“An average indoor cat spends almost 30% of its waking hours grooming itself.”
That’s a lot of fur swallowed and for many Australian cat owners, that means hairballs on the carpet.
It’s a reality every cat parent knows too well. While grooming is natural and healthy, it also comes with challenges. Loose fur turns into tangles, shedding piles up around the house, and before long, hairballs become a regular (and messy) occurrence.
This is where cat brushes and combs, especially those that get rid of hair, come in. But the key question is: can they really assist cut down on hairballs, or are they merely another grooming tool?
We can say this with confidence because after years of caring for cats and trying out countless products, we’ve seen firsthand how much difference the right cat comb makes. It’s not just about saving your couch from loose fur, it’s about keeping your cat’s coat soft and healthy, helping prevent hairballs, and turning grooming into a calm, enjoyable moment you both look forward to.
We'll go over the science of deshedding in this guide, compare different cat combs and brushes, look at the benefits and disadvantages of popular solutions, and address the question that every owner has: which tools truly work? This article will give you useful tips on how to maintain your cat (and your home) in great shape, whether you're shopping for the best grooming tools at your local cat store or online.
Shedding and Hairballs: What’s Really Going On?
It helps to understand the problem before we jump into solutions. Cats naturally shed old hair to make room for new growth. This is a normal process. The difference is that indoor cats tend to shed year-round, while outdoor cats usually shed more heavily during certain seasons.
The challenge is this: cats groom themselves with their tongues, which have tiny backward-facing hooks that trap loose fur. That fur is swallowed, passes through the digestive tract, and in many cases comes back up as a hairball.
Hairballs that happen once in a while aren't dangerous, but if they happen a lot, they can be uncomfortable, cause digestive problems, or even blockages in the worst cases. This is where brushing and combing your cat on a regular basis becomes an important part of taking care of them.
How Deshedding Combs Work
A deshedding brush or comb is made to get into your cat's undercoat and gently pull out loose fur before it gets eaten. Unlike a standard cat comb that mainly tackles tangles, deshedding tools use fine, stainless steel teeth or blades to pull out dead hair trapped beneath the surface.
Think of it this way: brushing removes what’s already visible on top, while deshedding digs deeper to get the fur your cat would otherwise ingest. By doing so, deshedding combs help:
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Stop hairballs by catching loose fur before it gets eaten.
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Keep your cat's hair from getting tangled, especially if it has long hair.
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If you want to keep your cat cooler in the summer, thin out the extra undercoat.
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Less shedding around the house (sofa, clothes, carpets, you name it!)
Do They Really Reduce Hairballs?
The short answer: yes, when used consistently.
Studies and stories from vets and cat behaviourists show that deshedding grooming tools make it much less likely for cats to eat fur. Many owners report fewer hairballs within weeks of adding a deshedding routine.
However, effectiveness depends on:
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Frequency: Brushing once a month won't work. During shedding season, most experts say you should comb your hair 2–3 times a week.
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Cat’s coat type: Persians and Maine Coons, which have long hair, benefit the most. Short-haired cats still lose hair, but less of it gets stuck.
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Tool quality: Cheap plastic combs can pull on hair or break it. Cat combs and brushes made of stainless steel that are made to remove hair work better.
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Technique: Gentle, consistent strokes are key. If you press too hard, your skin may get angry.
So, even though no comb will get rid of hairballs completely, the right cat comb can make them a lot smaller.
Types of Cat Combs and Brushes
The number of grooming tools can be overwhelming when you go to a cat store or look online. Here's how it breaks down:
Standard Cat Comb
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Best for brushing and getting rid of tangles
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Works well for cats with short or medium-length hair.
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Used a lot with tools that remove hair
Deshedding Comb or Brush
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Made to get rid of deep undercoat
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Great for breeds that shed a lot and have long hair
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Helps stop mats from forming and keeps fur from building up
Flea Comb
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Very fine teeth that help find and get rid of fleas
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Not good for shedding, but good for the health of the whole coat
Slicker Brush
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Flat brush with fine wire bristles
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Works well for cats who don't like to be brushed as much
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Great for getting rid of knots and loose fur
Grooming Gloves
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Gloves that are flexible and have rubber tips
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Gentle and less scary for cats that are scared
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Collects loose hair while petting
Can You Use a Human Comb on Cats? Here’s the Answer
When you see loose fur on your cat, it might be tempting to grab a spare human comb, but that's a mistake that all owners should avoid. Combs for people are made for straight, fairly even strands of hair. A cat's fur is very different. It has an outer guard layer and an undercoat that sheds a lot.
Here’s why human combs don’t work for cats:
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They don't get to the undercoat. Combs for people just slide over the surface, leaving most of the loose fur behind.
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They can cause discomfort. The spacing of the teeth is often too wide or too sharp for delicate feline skin. This can lead to pulling, scratching, or even micro-injuries.
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They won’t reduce hairballs. Since they fail to capture the majority of dead undercoat fur, your cat will still swallow it during self-grooming.
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Risk of mats. In long-haired cats, using the wrong tool can actually make tangles worse over time.
That's why it's so important to buy good cat brushes and combs from a trusted cat store. They are made just for cat fur types, which makes grooming safe and effective.
Choosing the Best Cat Comb for Hairball Control
When selecting a cat comb, consider:
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Coat length: Long-haired cats need deshedding combs, but short-haired cats may only need a slicker brush or grooming glove.
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Comfort: Look for handles that are easy on your hands and grips that are soft so grooming is easy on you too.
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Material: Teeth made of stainless steel work better and last longer than those made of plastic.
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Skin sensitivity: Choose a comb that is gentle on the skin of some cats.
Pro tip: If you're not sure, ask the staff at your local cat store for breed-specific advice. In Australia, many stores sell special combs and brushes for cats with different types of coats.
Grooming Routine: How Often Should You Use a Deshedding Comb?
For best results:
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Short-haired cats: Once a week is often enough.
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Medium-haired cats: Twice a week, especially during shedding season.
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Long-haired cats: Three or more times per week to prevent mats and hairballs.
Always start slow. Give your cat treats or praise after short training sessions. Grooming shouldn't feel like work; it should feel like bonding.
Common Myths About Deshedding Combs
“They hurt cats.”
When used correctly, good deshedding combs don't hurt. The most important thing is to use soft strokes and the right comb for your cat's coat.
“Indoor cats don’t need them.”
Indoor cats shed year-round due to artificial lighting and temperature. Regular combing is just as important.
“Any comb will do.”
Not true - a flea comb won’t de-shed, and a slicker brush won’t reach deep under the coat. Use the right tool for the job.
Final Thoughts
So, do deshedding combs really help with hairballs? Yes, but only if you pick the right cat comb, use it regularly, and make it part of your regular grooming routine.
This isn't just about keeping fur off the couch for people who own cats in Australia. It's important for your cat's comfort, health, and happiness. Your cat will be happier if it doesn't eat as much fur. You won't have to clean up as many hairballs.
Buying good cat combs and brushes from a reputable cat store like Cat Shop Online is one of the easiest ways to keep your pet healthy, whether you're a first-time owner or have had cats for a long time. With a little patience, some treats, and a lot of love, grooming time can become one of the best parts of your day.
