Since area rugs and carpeting can be made from a variety of fibers, it is usually essential to select one that can withstand your pet’s claws. When it comes to the pile of a pet-friendly area rug, we suggest cut pile rugs because they are better for pets than loop piled ones. In addition, loop pile rugs can be ripped easily by a dog or cat — not to mention their claws can get stuck in the loops, potentially causing an injury.
Tip #1: Rug Pile
We suggest that you keep your cut pile low. High-pile area rugs and carpets can trap pet hair and dander, releasing allergies and lowering your home’s air quality. If you decide you'd still prefer a high-pile area rug, we suggest that you make sure to have it cleaned at least once a year.
The best type of pet-friendly area rugs and carpets are extremely durable and stain-resistant. Thanks to modern advances in area rug making technology, there is a wide selection of stain-resistant rug and carpet material designed to hold up to even the toughest wear.
Although there are many good pet-friendly materials, the two best rug materials for pet are synthetics like polypropylene (which is what our Pet Friendly Rugs are made of), or natural materials like wool. Both have their positives and negatives.
- Polypropylene, or olefin rugs, such as our Pet Friendly Rugs are some of the most durable and stain-resistant area rugs for homes with pets.
- Another option to consider is a cowhide rug. While not a traditional area rug material, the texture of cowhide naturally repels pet hair and its durability makes it a great material for homes with pets.
- Natural rug materials such as sisal and jute also generally make for a pet-friendly rugs as they are easy to clean and the sisal rugs will help catch dirt and sand from your pet’s paws. However, it is also important to note that sisal rugs and jute rugs usually tend to display liquid stains so we recommend that you use your best judgment when deciding on sisal rugs or jute rugs for your pet. This means considering how your home tends to function day to day: Are there also kids in the house? Do you have a lot of guests over often? Does spilling occur often? Does your pet have accidents?
- Wool rugs are also always another great option, however they tend to be much more expensive and, while easy to clean, they’re also easy for a dog or cat to rip up and ruin.
We suggest that you stay away from finer materials like silk and wool.
Tip #2: Colors and Patterns
Another important consideration when picking a pet-friendly rug is the color or pattern. Not only will your rug’s color change slightly under different lights, but some colors hide dirt and pet hair much better than others. Your first instinct may be to purchase a dark colored rug to hide dirt and dander, but if your pet has white or light-colored fur/hair this is the complete opposite of what you would want to do. If possible, always lean towards a rug color or pattern that will hide your pet's fur. This means that if your pet has darker fur, go for a darker rug. And if your pet has light or white fur, aim to find the same colors in your next pet-friendly area rug.
While it is true that a light colored rug may show any spills or stains easier than a dark colored rug, generally speaking these stains don't tend to appear as often as your pet's fur will. That being said, if you do get a light-colored area rug, our Pet Friendly Rug's will suit you well because the synthetic fibers within our area rugs will prevent these stains or spills from seeping into the rug. Instead, with a simple cleaning the stains will come right out and so you won't have to worry about any pet stains OR hair showing!
In addition to color, the rug's pattern is equally important. While it can often be tough to pair a certain pattern with the decor of your home, if you can, aim to find a pattern that will suit your home's style as well as your stain-hiding needs. If you have a pet or home where stains and spills are common, aim to find a pattern that will work with you instead of against you. For example, area rugs with a variety of colors are amazing at hiding small stains, while solid color area rugs such as shags, may draw attention directly to the stain. Additionally, repeating patterns and medium to large-sized medallions will stains better and also pet hair.
It is important to note that regardless of what material, style, or color rug you choose, you’ll need to take proper care of it, especially since you have pets in the house. We advise that you vacuum your Pet Friendly Rugs regularly and try to have them professionally cleaned once per year to get rid of all the dander and allergens a regular vacuum can’t get. If you have any large stains or accidents that cannot be tended to at home, it is important to bring your area rug to a reputable and professional area rug washing facility, where they can remove the stains. Please do so before attempting to care for the stain yourself as this could potentially set the stain further -- or worse -- damage your rug.
Keeping these tips in mind we know you’ll pick the perfect, and most appropriate area rug for your pet-friendly home.
If you have any further questions, our experts are always here to help! Please feel free to contact us at info@petfriendlyrugs.com
There are several options to consider when shopping for a pet-friendly rug, so that's why we've eliminated the guess work and created a shop full of only area rugs that are designed to withstand use, and accidents, from your pets! Click here to shop!