It depends on the kind of fur the cat has. Mitzi has very deep, dense, fur - she's considered a long-hair. I use a wire brush on her and it barely gets down to the roots of what I call her "wool" - She's my little Wool-de-beast

Mishi has long, soft, silky Maine Coon fur and needs a different brush - I use a soft plastic brush on his fur.

Mitzi loves to be brushed, Mishi hates it. It all depends on the cat's background and if they were brushed as a kitten and got used to it. Be gentle. Make it a fun and loving thing. Some cats may never like being brushed.