle, no-fuss brushing experience. While it doesn’t tackle severe tangles like a dedicated dematting rake, it outshines others in ease of cleaning and comfort, making it a smarter pick than bulkier, harder-to-maintain brushes despite fewer advanced features.

Precision meets versatility in the FelineFun 2-in-1 Undercoat Rake, a top-tier dematting solution engineered specifically for cats. Its dual-sided design packs a punch: the low-density side slices through stubborn mats with sharp yet skin-safe stainless steel blades, while the high-density side doubles as a deshedding rake, effortlessly thinning undercoats and smoothing fur. Every element—from the rounded tooth tips to the smooth wooden handle—is crafted for a stress-free, scratch-free experience, making it ideal for skittish or sensitive cats who hate grooming.

During testing, this brush proved exceptionally effective on long-haired breeds like Ragdolls and Maine Coons, removing mats around the legs, belly, and tail with minimal tugging. The sharp but controlled blades cut through knots instead of pulling, reducing discomfort and grooming time. It handles both light tangles and dense mats with impressive consistency, though very tight, close-to-skin mats may still require scissors. The anti-slip wooden grip ensures firm control, even during wriggly sessions, while the compact size allows for precise maneuvering around ears and paws.

When stacked against the Maxpower Planet or Docrok models, FelineFun delivers superior blade quality and feline-specific ergonomics, making it a clear upgrade for serious matting issues. It’s the best choice for owners of long-haired or double-coated cats who need a single, multi-role tool that replaces several. While pricier than basic slicker brushes, it offers better performance, comfort, and durability than most dual-sided rakes, outclassing budget options in both precision and build.

Built for efficiency, the Maxpower Planet Double-Sided Grooming Brush delivers serious detangling power at a wallet-friendly cost, making it a strong contender for multi-pet homes. Its 9-teeth coarse side aggressively attacks mats and knots, while the 17-teeth fine side smooths and thins undercoats, offering a two-stage grooming process in one tool. The sharpened yet rounded stainless steel teeth glide through fur without scratching, striking a balance between effectiveness and pet comfort—especially useful for cats with thick or double coats prone to seasonal shedding.

In practice, this brush excels at removing loose undercoat and breaking up medium tangles, significantly reducing fur buildup on furniture and clothing. The extra-wide 2.2-inch blade surface covers more area per stroke, speeding up grooming sessions for long-haired cats. However, it can pull on very tight mats if not used with care, and the plastic handle, while non-slip, lacks the premium feel of wooden or rubberized alternatives. It’s best suited for regular maintenance rather than emergency mat removal, and works best when used with a light touch and consistent strokes.

Compared to the FelineFun and GoPets models, the Maxpower Planet offers similar functionality at nearly half the price, making it a smarter pick for budget-conscious owners who still want dual-sided performance. While it doesn’t match the refined ergonomics or skin protection of higher-end brushes, it holds its own as a versatile, no-frills workhorse. For those seeking maximum value without sacrificing core dematting and deshedding capabilities, this brush delivers where it counts.

Engineered for sensitivity, the aumuca Undercoat Rake is a standout for cats with delicate skin or anxiety around grooming. Its ultra-sharp teeth with rounded tips cut through matted fur and loose undercoat without irritation, while the 60% lighter build—weighing just 1.5oz—reduces wrist strain during long sessions. The 2.2-inch-wide blade reaches trouble zones like armpits and belly folds with ease, making it ideal for dense-coated breeds like Persians, Maine Coons, and British Shorthairs. What truly sets it apart is its truly skin-friendly design, which prevents nicks and scratches even on repeated use.

Real-world testing confirmed its exceptional performance on double-coated cats, removing up to 90% of loose hair in just a few passes. The gentle pressure requirement makes it perfect for senior or injured pets who can’t tolerate aggressive brushing. It doubles as a deshedding rake and dematting comb, handling both light tangles and moderate mats with minimal pulling. However, severe, compacted mats may still need pre-treatment or clipping. The included protective blade cover is a thoughtful touch, enhancing safety during storage and travel.

Against competitors like the Freshly Bailey and Docrok, the aumuca rake wins on weight, skin protection, and breed-specific precision. While the GoPets brush offers more blades, this one prioritizes pet comfort and ease of use, making it the best choice for sensitive or high-maintenance coats. It may lack flashy features, but its lightweight durability and gentle efficiency make it a superior long-term investment compared to heavier, less considerate designs.

Elegant and efficient, the Freshly Bailey Dematting Comb brings professional-grade performance into the home with its thoughtfully curved stainless-steel teeth and dual-sided functionality. The wide-tooth side powers through large, stubborn mats, while the narrow-tooth side fine-tunes the coat by removing loose undercoat and preventing future tangles. Its ergonomic handle offers excellent grip and control, reducing hand fatigue during deep grooming—especially helpful for owners tackling long-haired cats like Persians or Ragdolls.

This comb truly shines in real-world detangling, where its curved blades follow the body’s contours, allowing smooth access to tricky areas like behind ears and under legs. It removes mats with minimal pulling, thanks to the precision-ground teeth that slice rather than yank. However, it requires a steady hand and moderate pressure—too much force can still irritate sensitive skin. It’s best used weekly or bi-weekly to prevent mat buildup, rather than as a one-time rescue tool for severe cases.

When compared to the Maxpower Planet or Docrok models, the Freshly Bailey offers smoother operation and better blade alignment, making it a more refined option for consistent grooming. It’s ideal for owners who want a single, high-quality tool that bridges the gap between detangling and deshedding. While not the cheapest, it provides better balance of comfort, control, and cutting power than most dual-sided rakes, outperforming bulkier alternatives in precision and ease of use.

Two tools in one, the Docrok Pet Grooming Combo delivers practical versatility with its 2-in-1 brush and metal comb set, designed for owners who want complete coat control without clutter. The wide-tooth brush side breaks up mats and smooths fur, while the dense side removes loose undercoat—perfect for long-haired cats prone to tangles. The included dual-sided metal comb extends reach to face, legs, and tail, where brushes can’t go, making it a comprehensive grooming solution in a compact package.

In daily use, the TPR rubber handle provides a secure, fatigue-resistant grip, even with wet or soapy hands. The stainless steel teeth are durable and rust-resistant, maintaining sharpness over time. The brush handles medium mats well, though it struggles with severe, skin-tight tangles that require a sharper blade. The comb’s fine teeth are great for finishing touches and removing dandruff, but not ideal for heavy deshedding. It’s best for owners who want a full grooming kit at a low cost.

Next to the 3PCS budget kit or Maxpower Planet, the Docrok combo offers better integration and build quality, though it lacks the self-cleaning or wide-blade advantages of premium models. It’s a smart middle ground for pet parents who need both brush and comb functionality without investing in multiple tools. While not the most powerful, it outperforms single-purpose brushes in flexibility and coverage, making it a solid pick for routine care and light matting.

Built like a pro tool, the GoPets Double-Sided Dematting Brush is a heavy-duty powerhouse designed for cats with thick, matted, or double coats that resist standard grooming. With a 12-blade dematting side and 23-blade deshedding side, it offers unmatched coverage and cutting power, removing tangles and loose fur in fewer strokes. The rust-resistant stainless steel blades are sharp yet safe, engineered to slice through mats without pulling, while the non-slip ergonomic handle ensures control during intense sessions.

In rigorous testing on long-haired cats, it cleared dense undercoats and moderate mats with ease, significantly reducing shedding in homes. The lightweight build prevents hand fatigue, even during 15+ minute sessions, and the pet-friendly blade spacing minimizes skin contact. However, very tight mats may still require pre-loosening, and the high blade count can feel aggressive on sensitive cats if not used gently. It’s best reserved for weekly deep grooming, not daily light brushing.

Stacked against the FelineFun or aumuca, the GoPets brush offers broader functionality and higher blade density, making it ideal for severe shedding or rescue cats with neglected coats. While pricier, it justifies the cost with durability and performance, outlasting cheaper rakes that bend or rust. For owners of double-coated or high-shedding breeds, this is the most capable all-in-one tool available, surpassing most in both power and comfort.

Maximum value in a compact kit, the 3PCS Pet Grooming Set delivers three essential tools at a rock-bottom price, making it the best entry-level option for new cat owners or multi-pet households. The double-sided rake tackles mats and loose fur with 9 and 17-tooth sides, the 2-in-1 metal comb reaches tight spots, and the fine-toothed flea comb removes debris and checks for pests—covering every grooming need without breaking the bank.

In real use, the rake performs decently on light to moderate tangles, though it lacks the blade sharpness of pricier models when facing dense mats. The non-slip TPR handle offers solid grip, and the stainless steel construction resists rust with proper drying. The flea comb is surprisingly effective, catching dandruff and fleas alike. However, the plastic body feels flimsy under pressure, and blades can bend if excessive force is applied. It’s best for maintenance grooming, not severe matting.

Compared to the Docrok or Maxpower Planet, this kit offers more tools for less money, but with lower durability and precision. It’s not a replacement for professional-grade rakes, but for budget-focused owners who want a complete starter set, it’s unbeatable. While individual components don’t match premium brushes, the overall utility and included warranty make it a smarter first purchase than single, mid-tier tools.