Cats become such an integral part of life that it’s hard to imagine your home without them. However, if the cat hair in your carpet, on your furniture, and floating in the air disappeared, you probably wouldn’t miss it. Cats play an irreplaceable role in the lives of their owners, but cat ownership comes with its downsides, and shedding is one of them. Cat grooming and deshedding gloves are an alternative to a brush or comb, which can be harsh on your cat’s sensitive skin. With a grooming glove, your cat won’t even know or care that he’s being groomed.
We reviewed dozens of cat grooming and deshedding gloves to find the best models on the market. We considered the different uses you may have for a glove such as bathing your cat as well as gloves versus a mitt. We also considered multipurpose gloves and those designed to be extra gentle.
The DELOMO Pet Grooming Gloves are comfortable to wear and remove hair without irritating your favorite feline. A series of silicone tips or nodules do the job of removing hair. They’re soft and flexible and won’t scratch or irritate your cat’s skin. Its one-size-fits-all design is enhanced by a stretchy spandex fabric so they can comfortably fit most people.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Grooming and Deshedding Gloves
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cat Grooming Gloves Overall | DELOMO Pet Grooming Glove | 4.2 |
| Best Cat Grooming Mitt | Pet Thunder Pet Grooming Glove | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Cat Grooming Glove | DELOMO Pet Hair Remover Glove | 4.2 |
| Best Cat Grooming Glove for Bathing | H HANDSON HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves | 4.4 |
| Best Scratch-Resistant Cat Grooming Glove | PetFusion Multipurpose Pet Glove for Grooming | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Cat Grooming Glove Overall: DELOMO Pet Grooming Gloves
DELOMO knows what they’re doing when it comes to grooming gloves. Their DELOMO Pet Grooming Gloves come as a pair, which makes sense except that not all grooming gloves do. That gives you twice as much grooming surface area when you sit down with your cat. The gentle silicone nodules massage your cat, removing and attracting hair without scratching or pulling the skin.
A glove gives you some advantages over a mitt when it comes to grooming. The narrow massage area on each finger allows you to groom on the legs and chest, where a brush can be awkward.
A good fit is essential. These DELOMO gloves are made of both stretchy spandex and breathable mesh. The spandex gives a snug fit for a variety of hand sizes, while the mesh dries quickly if you decide to use the glove for your cat’s bath. And, together, they provide some scratch and bite protection. A Velcro wrist strap also helps keep the gloves in place. Once you’re done grooming, you can peel the hair out in a single layer.
Key Features:
- Gentle, silicone nodules
- Stretchy, spandex side panels
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Velcro wrist closure
Best Cat Grooming Mitt: Pet Thunder Pet Grooming Glove
Mitts like the Pet Thunder Pet Grooming Glove have some advantages that some cat owners love, and this model has all of them. First, it’s easy to get on. You don’t have to worry about finding one that’s the right size. A mitt fits almost anyone. Additionally, this model includes an adjustable wrist strap to keep it in place.
The two noduled pads—palm and thumb—not only remove hair but they also trap it so it doesn’t float away after you’ve stroked your cat. The rest of the mitt is made of a breathable mesh that’s comfortable to wear and offers some protection from scratches and bites. This model is a great choice for an owner who values simplicity. It’s quick to get on and off and does a great grooming job in between.
Key Features:
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Two pads with modules for hair removal
- Adjustable Velcro wrist strap
Best Budget Cat Grooming Glove: DELOMO Pet Hair Remover Glove
Let’s face it. If you own a cat, you’re going to get cat hair in places you’d rather not. The DELOMO Pet Hair Remover Glove comes at half the price of many other models and performs two functions. If you wear the glove on your right hand, the silicone nodules remove cat hair while you groom. However, if you wear it on your left hand, the velour side removes hair from upholstery. It’s a simple yet effective way to manage cat hair in your home.
We like the finger nodules because they help you groom around the legs and head, where it’s easy to miss with a brush. This model also has stretchy fabric that gives you a barrier between sharp claws and teeth. Finally, a Velcro wrist closure secures it to your hand.
Key Features:
- Right-hand grooming side
- Left-hand velour hair removal side
- Stretchy mesh fabric
- Elastic Velcro closure
Best Cat Grooming Glove for Bathing: H HANDSON HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves
Bathing a cat is not a job for the faint of heart. If you’re ready to take on the task, the H HANDSON HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves’ excellent grip and cleaning power will get the job done without hurting your cat’s delicate skin. Bristles on the fingertips help you keep your grip without hurting your cat. They also give you some cleaning power in those hard to reach places like around the ears and on the legs and paws.
A snug fit through the fingers makes these gloves ideal for bathing your cat. Some gloves can be sloppy in the water. The HandsOn gloves come in five sizes so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all situation. The flexible fingers and strong but flexible nylon fabric maintain your dexterity when things start to get slippery. Finally, a Velcro closure on the wrist helps to keep them in place when your cat starts wiggling.
Key Features:
- Five (5) sizes
- Five (5) colors
- Varied nodule size
- Snug finger design
- Velcro wrist closure
Best Scratch-Resistant Grooming Glove: PetFusion Multipurpose Pet Glove for Grooming
Cat’s are known for their independence, not their cooperation. For those cats that lose their marbles when it’s time for grooming, the PetFusion Multipurpose Pet Glove for Grooming makes a welcome addition to a grooming kit. These gloves come in two sizes and extend all the way to the elbow. They’re resistant to punctures, scratches, and water, which means there’s a lot of times you can use them besides grooming—trips to the vet, bathing, or anytime you need to give your cat medication, for example.
They’re not as aggressive at hair removal as some of the other designs. However, they have a silicone pattern on the palm and fingers that helps keep hair in check. The silicone also provides a grip for holding your cat when he doesn’t feel like staying put. While your cat may not like it when you wash him or take him to the vet, they’re a necessary part of his care. Scratch-resistant gloves like these make your life easier and protect you from easily-infected cat scratches and bites.
Key Features:
- Two (2) sizes
- Silicone pattern on palm and fingers for grooming
- Extend to the elbow
- Use for grooming, bathing, vet trips, and more
Who Should Buy a Cat Grooming or Deshedding Glove
Cat grooming and deshedding gloves aren’t for everyone. However, they can make life easier for most cat owners. Cats do most of their own coat grooming, but that may not be enough to keep cat hair from filling your home. Cat grooming gloves provide an easy way to keep cat hair under control. The right glove design can even feel like a gentle massage. Some cats may not like a brush, but most of them show up for some petting and affection once in a while. A glove lets you show your cat love while controlling the hair at the same time.
Grooming gloves also come in handy during bathtime. They help foam shampoo and massage your cat’s skin without irritating it. They also offer some protection from scratches and bites. If you’re a cat owner who wants to simplify grooming, a grooming glove makes absolute sense.
If you’re looking to help your cat’s flea and shampooing situation, you may want to check out The Best Flea Shampoos For Cats, or The Best Flea Combs For Cats.
Important Features to Consider
A cat grooming glove should do several things well and have some simple but important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a cat grooming or deshedding glove for your cat:
- Glove type. Grooming gloves are fairly straightforward, but they do come in more than one type. The first two major types are gloves versus mitts. Gloves provide more flexibility in your hands and allow you to use your fingers to groom difficult areas like the legs and paws. Mitts may limit your dexterity, but they are easy to take on and off. Grooming gloves can also be categorized by their purpose. Scratch-resistant gloves, for example, extend to the elbow. Some models are designed to be extra gentle for highly sensitive cats, while others are designed for bathing. Your lifestyle and cat’s personality will help you determine which type of glove would work best.
- Size. Most gloves are one-size-fits-all. However, that doesn’t work for everyone. If your hands are unusually large or small, the glove may not fit or be so loose you can’t groom effectively. Cats can be particular. They may not like a glove that makes your hand feel large and clubby. Gloves that come in multiple sizes allow you to get a better fit. Models with an adjustable wrist strap are also more likely to stay in place while you groom.
- Nodule size, type, and material. Nodules, nubs, or pins are the protrusions that actually do the hair removal. They should be made of a relatively soft material that won’t scratch your cat’s skin or pull on his hair. Some gloves have nodules of varying sizes and designs, allowing you to adjust the way you groom your cat based on the part of your hand you use. Others have a standard nodule size across the entire glove surface. If your cat loves to be groomed, nodule size probably won’t make a difference. However, if your cat’s sensitive, look for a glove with gentle, rounded rather than pointed silicone or rubber nodules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cat grooming glove, and how does it work?
Cat grooming or deshedding gloves are typically made of a flexible fabric with a rubber or silicone pad on it. The pad has nodules that, when you pet your cat, attract and remove hair without hurting the cat’s skin. They’re a great option for cats who don’t like to be brushed because you can do the grooming while petting your cat.
How do you clean your cat grooming gloves?
Start by checking and following the gloves’ washing instructions. However, with most cat grooming gloves, the cat hair mats into the rubber. It can be removed by gently prying it out as one piece, like a big hairball. After you’ve removed the hair, you can rinse the gloves in tap water to remove any hair that’s left behind. Some gloves are machine washable, but most, due to the rubber or silicon, must be air-dried.
How do you brush your cat that hates it?
Cat’s aren’t known for their patience. If your cat doesn’t like getting brushed, you’ve got to be sneaky. A grooming glove might be the perfect answer for you, especially if your cat does like to be petted. Keep the glove near where your cat is likely to sit on your lap. When he does, slip on the glove and gently, very gently, start petting him in the direction of his hair. If he catches on and gives you the death glare for even trying to groom him, distract him. Cat’s may not be driven by their stomachs the same way a dog is, but they can be bought with a cat treat. Try distracting him with food, a toy, or playing with him with your ungloved hand.
How do you groom a cat?
Start by brushing, although brushing isn’t the only thing you need to do to properly groom your cat. Brushing stimulates blood flow, removes hair, dirt, and dead skin. Short-haired cats may only need to be brushed once a week. However, long-haired breeds may need to be brushed every day.
If your cat has gotten into something smelly or sticky, after you’ve brushed is a good time for a bath. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo that’s meant for cats. A utility sink with three or four inches of water provides plenty of liquid to get your cat clean. Wet your cat, and try not to get water in his eyes. Gently massage the shampoo through your cat’s hair and rinse. Finally, dry him off with a towel and you’re done.
If your cat doesn’t go outside, nail trimming might also be part of your grooming routine. It’s important to get your cat used to you handling his feet before trimming. Touch his legs and paws regularly so the sensation isn’t foreign to him. When it’s time for trimming, gently apply pressure to the paw, causing the claws to extend. Using a pair of cat nail trimmers, clip the tip of the claw without touching the vein that runs in the claw, called the quick.
Other Cat Grooming and Deshedding Gloves We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat grooming gloves on our way to finding the best of the best. These models didn’t make our 5 best grooming gloves list, but they’re still the best of the rest. We’ve included information to help you compare models until you find the right one for you and your cat.
- Cat Grooming Mitts
- Cat Grooming Gloves for Bathing
- Gentle Deshedding Gloves for Cats
- Standard Cat Grooming Gloves
Cat Grooming Mitts
With this double-sided glove, you can remove hair from your cat and furniture.
Key Features:
- Fits either hand
- Velour side removes hair from furniture
- Soft silicone nodules
Cost:Â $11
Petmate Furbuster 3-in-1 Grooming Glove
An adjustable inner strap gives you a custom fit with this easy to use mitt.
Key Features:Â
- Rubber pad works whether wet or dry
- Adjustable wrist strap
- Adjustable inner strap
Cat Grooming Gloves for Bathing
Aufew Magic Pet Grooming Gloves
When bathtime rolls around, these gloves let you pull out dirt and hair while massaging your cat’s skin.
Key Features:
- Flexible silicone
- Dense nodule design
- Designed with hanging hook
Cost:Â $14
These waterproof gloves are made entirely of flexible silicone. The nodules allow you to gently scrub your cat without irritating delicate skin.
Key Features:
- Non-slip interior
- Storage hook
- Designed to feel like a cat’s tongue
Cost:Â $14
Sweetsweet Pet Hair Remover Mitt
This mitt massages suds through the cat’s hair for a relaxing bath that removes dirt and grime. The double-sided design has one side for scrubbing and another for furniture hair removal.
Key Features:
- Double-sided design
- Adjustable wrist closure
- Works on either the right or left hand
Gentle Deshedding Gloves for Cats
The silicone grooming nodules on these gloves attract hair, leaving it in the gloves instead of your home.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Velcro wrist cuff
- Wet or dry use
- Breathable mesh back
Cost:Â $9
Eco-friendly TPR gently removes hair and stimulates your cat’s skin.
Key Features:
- Flexible mesh fabric
- Adjustable wrist strap
- Soft rubber nodules
Cost:Â $9
Eco-friendly silicone removes hair, while your cat stays happy.
Key Features:
- Adjustable wrist closure
- Includes a lint roller
- Works wet or dry
Cost:Â $10
glove i love Pet Grooming Glove
The fingers on these gloves have a boxy design, but these gloves still work wonders for managing cat hair.
Key Features:
- Silicone nodules remove hair and massage skin
- Velcro wrist strap
- Mesh back resists scratches
Cost:Â $22
Hair sticks to these gloves whether they’re used wet or dry.
Key Features:
- Adjustable wrist closure
- Use wet or dry
- Breathable mesh fabric
Cost:Â $11
K&K Pet Grooming Glove Gift Set
Flexible mesh and spandex give these gloves a good fit despite the fact that they’re one-size-fits-all.
Key Features:
- Soft silicone nodules
- Ergonomic design
- Adjustable wrist closure
Cost:Â $26
The silicone nodules on these gloves won’t irritate or scratch your cat’s skin.
Key Features:
- Anti-bite side fabric
- Breathable mesh
- Adjustable wrist closure
Cost:Â $9
Pat Your Pet Pet Grooming Gloves
The nodules on these gloves gently massage the skin and attract excess cat hair.
Key Features:
- Soft, rubber nodules
- Adjustable wrist strap
- Breathable mesh fabric
Cost:Â $14
Soft silicone gives grooming gloves like these hair removal abilities while protecting a cat’s sensitive skin.
Key Features:
- Silicone nodules
- Breathable mesh
- Adjustable wrist closure
Cost:Â $10
Gentle nodules remove hair in this simple deshedding glove.
Key Features:
- Includes one (1) glove
- Soft nodules
- Adjustable wrist strap
Cost:Â $7
STARROAD-TIM Pet Grooming Glove
The nodules on these gloves are designed to mimic a cat’s tongue, making them feel soft and natural.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Velcro wrist closure
- Scratch-resistant mesh fabric
- Includes right and left-handed gloves
Cost:Â $11
True Touch Five Finger Deshedding Gloves
Gentle silicone tips massage your cat’s skin while whisking away cat hair.
Key Features:
- Includes right and left-handed gloves
- Soft silicones nodules
- Adjustable wrist closure
Standard Cat Grooming Gloves
The flexible design of these gloves lets you reach around the legs and chest with ease.
Key Features:
- Flexible, scratch-resistant fabric
- Nodule pattern preserves hand mobility
- Adjustable wrist strap
Cost:Â $18
These may look like standard gloves but the small, soft nodules provide a gentle touch.
Key Features:
- Both pointed and round nodules
- Adjustable wrist sizing
- Can be used for baths
Cost:Â $14
Three sizes give you a good fit with these gloves that also let you get hard to reach areas.
Key Features:
- Three (3) sizes
- Meant for long-haired pets
- Flexible fingers for better dexterity
Cost:Â $13
