Best Carpets for Homes with Pets (Cats & Dogs)

Pets are part of the family, but they can wreak havoc on floors. From muddy paws to 'accidents' and claw scratching, you need a carpet that fights back.

Rule #1: Avoid Loop Pile carpets if you have cats or dogs with claws. Their claws can easily catch in the loops, pulling the thread and 'zippering' the carpet across the room. Always choose a 'Cut Pile' (Twist or Saxony) where the tufts are cut at the top, giving nothing for claws to hook into.

Stain resistance is your next priority. Look for 100% polypropylene carpets. The fiber does not absorb moisture (it's essentially plastic), meaning urine and mud sit on the surface rather than soaking in. Most can be cleaned with a dilute bleach solution, sanitizing the area completely.

Colorwise, match your pet! If you have a golden retriever, a black carpet is a nightmare. A heathered beige or fawn will hide the shedding hair much better between vacuums. If you have a black lab, go for a darker charcoal grey.

Patterned carpets are also excellent at hiding 'traffic lanes' from muddy garden runs. A subtle fleck or stripe can mask a multitude of sins until you have time to get the carpet cleaner out.