Kitten/Cat Grooming:What Are the Essential Tools?

I have to admit I thought this was going to be a no-brainer but when I went to purchase a grooming brush for my kitten I walked away with a giant "?" floating over my head.

What are the basic and most-used brushes and/or grooming implements for a short to medium haired kitten/cat? I did buy one that she likes but it does not seem to do any real grooming.This brush has a little round plastic tip on each end of the bristle.I guess it could be something like a "finishing" brush?
What I need are brushes that are sturdy and work.What do you guys use?

Can you tell me what gimmicks or worthless products to avoid? My brain kind of turns off when I`m buying stuff for my new cat.I look forward to your advice and tips!

Thanks
HosMan

For shedding problems, the Furminator is definitely the best tool.
Besides that I use a a comb or a regular brush (for humans), depending on the mood, and what I want to do - I have 3 long hair kitties in my house at the moment though.

For all my shorthairs, I just use a small flea comb - they don't shed a lot (most of them) and the flea comb works great. My mixed breed, I use the Furminator on her as her coat is a bit thicker then my Oci's.

For longer hair, you should be using a small and medium-toothed comb for grooming. Most brushes don't go down to the skin and are pretty useless on a longhair coat as they are only brushing the top of the coat - not where the tangles form.

I`ll try that.Thanks! So the Furminator brushes and sucks away the loose hair,etc. as it comes off the cat? I`m going to get that! Million dollar idea if I ever heard one! How much? $$ or $?

I have two shorthairs...they use their tongues.

I also have a basic metal-bristle brush for when Panther gets to shedding significantly (Squirrel won't stay within arm's reach for long enough for it to do her any good).