Slicker Brush vs. Rubber Curry Brush for Cats: Which to Use

Compare a slicker brush and a rubber curry brush for cats: what each does, when to use which, and how to brush without hurting your cat.

Publishing teamXI LANGS Editorial

PublishedOct 16, 2026

Page updatedOct 19, 2026

Reading time5 minutes

Slicker Brush vs. Rubber Curry Brush for Cats: Which to Use

Quick answer

Use a slicker brush for everyday shedding and light mats, and a rubber curry brush for massage, loose surface hair, and cats that hate metal teeth. For most cats, the practical combo is a slicker for the coat and a rubber curry for the finish and the bonding. The JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush for Cats is the stronger shed-remover of the two; a rubber curry is the gentler, more forgiving option.

What each brush actually does

A slicker brush uses fine metal teeth to reach into the coat, lift dead and shedding hair from the undercoat, and loosen lightly matted portions of fur. The JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush for Cats has metal teeth in two different lengths for that job, and the teeth are turned 90 degrees away from the skin so the working ends are less likely to scratch as you pull through the coat. A rubber curry brush has no metal teeth at all. It relies on soft rubber nubs to massage the skin, gather loose surface hair, and distribute natural oils, which makes it the safer first brush for a cat that flinches at metal.

Shedding season: which brush removes more hair

For heavy seasonal shedding, the slicker does more of the work in fewer passes. The two tooth lengths reach under the topcoat, so you pick up the looser undercoat hair instead of just polishing the surface. A rubber curry is better for a quick once-over and for cats with short, dense coats, but it mostly collects hair that is already loose on the surface. If you are trying to reduce hair on furniture during a blowout, start with the slicker and finish with the curry.

Long hair vs. short hair

Long-haired cats benefit from the slicker most, because the undercoat is where tangles begin and the two-length teeth can open light mats before they tighten. Work in small sections and never rip through a solid mat; if the brush snags, stop and use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb first. Short-haired cats often do fine with a rubber curry alone, with a slicker used once or twice a week. If your cat has a very dense double coat, a slicker is still the more effective deshedding brush between the two.

How to brush a cat without hurting them

Keep sessions short, brush in the direction the fur grows, and use light pressure. Let the brush glide rather than dig, especially over the spine, hips, and belly, which are the most sensitive areas. If your cat walks away, that is feedback, not stubbornness. Try a rubber curry first for a few days to build trust, then introduce the slicker for a few strokes at a time. Treats and a calm, quiet spot make more difference than any technique trick.

Handle comfort and control

The JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush for Cats uses an ergonomically designed rubber-sheathed handle with Gripsoft technology for comfort and precision, which matters when you are making many short strokes on a wriggling cat. A rubber curry brush is usually a palm or strap design, so your hand sits closer to the coat and you feel the skin through the rubber. Neither is automatically better; pick the one that matches how long you actually groom.

Trade-offs at a glance

Slicker brush: Removes more undercoat hair and loosens light mats, but metal teeth can feel scratchy on thin or sensitive skin and it is easier to over-brush. Best for shedding season and long-haired cats; use light pressure and short sessions.
Rubber curry brush: Gentle, massage-like, and hard to misuse, but it mostly gathers loose surface hair and will not open mats or reach deep undercoat. Best for short coats, sensitive cats, and finishing after a slicker.
Using both: Slicker first to lift undercoat hair, rubber curry second to smooth the coat and calm the cat. The most reliable routine for most cats, and it keeps grooming positive.

Product facts

JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush for Cats: The JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush for Cats is ideal for daily brushing to remove dead and shedding hair, with metal teeth in two different lengths that lift shedding hair from the undercoat and loosen lightly matted portions of fur. This is the brush to reach for when shedding and light mats are the main problem, not just surface tidying.
JW Gripsoft Slicker Brush for Cats: The teeth are turned 90 degrees away from the skin, and the handle is rubber-sheathed with Gripsoft technology for comfort and precision. Less scratching risk during long strokes and better control when your cat moves mid-brush.
Mad Cat Double Trouble Mice With Real Mouse Sound & Catnip: Mad Cat Double Trouble Mice is filled with a combo of catnip and silvervine, and silvervine works for many cats who normally are not affected by catnip. A useful distraction or reward after grooming, especially for cats that dislike the brush.
Mad Cat Orange Mice Soda: Mad Cat Orange Mice Soda is filled with a custom blend of catnip and silvervine plus a fun crinkle for enticing sound. A small, low-cost way to end a grooming session on a positive note.