Quick answer: A deshedding glove is the everyday tool — it works on short and medium coats, feels like petting, and most cats accept it on day one. A steam brush is the heavy-shedding tool — the fine warm mist makes loose undercoat cling to the bristles instead of floating around the room, which matters for long-haired cats and during spring and fall coat-drops. If you can only buy one: glove for a short-haired cat, steam brush for a long-haired or heavy shedder. Many owners end up using both.
Steam brushes went viral this year, and a lot of cat owners are asking whether they actually beat a plain grooming glove. We sell both, so here's the honest comparison — including which cats should skip the steam brush entirely.
How each tool works
Deshedding glove
Soft silicone tips on the palm and fingers grab loose hair as you stroke. The fur builds into a sheet on the glove that you peel off in one piece. No pulling, no noise, no learning curve — the cat just thinks you're petting them.
Steam brush
A small water tank inside the handle releases a fine mist through the bristles when you press a button. The moisture weighs down loose undercoat so it sticks to the brush instead of going airborne, and the slight warmth relaxes most cats. Most models also have a self-cleaning button that pushes the collected fur off the bristles.
Glove vs steam brush: side by side
| Deshedding glove | Steam brush | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Short/medium coats, nervous cats, daily use | Long coats, heavy shedders, shedding season |
| Fur in the air | Some | Very little — mist holds it down |
| Reaches undercoat | Top layer + some undercoat | Yes, bristles go deeper |
| Cat acceptance | Very high | High after 2–3 short intros |
| Cleanup | Peel the sheet off | Press the self-clean button |
| Needs | Nothing | Water refill + USB charge |
When the glove wins
- Your cat has a short or medium coat (domestic shorthair, Siamese, Bengal).
- Your cat is skittish about tools, noise, or anything that isn't a hand.
- You want a 3-minute daily habit on the couch, not a grooming "session".
- You also have a dog — the same glove works on both.
When the steam brush wins
- Long-haired cats (Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest) where dry brushing sends fur everywhere.
- Spring and fall shedding season, when the undercoat comes out in clumps.
- Allergies in the house — less airborne dander is the whole point.
- Cats who already tolerate brushing but hate static "crackle" from dry bristles.
Who should skip the steam brush
Hairless breeds obviously, and cats with skin conditions or open sores — ask your vet first. Also skip it for a cat that panics at the hiss of the mist; a glove will get you further with less stress. And never use anything but plain water in the tank — no essential oils, no conditioner.
Our honest recommendation
Start with the glove. It's the tool you'll use most often, and it builds the brushing habit for both of you. Add the steam brush when shedding season hits or if you have a long-haired cat and the fur is winning. Together they cover every coat and every season, and the whole pair costs less than one professional groom. For the full routine, see how to use a steam brush on your cat and why your cat is shedding so much.
The tools for this job
The Furly Deshedding Glove for daily petting-style grooming, the Furly Steam Brush for shedding season and long coats. Free US shipping, 30-day money-back guarantee.
Deshedding Glove — $24.99 Steam Brush — $24.99Buy both and save 10% automatically at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam brush safe for cats?
Yes when used with plain water and short sessions. The mist is fine and only slightly warm — it should never feel hot on your own hand. Avoid the face and ears.
Does a deshedding glove really remove undercoat?
It removes the loose undercoat that's already released from the skin, which is most of what ends up on your furniture. It won't pull out healthy attached fur — that's a feature, not a limitation.
How often should I use each one?
Glove: 3–5 minutes every day or two. Steam brush: once or twice a week, daily for a couple of weeks during heavy shedding.
Can I use both on the same day?
Yes. Many owners glove first to lift the loose top layer, then steam-brush the thick areas. Ten minutes total.