He wants to put his scent on the brush. His scent glands are in his cheeks. Maybe brush his cheeks and head, then his body, while rubbing his cheeks with your other hand. That works for my cat. I use a Furminator, which she adores.

To stop him gulping his food, put a small dish inside a bigger dish, with his food around the side, so he has to work to get it, and can only have a little at a time.

Hope this helps!