Knots form faster than most people groom, particularly behind the ears, in the armpits and along the trousers of a long-coated dog, and by the time you notice a mat it has usually been building for a fortnight. A small comb kept somewhere convenient gets used in the two-minute gaps rather than waiting for a proper session, and two minutes a day is what actually keeps a coat mat-free.

The teeth are rounded rather than pointed, which is what lets you work close to the skin without the pet flinching away, and the handle is shaped to sit in the palm rather than being gripped like a brush. That palm fit gives you more control at low speed, which matters when you are easing a tangle apart rather than dragging through it. It is small enough to live in a coat pocket or a car door for touch-ups after a muddy walk.

• Rounded teeth that glide without scratching the skin
• Palm-fit handle for controlled, close work
• Lifts loose hair and eases apart tangles
• Suits cats, dogs, puppies, kittens and rabbits
• Compact enough for travel and quick touch-ups
• Three colours: orange, blue and grey

On mats, honestly. A comb prevents mats and separates loose tangles. It will not get through a solid felted mat tight against the skin, and trying to force one out with a comb hurts and teaches your pet to hide from grooming. Those need clipping out, by a groomer if the mat is near skin. Work from the ends of the hair inwards and stop before your pet stops enjoying it.

Who it's for: Owners keeping a cat, dog or rabbit tangle-free between full grooms with short, frequent sessions.