If you share your home with a Somali cat, you already know you’re living with a tiny fox-tailed supermodel. Somalis are known for their silky, medium-length coats, plumed tails, and constant curiosity. They’re playful, social, and always on the move—which means their coat can easily collect tangles, shed hair, and little surprises from their adventures.

Although Somalis don’t mat as severely as longhaired breeds, their fine, soft undercoat can knot when neglected. Regular brushing keeps their coat smooth, reduces shedding, and helps you catch tangles before they become uncomfortable for your cat. Grooming also becomes a sweet bonding ritual—most Somalis love the attention once they get used to it.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the 3 best brushes for Somali cats, why each one matters, and how to use them. We’ll finish with easy grooming steps, FAQs, and a gentle CTA to explore more tools.

Must-Have Grooming Tools Every Somali Cat Owner Needs

Somali cats benefit from a simple grooming routine—just the right tools and a few minutes a few times per week. Here are the essentials, in order of how you’ll use them during each brushing session.

1. Slicker Brush

A slicker brush is the backbone of any good Somali cat grooming routine. Somalis have a semi-long, fine coat that can develop small tangles behind the ears, under the armpits, and along the pants. A slicker gently separates these before they become trouble.

This self-cleaning slicker brush is a great starter tool—especially for cats who aren’t fully comfortable with brushing yet. The short pins with coated tips are gentle on sensitive skin, and the lightweight design makes quick daily brushing easy. Since Somalis shed in waves seasonally, this brush helps pull out loose undercoat so it doesn’t turn into tufts around your home.

The self-cleaning feature is the cherry on top: one push of a button and the collected hair slides off. Less mess for you, less fuss for your cat.

2. Metal Comb

After loosening the coat with your slicker, a metal comb is the best way to check your work. Somali cats have that lovely, silky undercoat, and a comb is what ensures you’ve reached every layer.

We recommend this dual-length metal comb because the long and short stainless-steel teeth glide through fur smoothly. Use it for “proofing”—meaning the comb should pass from root to tip without catching. If it snags, you know there's a tangle that needs a bit more slicker work.

The rounded pins prevent poking the skin, which is important for light-boned breeds like Somalis. This comb is also great for detail areas: the ruff, belly, and tail plume.

3. Dematting Comb

Bonus: Detangler Spray (Highly Recommended)

Somalis don’t need detangling spray every day, but it’s a lifesaver when your cat is going through a shedding cycle or when the coat feels static or dry.

A cat-safe detangler spray helps:

• Loosen small knots before they form mats
  
• Reduce friction during brushing
  
• Keep the coat soft and fresh between baths
  
• Minimize hair breakage
  

Spray lightly on your hands and work it into problem areas before brushing (most cats prefer this method over spraying directly). It turns grooming into a smoother, faster experience for both of you.

Step-by-Step: How to Brush a Somali Cat

Somalis don’t require long grooming sessions, but technique matters. Here’s a simple routine to keep their coat gorgeous and healthy.

1. Start with a calm cat

Choose a time when your cat is relaxed—after a meal or during a cuddle session. Let them sniff the brush first.

2. Begin with the self-cleaning slicker

Use gentle, short strokes along the body, following hair growth. Focus on high-tangle zones:

• Armpits
  
• Chest ruff
  
• Behind the ears
  
• Belly (if your cat tolerates it)
  
• Thighs and pants
  

Stop and offer praise often. Somalis love interaction.

3. Use the metal comb to check for tangles

Run the comb from root to tip. If it catches, return to that spot with the slicker and brush lightly until smooth. Work low and slow.

4. Switch to the long-pin slicker for deeper fluffing

Use only if needed—seasonal shedding, a thicker coat, or extra fluff on the tail. Brush in gentle “pull-away” motions to avoid scraping the skin.

5. Add detangler spray when needed

If your Somali is shedding heavily or the coat feels static, apply a little detangler to your hands and smooth it on before brushing. It makes the whole process softer and faster.

6. Reward your cat

A small treat or chin scratch turns grooming into something your cat looks forward to.

Somali Cat Grooming FAQs

1. How often should I brush my Somali cat?

Brush 3–4 times a week, and daily during shedding seasons. Their fine undercoat benefits from frequent light brushing.

2. Do Somali cats get mats?

They can, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and at the base of the tail. Regular brushing with a slicker prevents most mats.

3. Which brush is best for Somali shedding season?

The long-pin (doodle-style) slicker works best for pulling out loose undercoat during heavy shed cycles.

4. Can Somali cats be brushed with a metal comb only?

A comb alone isn't enough for a Somali coat. You’ll need a slicker to loosen tangles before the comb can glide through without snagging.

5. Is it okay to bathe a Somali cat?

Yes—but you don’t need to often. Always brush before and after a bath to avoid tangling. For skin concerns, consult your veterinarian.

6. My Somali hates being brushed—what should I do?

Start with the gentle self-cleaning slicker and keep sessions short and positive. Begin with easier areas like the back and slowly expand to more sensitive zones.

7. Do Somalis need a deshedding tool?

Usually, no. A slicker and comb are enough. The long-pin slicker acts like a mild deshedding tool without the harshness of metal rakes.

8. What’s the best way to keep a Somali’s tail fluffy?

Use the long-pin slicker with very light strokes and follow with the comb. Avoid pulling—Somali tails are beautifully delicate.

Somali cats are stunning, silky, and wonderfully active companions. A simple grooming routine—paired with the right tools—keeps their coat healthy and keeps your bond strong. If you’d like to explore more grooming favorites, you can browse the full Freshly Bailey collection anytime.

We’d also love to hear from you—what does your Somali think of grooming? Leave us a comment or share your tips!