Best Carpet for Pets

Carpet is great for both cats and dogs. It provides a comfortable spot for naps. It’s skid-free, so it’s easier to walk on. Carpet also absorbs sound and holds heat.

Choosing the fiber and durability of your carpet will depend on your type of pet. Bigger pets wear out a carpet quicker than small ones do. Either a cat or a dog can stain carpet. The overall impact a cat or dog has on carpet can differ, depending on their size, energy level and how much time they spend outside.

Because dogs go outside on a regular basis, they can track in dirt and mud. Cats who spend time both indoors and outside can also bring in dirt, though usually in smaller volumes. Cats claw and scratch at carpet. Dogs like to dig into the carpet and can snag it on their nails. Both cats and dogs go through periods where they run through the house, tearing carpet as they go. Both shed fur and dander, requiring you to vacuum often. For either pet, high-traffic carpet options are good choices.

Carpets are made from a variety of natural and synthetic fibers. The most popular are wool, nylon, triexta, olefin or polyester. Some of these materials can be more durable and stain-resistant than others.

• Wool naturally repels moisture and resists stains. Wool is soft, dyes well and comes in a wide range of decor colors. It’s woven tightly and stands up to light or medium traffic. Wool is long-lasting but requires a significantly higher investment than most other fibers. Wool can’t be treated with with stain-resistant products, so accidents and spills need to be cleaned up right away.
• Nylon is a popular choice for homes with pets. It is very durable and less likely to fade. Nylon carpet resists moisture and works well in high traffic situations. Nylon handles pet stains and odors well. It holds up to abrasions and defies snags. It is budget-friendly and can look like wool.
• Triexta is a newer fiber that is specifically made to resist stains. It does not absorb water. This carpet resembles nylon, but is softer underfoot. A very dense fabric, it is low maintenance and requires thorough vacuuming. Triexta is budget-friendly but may not be as durable as other fibers.
• Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its soft, dense and deep pile. It’s more budget-friendly than nylon, but less durable. Polyester works well as a medium traffic carpet but doesn’t stand up to a lot of wear and tear.
• Olefin is usually used for outdoor rugs. Made from plastic, it can look like wool and resists pilling. It is great for high traffic conditions. Carpet made from olefin fiber has a short, dense pile and a rough feel. Low loops and durability make it is a good choice for active households. Olefin is very budget friendly, hard to stain, easy to clean and doesn’t fade.
  People who have big, messy pets often prefer olefin carpet.

The loops of fiber in a carpet is called the pile. Long pile carpet is deep and luxurious. Low pile is made of short loops or fibers. Pile snags and tears from nails and claws are a common complaint from pet owners. Short, closed loops are the only looped carpet that should be considered for pets. If the loop is too long, pets can claw or dig into it. This can result in rips and tears. Cut pile styles and tight weaves are best when living with dogs or cats.

Two common types of wear-resistant carpet pile are:

• Frieze pile: Made of tightly twisted fibers that are thin and long. Frieze carpets are tightly woven and resemble the knobby look of shag carpeting. They have an interesting texture, are soft and hide dirt.
• Saxony pile: Tightly woven, durable and snag-resistant pile. Popular and classic looking, Saxony pile is cut at an angle to be very dense and soft. It can be a low pile carpet and is ideal for concealing stains and wear.

Stain resistance and durability are essential to choosing the best carpet for pets.

• Pet accidents happen. Stain-resistant carpet stops and prevents stains and odors. It stops liquids like drool and urine from penetrating into the fiber and padding. It also makes a carpet easier to clean. However, the stain protection can wear away. Except for wool, additional treatments can be added to carpets.
• Dogs and cats can dig at or scratch carpet. The durability of a carpet is based on both the material and structure. The more yarn per square inch and the denser the weave, the better the carpet will hold up. If a quality carpet is made from wool or nylon, it can last and look great for years.

Certain chemicals or treatments may not be good for your cat or dog. Some carpets can give off volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These gases can cause pets to have skin reactions, neurological problems, nose or eye irritations and other health issues. Choose pet-friendly carpet options such as natural fibers like wool or certified low VOC fibers and adhesives.

There are several low to medium pile carpet types that will work well with most any pet. The best carpet for pets will handle everything from stains to snagging. If you'd rather have the confidence of a specialty product, several carpet manufacturers have created options just for pets. For example, LifeProof with PetProof technology carpet can handle all the rigors of pet life. Triexta carpet resists soil, stains and odor. It also has pet-friendly permanent stain and soil protection.