The Best Carpet for Pets: Types and Trends

Carpet is a good option for floor covering in homes with pets. Whether our pets are small or big, well behaved or mischievous, there are carpets that will be safe, warm and comfortable for them and easy for you to maintain.

When we buy a carpet for ourselves, we are guided by its pattern and size that fit in our livin space. Things are different if we have a pet. We have to take care of various aspects. Does it absorb liquid? Is it easy to wash and vacuum? Is it durable and odor resistant? Is there even such a carpet or should I just put vinyl or laminate?

Although at first it seems that with the Dog and the Cat in the house we can forget about carpets, things are different. There are 5 friendly carpets completely suitable for pets. So let’s see what kind of “magic carpets” are there that can deal with all these problems.

Pet-friendly carpets

Pet-friendly formulas in the carpet world balance all aspects of that “turbulent relationship” between floor coverings, Dogs and Cats. Such carpets are comfortable and safe for our pets, but at the same time our carpets are also safe from pets.

Carpet flooring has the common characteristic of being warm, comfortable and easy on the joints. This is something we want both for ourselves and for the animals we live with. Additional safety is provided by coatings that do not contain chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The best pet rug will be one of these safer choices.

On the other hand, carpets are threatened by claws, stains, urine, shedding and potential animal disobedience even when it comes to “good boys and girls”. Let’s not talk about average pets. They all have claws and love to run. That’s why the carpet must be strong enough to support the extra weight and resist scratching.

There are synthetic carpets on the market that are highly resistant to wear and stains. They withstand the constant movement of pets or the sharpening of their claws, they provide protection against the penetration of liquids and stains without losing their original appearance and texture. Nylon carpets repel liquids and are therefore highly stain resistant.

The urine of dogs and cats contains nitrates, which penetrate deep into normal carpet substrates and create lasting odors. That is why the best choice is a carpet that comes with a resistant substrate or carpet base. They are similar to vinyl underlays and are placed under carpet for added support and security. 

Regardless of carpets designed to be five-friendly, regular maintenance is key. Regular vacuuming with vacuum cleaners of sufficient power and attachments that penetrate everywhere and collect the smallest dirt. Occasional deep washing is also important in order to keep everything clean, healthy and comfortable for both owners and pets.

What types of carpet fibers and underlays are not recommended

There are two basic types of fibers, cut or low pile carpet and loop carpet. Each fiber of the cut carpet is cut to a certain height while the pile fibers are looped into the backing. Pile carpets are more durable but not suitable for pets. Their claws can easily get tangled in the fibers, so the damage can be mutual, both to the carpet and to the paws. Carpets with low flora are easier to vacuum because the hair stays on the surface.

That’s why cut rugs are a better choice. There are also low-pile carpets whose loops are small, so they can pose a lower risk of claws getting stuck. They can also be taken into account when choosing the best carpet for our pets.

Self-installing carpets such as carpet tiles are not a good solution, although they are cheaper to install. The joints between the tiles may not be visually noticeable, but they exist and can allow urine to penetrate the subfloor under the carpet, which can create additional costs.

Best setup options

The carpet price range offers two installation options, cheap and replaceable or durable and stain resistant. It seems to us that the most important factor here is the size of our pet.

There are inexpensive carpets that cost less than a dollar per square. If we have small pets that won’t make a big mess this can be a legitimate option. The lifespan of such carpets is from five to ten years, and maintenance is somewhat more difficult than carpets designed to be pet-friendly.

Permanent stain-resistant carpets require a larger investment but offer more convenience. It will last for sure 2 or 3 decades and will be much easier to maintain while providing protection to the coating underneath. If we have large animals that have larger claws, this choice is almost necessary. 

Cheaper carpets will not support their weight and all other activities. This kind of investment can avoid the costs of deterioration and more frequent spoiling of new carpets. Thus, the initial larger investment will save us money.

Pet-friendly Carpets Trends in 2024

In the ever-evolving world of home design, welcoming our furry friends into the heart of our living spaces is more important than ever. As we step into 2024, pet-friendly carpets continue to embrace a perfect blend of functionality and style. Let’s delve into the latest trends shaping pet-friendly carpets for the upcoming year.

Wool: Luxurious, naturally stain resistant and durable but expensive. Good for pets (permanent!) but bad for high water absorption.

Nylon: The strongest carpets, resistant to stains and scratches. Great for pets (durable and easier to clean than wool). More expensive than polyester, but cheaper than wool.

Dupont Sorona: Carpets of the future! Recycled materials, less emissions and chemicals. Super stain resistant and durable – ideal for homes with pets.

Conclusion

The best pet rugs are synthetic rugs that do not contain harmful chemicals, are staple fibers, and are stain and wear resistant. They require a larger investment during installation, but it is saved in the long run because they can last for a couple of decades. Whether our pets are calm or mischievous, small or large, regular maintenance of such carpets, which includes vacuuming and occasional deep washing, creates a healthy home that is comfortable for both owners and animals.