If you own a long-haired cat and don’t own a slicker brush, you’re playing a dangerous game. Mats form fast. And once they form, you’re looking at a sedated shave.
I’m Dr. Allona Jackson, a practicing veterinarian with 12 years of experience. I’ve recommended this brush to hundreds of Persian and Maine Coon owners. For daily maintenance, it’s my top pick – but it’s not the only tool you need.
This is my honest Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats Review – no marketing fluff, just veterinary experience.
In this review, I’ll cover:
- What the Hertzko self cleaning slicker brush is (and why self-cleaning matters for long hair)
- My first-hand testing results on long-haired cats
- Pros and cons from a vet’s perspective
- How it compares to other brushes for long hair
- Who should buy this – and who should skip it
By the end, you’ll know if the Hertzko slicker brush is the right daily brush for Persian Maine Coon and other long-haired breeds – and why you still need an undercoat rake.
📚 Part of AvailPet’s complete cat brush guide series:
→ Best Brush for Long Haired Cats
→ Undercoat Rake for Long Haired Cats Review
What Is the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush?
Definition: A slicker brush with fine nylon bristles and a push-button retractable mechanism that ejects fur. Designed for daily grooming on both long and short-haired cats.
How it works:
- Brush your cat normally (bristles collect fur)
- Press the button on the handle
- A plate pushes forward, ejecting the fur clump
- No picking fur out of bristles – game changer for long hair
Product Spotlight: Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hertzko |
| Rating | 4.5 ★★★★★ (91,977 reviews) |
| Bought in past month | 400+ |
| Price | $14.99 |
| Color | Black |
| Shape | Oval |
| Bristle Material | Nylon (soft, angled) |
| Handle Material | Plastic (ergonomic comfort grip) |
| Dimensions | 6.2″L x 4.7″W x 2.6″H |
| Weight | 0.4 pounds |
| Best Sellers Rank | #16 in Cat Brushes |
| ASIN | B0DSG235KJ |
Key Claims from Manufacturer
- “Self-cleaning design with push-button retractable bristles”
- “Soft angled bristles detangle without scratching”
- “Ergonomic comfort grip reduces hand strain”
- “Painless dematting and detangling without pulling”
- “Promotes healthy coats and reduces shedding”
My First-Hand Testing Results – How I Evaluated This Brush
Testing duration: 3 months on clinic cats (Persians, Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Domestic Shorthairs)
My Testing Protocol
| Test | What I Evaluated | Method | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-cleaning mechanism | Does it eject ALL fur? Does it jam? | 50+ button presses on fur-clogged brush | ✅ PASS |
| Bristle safety on long hair | Do soft nylon bristles scratch skin? | Tested on my forearm + on cats with thin skin | ✅ PASS |
| Detangling ability (fine mats) | Can it handle small tangles? | Tested on fine mats behind ears and armpits | ✅ PASS |
| Durability | Does it survive daily use for months? | 3 months of daily clinic use | ✅ PASS |
| Handle comfort | Does hand cramp after 15 minutes? | 15-minute continuous brushing sessions | ✅ PASS |
What I Found
On the Hertzko:
- Self-cleaning button worked smoothly on all test cats – fur ejected completely every time
- Nylon bristles are genuinely soft (passed my forearm scratch test with zero redness)
- Handle is comfortable even for 15-minute sessions – no hand cramps
- After 3 months of daily clinic use across multiple cats, still functions like new
On cheap no-name slickers (for comparison): The self-cleaning mechanism jammed within weeks. Some had sharp bristles that failed my safety test (left red marks on my forearm). You get what you pay for.
Vet note: “I don’t recommend products based on Amazon stars alone. I recommend them based on how they perform on real cats in my clinic. The Hertzko passed every test I threw at it.”
— Dr. Allona Jackson, DVM
The Pros – Why This Brush Works for Long-Haired Cats
Pro #1: Self-Cleaning Is a Game-Changer for Long Hair
The problem with standard slickers: Long hair clogs bristles instantly. After 2-3 strokes, you’re picking fur out of wires. It takes 5+ minutes per session.
The Hertzko solution: Press the button. Fur ejects in 2 seconds. Brush again.
Time saved: 5-10 minutes per grooming session. Over a year, that’s hours of your life back. For owners of Persians and Maine Coons who brush daily, this is transformative.
Pro #2: Soft Nylon Bristles (No Skin Scratches)
Long-haired cats often have sensitive skin under all that fur. Cheap slickers have sharp metal tips that scratch.
The Hertzko uses soft, angled nylon bristles – rounded and gentle. I tested this on my own forearm: zero scratches, zero redness.
Best for: Cats who flinch at metal slickers. The soft bristles feel more like a massage than a brush.
Pro #3: Ergonomic Handle (No Hand Cramps)
Long-haired cats need daily brushing – 10-15 minutes per session. Cheap brushes have hard, narrow handles that cause hand cramps after 5 minutes.
The Hertzko has a comfort grip ergonomic handle. After 15 minutes of brushing, my hand felt fine. This matters more than you think for daily consistency.
Pro #4: Affordable ($14.99)
| Brush | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hertzko slicker | $14.99 | Daily maintenance |
| Undercoat rake | $10-15 | Weekly deep cleaning |
| Premium deshedder | $40-50 | Heavy shedding |
The Hertzko is budget-friendly for a quality daily brush. At this price, there’s no excuse not to own one.
Pro #5: Works on Both Long and Short Hair
Versatile. If you have multiple cats with different coat types, one brush works for all. It’s a great best slicker brush for long haired cats but also handles short hair perfectly.
Pro #6: 91,977 Reviews (4.5 Stars) – Community Trust
Not the sole reason to buy, but 90k+ positive reviews suggests consistent quality and customer satisfaction. The volume of reviews indicates this brush works for the vast majority of buyers.
For deep undercoat removal, pair this with → Undercoat Rake for Long Haired Cats
The Cons – What This Brush Does NOT Do
Con #1: Does NOT Remove Deep Undercoat
This is the most important limitation. Read twice.
| Brush Type | Removes Deep Undercoat? |
|---|---|
| Hertzko slicker | ❌ No |
| Undercoat rake | ✅ Yes (80%) |
| Deshedding tool | ✅ Yes (80-90%) |
What this means: For long-haired cats (Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll), a slicker brush alone is not enough. You need an undercoat rake 1-2x per week, especially during spring/fall shedding.
The Hertzko slicker is a daily brush – not a weekly deep cleaning tool.
Con #2: Does NOT Remove Severe Mats
Hertzko claim: “Painless dematting and detangling without pulling”
Reality check: For fine mats (small, loose tangles behind ears or in armpits), yes – the soft bristles can tease them apart. For severe mats (tight against skin, larger than a quarter), no. See a vet or professional groomer.
Con #3: Bristles May Be Too Soft for Very Thick Coats
On extremely thick double coats (Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat), the soft nylon bristles may not penetrate deeply enough to remove all surface loose fur. You’ll need a firmer slicker or an undercoat rake for deeper cleaning.
Con #4: Plastic Handle (Not Rubberized)
While ergonomic in shape, the handle is hard plastic – not rubberized. For owners with arthritis or hand pain, a rubberized grip would provide better traction and comfort. For most users, the plastic handle is fine.
Con #5: Not for Hairless Cats (Sphynx)
Hairless cats don’t need slicker brushes. Use a rubber brush for exfoliation instead.
How Does the Hertzko Compare to Other Options?
| Feature | Hertzko Slicker | Undercoat Rake | FURminator | Rubber Brush |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Daily maintenance | Deep undercoat | Heavy shedding | Sensitive cats |
| Price | (14.99) | (10-15) | $$$ ($40-50) | (8-15) |
| Self-cleaning | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Safe for daily use? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (1-2x/week) | ❌ No (1-2x/week) | ✅ Yes |
| Removes deep undercoat? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (80%) | ✅ Yes (80-90%) | ❌ No |
| Removes mats? | Fine mats only | ❌ No (dangerous) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Bristle feel | Soft nylon | Metal teeth | Metal edge | Soft rubber |
| Amazon Link | Check current Price | Check current Price | Check current Price | Check current Price |
The Winning Combo for Long-Haired Cats
| Tool | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hertzko slicker | Daily (10-15 min) | Prevent mats, remove surface fur |
| Undercoat rake | 1-2x per week | Remove deep undercoat |
Vet note: “The Hertzko slicker is an excellent daily brush. But it’s not a complete solution. Long-haired cats need BOTH a slicker AND an undercoat rake. Don’t skip the rake.”
How to Use the Hertzko Slicker Brush on Long-Haired Cats
Daily Routine (10-15 minutes)
Step 1: Let your cat sniff the brush. Give a treat.
Step 2: Brush in direction of fur growth only. Never against the grain.
Step 3: Start at the neck, move to back, then sides. Save belly for last if cat allows.
Step 4: Pay extra attention to hot spots where mats form first:
- Behind ears
- Armpits
- Inside back legs (“pants” area)
- Under tail
Step 5: Use short, gentle strokes. Long, hard strokes pull fur and annoy cats.
Step 6: Press the self-cleaning button every 2-3 minutes. Fur ejects in 2 seconds.
Step 7: Finish with a treat. Positive association is everything.
Weekly Deep Clean (Add Undercoat Rake)
Use the undercoat rake 1-2x per week BEFORE the slicker. Rake first to remove deep undercoat, then slicker to smooth the top coat.
Cleaning the Brush
| Frequency | Action |
|---|---|
| After each use | Press self-cleaning button, wipe bristles with dry cloth |
| Weekly | Run under warm water, air dry completely |
| Never | Submerge handle (can damage the self-cleaning mechanism) |
FAQs About Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats
Is the Hertzko slicker brush good for long-haired cats?
Yes, for daily maintenance. It prevents mats and removes surface fur. As a daily brush for Persian Maine Coon owners, it’s my top recommendation. But you still need an undercoat rake 1-2x per week for deep undercoat removal.
Does the self-cleaning button actually work?
Yes. Press the button, a plate pushes forward, fur ejects. Takes 2 seconds. On long hair, you may need to press it more often (every 2-3 minutes) because long hair clogs faster.
Can this brush remove mats?
For fine mats (small, loose tangles behind ears) – yes, the soft bristles can tease them apart. For severe mats (tight against skin, larger than a quarter) – no. See a vet or professional groomer.
Is this brush safe for daily use?
Yes. Unlike deshedding tools (FURminator), slicker brushes are safe for daily use. Use it every day on long-haired cats. No risk of brush burn.
How does Hertzko compare to the FURminator?
They serve different purposes. Hertzko = daily maintenance. FURminator = weekly deep deshedding. For long-haired cats, you may need both. The Hertzko is safe for daily use; the FURminator is not.
Is the Hertzko good for short-haired cats?
Yes. It works on both long and short hair. For short hair, you may only need to brush 2-3x per week.
Related: Best Cat Brush for Short Hair
Why is the self-cleaning feature important for long hair?
Long hair clogs regular slicker brushes after 2-3 strokes. Without self-cleaning, you’d spend 5-10 minutes picking fur out of bristles. The Hertzko solves that with a 2-second button press.
The Bottom Line – Should You Buy the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush?
The Complete Long-Hair System
Don’t stop at the slicker. Long-haired cats need both a daily slicker AND a weekly undercoat rake.
| Tool | Frequency | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker | Daily | $14.99 |
| Undercoat Rake for Long Haired Cats | 1-2x per week | $10-15 |
| Complete system price | – | $25-30 |
Vet advice: *”Buy the Hertzko slicker first. Use it daily for 2 weeks. Then add the undercoat rake for weekly deep cleaning. The combo costs less than $30 and covers ALL your long-haired cat’s grooming needs.”*
— Dr. Allona Jackson, DVM
Shop the complete system:
- → Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for cats($14.99) – Daily driver
- → Undercoat Rake for Long Haired Cats ($10-15) – Weekly deep clean
Buy the Hertzko if:
- ✅ You have a long-haired cat (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll)
- ✅ You need a daily brush for Persian Maine Coon and other long-haired breeds
- ✅ You hate picking fur out of bristles (self-cleaning is a lifesaver)
- ✅ You want a budget-friendly option ($14.99)
- ✅ You already have (or will buy) an undercoat rake
Skip the Hertzko if:
- ❌ You want a brush that removes deep undercoat (buy a rake instead)
- ❌ Your cat has severe mats (see a vet first – don’t try to brush them out)
- ❌ You only have a short-haired cat with light shedding (a rubber brush may be enough)
My Final Verdict
“The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is the best daily driver for long-haired cats at this price point. The self-cleaning feature isn’t a gimmick – it’s genuinely useful, especially for long hair.
I’ve tested this on Persians, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls. For daily maintenance, it’s my top pick. It’s the best slicker brush for long haired cats under $20.
*But it’s not a complete solution. You still need an undercoat rake 1-2x per week.*
For daily brushing? Buy it. For deep undercoat removal? Buy a rake too.
*The Hertzko + undercoat rake combo costs under $30 and covers everything. That’s the winning formula for long-haired cats.”*
— Dr. Allona Jackson, DVM
Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Deduction for not removing deep undercoat – but that’s not what a slicker is designed to do. For its intended purpose (daily maintenance), it’s nearly perfect.
Related Reviews from Dr. Jackson
- → Best Cat Brush (Ultimate Guide)
- → Best Cat Brush for Shedding
- → Self Cleaning Slicker Brush Review
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Every cat is different. Always consult your licensed veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, or concerns about your cat’s specific health.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, AvailPet.com earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our vet-reviewed recommendations. We only recommend products Dr. Jackson has personally tested or extensively researched.
