Which is the best carpet for homes with cats?

If you have feline family members, you will know that cats just love to scratch. It is vital that cats have somewhere to scratch, as this helps them to relax and is necessary for keeping their claws in tip-top condition. They also have glands in their paws and like to leave their scent on their territory. Adding a couple of scratching posts to your home can help to direct your cats to scratch-appropriate surfaces, as it is not ideal when your beloved cat starts scratching your carpet. There are also the issues of grubby paws traipsing in from outdoors and the hair that gathers in your pet’s favourite chilling-out spots, so let’s take a look at the best carpets for homes with cats.

Choose cut pile, not loop

Loop carpets are not a great match for sharp claws, as there is much more scope for the claws to get caught. Cut pile carpets don’t have this problem. While cats might still scratch at cut pile carpets, there is much less danger of the snagging that will ruin the appearance of your carpet. If your cat does attack a section of carpet – stairs are often popular spots – and it looks a little dishevelled, you can often pull out any loose fibres or snip off pulled threads with a pair of sharp scissors. Dense pile carpets are much more forgiving.

Steer away from light colours and embrace patterns

It goes without saying that a light cream carpet will quickly start to look dirty if your cat is walking over it with muddy or wet paws. Darker colours are far more forgiving; however, if you don’t want a dark carpet and are set on lighter colours, a patterned carpet with a variety of different shades can be a great compromise. Patterns such as stripes are excellent at disguising grubby patches and are less likely to show cat hair, which is perfect if you don’t have the time or inclination to vacuum every couple of days.

Opt for synthetic fibres

Synthetic carpets are great for homes with cats, as they tend to be tough, durable, and easy to maintain. They are available at a range of price points and the quality today is excellent, no matter what style you are looking for. Tough synthetic fibres stand up well to scratching, with many brands also offering great stain resistance.