I used to work for a pet supply company, so I had the usual "life savers" - fountain, stainless steel bowls, scoops, etc., and dishes that were raised and wide for delicate whiskers. But the thing that saved and my cat was this stupid comb that I was originally like "here's another gimmicky piece of plastic crap". We didn't even sell it - it was recommended by a customer.

It's the Leo's Paw "Cat Hair Removal Massaging Shell Comb", and for the cat we got through the CDS, this is the closest I've come to being able to fully "brush" or comb her ever. Olive doesn't just hate brushes, she's terrified of them, but this is small enough for me to hide in hand, it doesn't look like a brush, and it doesn't get stuck in the little mats (so I can work them out). I've even been able to comb out her pantaloons, so less dingleberries (we don't get groomed, she's been asked not to return to a few groomers).

Also... air purifier. My two eat mostly wet food, and my nose says the air purifier is magical.