If you’ve been Googling “cat steam brush” or considering one of those steamy mist cat grooming tools that claim to “gently lift fur with moisture,” stop right there. We’re here to tell you why steam brushes for cats are not only unnecessary — they’re dangerous. If you love your cat, take a minute and read this post, it could be the best thing you do for your beloved pet.
As a small business that genuinely cares about cats (we literally invented the Bailey Brush for our own cats), we’re speaking up. Because what looks like a helpful little gadget might actually be putting your cat at serious risk.
Cats aren’t dogs. Their fur isn’t designed to be wet all the time — and misting or steaming their coat can actually make shedding worse. Steam brushes dampen the fur, causing clumping and matting, especially in long-haired breeds. Moisture also interferes with the natural oils in your cat’s coat and the self-grooming process (hello, hairballs).
What’s more? Most indoor cats don’t need bathing. Their tongues are built-in grooming tools. A dry brush — like the Bailey Brush — supports this natural process without disrupting their delicate ecosystem.
Ever open a reusable water bottle that hasn’t been cleaned properly? Now imagine that — but on your cat’s skin.
Steam brushes and water misting tools are notoriously hard to clean. Most aren’t dishwasher safe. They harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew deep in their reservoirs and brush heads. And since cats have fragile immune systems, that bacteria doesn’t just cause skin irritation — it can cause illness or worse.
We’ve seen real reports of cats getting sick from contaminated brushes. It’s not just gross — it’s dangerous.
Most of these cat steam brushes are cheap knockoffs, often sold online by companies with no ties to the pet industry and no understanding of feline health. They’re mass-produced with low-grade plastic, inferior rubber and questionable wiring (we’re talking electrical devices filled with water — around fur and whiskers. What could go wrong?).
Worse? These brushes often copy patented brush designs, including ours. Supporting these companies hurts small businesses like Bailey Cat Co., who actually research, test, and care about what touches your pet’s skin.
The Bailey Brush is made of 100% premium silicone. It’s soft, ergonomic, waterproof, and completely sanitizeable — no moldy bits, no electric hazard, no misting. It gently massages while pulling loose fur from the coat without disrupting natural grooming.
It’s trusted by vets, groomers, and thousands of cat lovers for one reason:
It works. And it keeps your cat safe.
Some of these so-called "cat steam brushes" even suggest adding essential oils to their water chambers — lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint... the list goes on.
Let’s be clear: Essential oils are toxic to cats.
Cats lack the liver enzyme needed to process many of the compounds in essential oils. Exposure — even through skin contact or inhalation — can lead to:
Drooling
Vomiting
Tremors
Respiratory distress
Organ failure
And no, “just a few drops” isn’t safe either. There are real cases of cats going into shock or even dying from exposure to diffused oils. So the idea of mist-blasting a cat with steam and lavender is more like aromathera-nope.
The bottom line? Never use essential oils on or around your cat — and never trust a product that recommends it.
🚱 Encourage mold & bacteria buildup
🧫 Risk of infection or illness
⚡ Combine water & electronics — yikes
💸 Often copycat, unethical designs
🧶 Cause matting & fur clumping
🐱 Interfere with natural grooming behavior
There’s a reason cats avoid water. And there’s a reason the Bailey Brush has become the go-to for cat grooming worldwide for years now. Skip the steam. Ditch the mist. Choose clean, dry, and safe because your cat deserves better!
Want the best for your cat?
👉 Shop the Bailey Brush now
No comments
0 comments