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If you share your home with a medium or large long-haired cat, you already know how far loose fur can travel. It ends up on the couch, the dark work pants, the bed, and somehow inside closed wardrobes. Vacuuming helps, but it only deals with the fur after it has already been shed.
The FURminator Cat deShedding Tool takes a different approach. Instead of smoothing the topcoat like a standard bristle brush, it is designed to reach through the topcoat and lift out loose undercoat before it drops around the house. This review covers what the tool does, how to use it properly, and where it has limitations, so you can decide whether it suits your cat.
- FOR MEDIUM/LARGE CATS WITH LONG HAIR: Designed especially for cats that weigh more than 10 pounds.
- CHOOSE LONG OR SHORT HAIR: Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hai…
- REMOVES LOOSE HAIR: Will not damage the coat or cut the skin when used as directed.
Prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change.
Table of Contents
What Is the FURminator Cat deShedding Tool?
The FURminator Cat deShedding Tool is a grooming tool made for medium to large long-haired cats, specifically cats over roughly 4.5 kg (10 lb). It has a curved stainless steel edge that works through the topcoat to collect loose, dead undercoat hair, and a rubber handle designed for a secure grip.
Used as directed, it is intended to remove loose hair without cutting the healthy topcoat. It is a deshedding tool rather than a daily brush, which matters for how often you use it (more on that below).
5 Features of the FURminator Cat deShedding Tool
1. Curved Stainless Steel Edge
The core of the tool is its curved stainless steel edge, shaped to follow the contours of a cat’s body. It slides through the topcoat to collect the loose undercoat that tends to drop around the house, rather than only smoothing the surface layer.
2. FURejector Button
Cleaning hair out of a standard brush can be fiddly. On this model, pressing the FURejector button pushes the collected hair off the teeth so it can go straight into the bin, which keeps a longer grooming session tidy.
3. Ergonomic Rubber Handle
Grooming a big, fluffy cat takes a while, especially during seasonal coat changes. The textured, ergonomic handle is designed to stay comfortable and secure in the hand across a full session.
4. Skin Guard and Curved Edge
The tool includes a skin-guard design intended to help the edge glide over the skin rather than dig in. Even so, no grooming tool is risk-free: gentle strokes and light pressure still matter, and the manufacturer’s directions should always be followed.
5. Helps Reduce Loose Hair Your Cat Swallows
Cats swallow loose hair every time they groom themselves. The RSPCA Australia’s cat grooming advice notes that owner grooming plays an important role in reducing the amount of loose hair swallowed and minimising the size of hairballs. A deshedding tool can support that routine by removing loose undercoat, though it is not a cure for hairballs, and it is worth talking to your vet if hairballs are frequent or your cat struggles to bring them up.
FURminator Cat deShedding Tool: Specifications at a Glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | FURminator |
| Item Type | Deshedding tool for cats |
| Model Focus | Large, long-hair model |
| Suitable For | Medium to large cats (over approx. 4.5 kg) |
| Material | Stainless steel teeth, plastic handle |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5.1 x 12.7 x 22.2 cm |
| Weight | 63.5 g |
| Key Features | Undercoat removal, skin guard, FURejector button |
| Manufacturer | Spectrum Brands Pet LLC |
Pros and Cons
What’s good:
- Designed specifically to reach loose undercoat rather than only the topcoat
- The FURejector button makes clearing hair quick and tidy
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle for longer sessions
- Stainless steel construction
- Lightweight at around 63.5 g
What to keep in mind:
- Priced higher than a basic slicker brush or comb
- Overuse in one area can irritate the skin or thin the coat, so short sessions and light pressure are important
- Some sensitive cats take time to accept the feel of a metal edge
- This model is built for long-haired cats; short-haired cats are better served by the short-hair version
What Cat Owners Are Saying
The FURminator Cat deShedding Tool has a large number of ratings on Amazon, and the average sits comfortably in the high 4-star range at the time of writing. Ratings and category rankings change regularly, so check the live listing for the current figures before buying.
A common theme in reviews is surprise at how much loose undercoat comes out on the very first use, especially in seasonal shedding periods. Several owners also mention fewer fur clumps around the house after sticking to a regular routine. Critical feedback tends to focus on price and on owners over-brushing a single area, which is a technique issue rather than a product fault.
How to Use the FURminator Cat deShedding Tool Safely
- Check your cat first. Look over the coat and skin for sores, bruises or irritation. If you find any, skip the tool and see your vet.
- Detangle mats beforehand. Work severe mats out with a regular comb first. The tool is for loose undercoat, not for removing knots.
- Brush gently in the direction of hair growth. Start at the head and work back, letting the tool do the work without pressing down.
- Don’t overwork one spot. Repeated passes in the same place can irritate the skin.
- Press the FURejector button whenever hair builds up on the teeth.
- Keep sessions short. The manufacturer’s guidance is typically a couple of sessions a week of around 10 to 20 minutes, adjusted to your cat’s tolerance and coat. Many long-haired cats also benefit from daily brushing with a regular comb or brush between deshedding sessions, as the RSPCA guidance linked above explains.
Reward your cat with treats during and after the session so brushing becomes something they look forward to. Stop if your cat becomes stressed, and try again another day.
For more tips on keeping a home with pets clean, see our guide to pet-proofing your furniture.
- FOR MEDIUM/LARGE CATS WITH LONG HAIR: Designed especially for cats that weigh more than 10 pounds.
- CHOOSE LONG OR SHORT HAIR: Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hai…
- REMOVES LOOSE HAIR: Will not damage the coat or cut the skin when used as directed.
Prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the FURminator Cat deShedding Tool cut my cat’s fur? It isn’t a clipper or scissors. It’s designed to collect loose, dead undercoat without cutting the healthy topcoat when used as directed.
Can I use it on a short-haired cat? This model is optimised for long hair. FURminator makes a dedicated short-hair version, which is the better choice for short coats.
How often should I use it? Manufacturer guidance is generally one to two sessions a week for roughly 10 to 20 minutes, with a little more use during heavy shedding seasons. If your cat’s skin looks irritated or the coat is thinning, reduce the frequency and talk to your vet.
Is it safe for kittens? It’s generally best to wait until a kitten has grown its adult coat, often around 6 to 8 months, before using a deshedding tool. Check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Will it stop hairballs completely? No. Removing loose hair reduces how much your cat swallows, but hairballs can still happen. If they’re frequent, or your cat seems to struggle, check in with your vet.
Final Thoughts
For owners of medium to large long-haired cats, the FURminator Cat deShedding Tool is a purpose-built option that goes beyond what a standard bristle brush can do, and the FURejector button makes cleaning up straightforward. It does cost more than basic brushes and needs a light, careful hand, but used as directed it can be a useful part of a regular grooming routine, particularly through shedding season.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices, ratings and availability are accurate as of the publish date and are subject to change, so please check the Amazon product page for current details. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat has a skin condition, matting or frequent hairballs, check with your vet before using a new grooming tool.