How to Pick the Purr-Fect Flooring When You Have a Pet

Hard-wearing doesn’t have to mean settling for something that’s not your style. From luxury vinyl tiles to stain resistant carpets, there are options to suit all homes and tastes – and all creatures great and small from your feline friend to your top dog.

But what specific qualities should pet owners look for in a floor? Consider this your pet-friendly flooring guide.

Resistance is key

86% of our readers prefer hard-wearing and stain-resistant flooring. But which materials are the most resistant to scratches and damage where our furry family members are concerned? “You may think that pets and carpets don’t go hand in hand,” says Jemma Dayman, carpet buyer for Carpetright, “But with so many carpets now available with stain-resistant fibres, you and your pet can enjoy the comfort and softness of carpet, with the peace of mind that it’ll stay looking great.”

Decide if you want carpet or hard floors

If you prefer a hard floor, there are plenty of solid options, too. “Laminate, vinyl, LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) or engineered wood are great for pets as they are really easy to keep clean,” says Jemma. “Many laminate and LVT ranges also have scratch-resistant-wear layers for extra protection against pet claws and LVT are particularly durable and water resistant.”