Pet owners in the market to buy a carpet should focus on two things: durability and stain resistance. If you have indoor pets, accidents are bound to happen and the additional four-legged traffic can cause extra wear and tear on the flooring in your home. As much as we love them, our pets will reduce the lifespan of any kind of flooring we have in our homes.
So why is carpet the preferred type of flooring for pet owners? Well, for one thing, wall to wall carpeting is simply more comfortable for your pets. They spend a lot of their day lounging around on the floor, and we pet owners can’t help but spoil them.
Carpet also has the advantage of being slip-resistant, making it safer for pets. Pets have footpads that can easily slide across a hardwood or tile surface. Carpet can also absorb sound and shock, making your home quieter and more peaceful.
Have we sold you on carpet yet? If so, read on to learn how to pick a pet-friendly carpet.
The Materials
Most carpets are made either from wool or synthetic fibers like nylon. Out of all these materials, wool is the most luxurious and the softest. It is also a natural flame retardant and can be broken down easily in landfills. However, wool carpeting is more expensive than synthetic fibers and does not resist stains as well as synthetic fibers.
Carpeting made from synthetic fibers like nylon are popular because they are stain resistant, affordable, and durable. For these reasons and more, synthetic carpeting is often the carpet of choice for households with pets and/or children. Polyester and olefin are two other popular synthetic fibers used to make carpets. Be warned, although they are less expensive than nylon, they are not as durable.
Carpets Designed With Pets in Mind
There are some carpet manufacturers that have started developing carpets that are specifically designed for pets. These carpets prevent pet stains from being able to soak through onto the padding of the carpet. Left unchecked, this moisture can breed mold and bacteria growth. Be prepared to pay a little extra for these pet carpets.
Carpet tiles are another option for pet owners. Individual sections of your carpet that have been damaged can be replaced, rather than replacing your entire floor. This will help save you money and increase the overall lifespan of your carpeting.
After you have installed your pet-friendly carpet, it is important to keep it clean. Keeping your carpet clean and dry will prevent mold growth and prevent allergies. Be sure to vacuum regularly and consider hiring a carpet cleaning service at least once a year.