We think the best floor for pets is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles). LVT floors are finished with a tough, scratch-resistant layer, which resists the constant clatter of claws. This means a good quality LVT floor will last a long time, even with pets. LVT is also waterproof, so whether your cats come charging in from the rain or your dog isn’t house trained, you at least won’t have to worry about the flooring tools! As well as all this, the surface of LVT is kind to your pets by having enough friction for them to charge around on without slipping over.
Engineered and solid wood, are also great for your pets. Natural wood gives a good level of texture, and the finishes have enough friction for safely scampering about. We recommend a satin lacquer finish to offer the most protection against scratches which can be caused by sharp claws. If scratches build up then solid and engineered floors can be refinished to look as good as new. However, real wood floors need to be protected against any messy accidents and puddle-soaked paws as water can damage the wood.
Laminate flooring is good for pet owners, but not so good for pets. It’s tough, and resists scratches and splashes, but the hard melanin surface doesn’t offer much grip for your pets paws which can see them sliding about if they get too excited. Laminate is fine for areas where your pets won’t be spending the majority of their time (or for slow, soft pawed animals) but pet experts recommend against using it throughout the house.
Finally, when it comes to natural carpet, we think it should be avoided. Some textures can catch on claws, the fibres can be worn away by constant scratching, fur will get everywhere and if your pet has an accident it’ll take more than a towel to mop it up! If you’re wanting somewhere comfortable for them to sit, we’d recommend getting a rug to put on your floor – much more manageable to look after!
Regardless of which floor you choose, it’s always best to take a few precautions to make your floor last longer. We’ve got a full explanation of how to look after your floor here but the main points to bear in mind with pets is:
- Claws – trimming your pets claws allows them to move about easier across hard floors and reduces the scratching.
- Door mats – they help take some of the dirt and water off pets feet as they return from their adventures
- Spills and messy accidents – nobody wants this kind of puddle sitting around, but it’s particularly bad if it seeps between your floor boards. Make sure you get your floor clean and dry as soon as you can.
- Hoover – play your part in the on-going battle against stray fur and paw-dirt by hoovering as often as you can.