Did you know that more than 50% of us have at least one dog or cat living in the home? That’s an extremely high number! With that in mind, it’s important to choose the right carpet for your home not only for the humans, but also your pets. You need a balance of comfort, durability, and stain resistance. Carpets that are easy to clean and can withstand claws, accidents, and pet hair are essential. This guide will walk you through the best carpet materials, pile types, and colors for homes with pets.
Many people think that carpets and pets can’t coexist but the trick is to carefully select a carpet that will suit the needs of yourself as well as your four legged friends. Keep reading to find a few of our tips and tricks.
Fibre
Not all carpet fibers are created equal, especially when pets are involved. Here’s a breakdown of the best materials to consider for pet-friendly homes:
- Nylon – Nylon is one of the most durable carpet materials available. It’s known for its strength and resilience, making it ideal for homes with pets. It’s resistant to crushing from pet traffic and handles wear and tear well. Nylon also tends to be stain-resistant, especially when treated, and it’s easy to clean.
- Polyester – Polyester is another excellent option, primarily because it’s inherently stain-resistant. It doesn’t absorb moisture easily, which can help with pet accidents. However, polyester isn’t as durable as nylon, and it may not hold up as well to high-traffic areas or larger pets.
- Wool – Wool is a natural and luxurious carpet material, making it a great choice for humans and your four-legged friends. This natural fibre is durable, hypoallergenic and stain resistant.
- Wool/ Nylon Blend – A great choice for those with pets who also don’t want to compromise on the luxury of wool carpet. Blending the two fibres creates a carpet that is durable, resilient, resistant to stains and imprints.
Pile
Pile refers to the length and density of the fibers in your carpet. The type of pile can determine how pet-friendly your carpet is. Here are the two most common pile types for homes with pets:
- Low-Pile Carpets – Low-pile carpets have short, tightly woven fibres. This type of carpet is ideal for homes with pets because it’s more resistant to dirt, dust, and pet hair. It’s also easier to clean and less likely to trap allergens. With pets, a tightly woven low-pile carpet can also prevent claws from snagging on the fibers
- Cut Pile (Plush) – Cut pile carpets are soft and luxurious, but they might not be the most practical choice for pet owners. The long, loose fibers can trap hair, dander, and dirt. However, some cut-pile carpets made from durable materials like nylon can still work well in homes with pets
- Berber (Loop Pile) – Berber carpets are made with looped fibres that can stand up to heavy foot (and paw) traffic. However, this type of carpet may not be ideal for homes with cats or dogs that like to dig or claw, as their claws can get caught in the loops. If you prefer Berber, look for a variant with smaller loops to reduce the chance of snags.
Colour
The colour of your carpet can impact how well it hides pet hair, dirt, and stains.
- Neutral Colours – Neutral tones like beige, grey, or taupe can hide pet hair, dirt, and minor stains. These colours are also timeless and blend well with most décor styles
- Flecked or Patterned Carpets – Carpets with patterns or mixed colours can be great for hiding pet hair and stains. The variations in colour can make messes less noticeable between cleanings
- Avoid White or Light Colours – While light-coloured carpets can brighten up a room, they’re not the best choice for pet owners. White or very light carpets can show stains, dirt, and pet hair more prominently.
Maintenance
Even with the most pet-friendly carpet, regular maintenance is key to keeping your home clean and odor-free. Vacuum your carpet frequently to pick up pet hair and dander. Spot clean accidents as soon as they happen to prevent stains from setting in, and consider professional deep cleaning at least once or twice a year.
Conclusion
When choosing a carpet for a home with pets, focus on durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. Nylon, polyester, and Triexta are the best carpet materials for homes with pets, while low-pile or cut-pile carpets offer the most practical options for pet owners. Look for carpets with built-in stain-resistant treatments, and choose colors that hide dirt and hair well. With the right carpet, you can enjoy a beautiful, comfortable home that’s also pet-friendly.