Brushing the Cats

I always thought short hair cats were self cleaning, when it came to hair (litter and hairballs, not so much). But come summer, I end up with handfuls of hair whenever I pet the furry hoarde. I have bought brushes previously, but the kitties hate them. Finally bought another, with softer bristles. It does not pull out as much hair, but kitties seem to like it. I can even brush bellies.