Best Types of Flooring for Dogs & Cats

Do you have a furry friend? Believe it or not but they can actually benefit your health. For one thing, they can increase your opportunity to get outside and exercise. Studies have shown that playing with them can also decrease blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. On top of that, their companionship can help ward off depression!

Other benefits of owning a pet:

  • They can keep your mind sharp
  • Spending time with a dog or cat can help ward off pain
  • Babies who grow up with a pet are less likely to have allergies
  • They can lower your stress levels
  • They can teach young children responsibility
  • They’re a great companion for those with disabilities
  • They make us feel more secure

Given all that, it’s not surprising to know that so many people have pets in the U.S. For those who’re interested in numbers, it’s said that 67% of all households own a pet. That’s around 85 million families!

Drawbacks of Having Dogs and Cats

At the same time, however, there are a few potential drawbacks. For one thing, they can damage your property. Take cats, for example—they can scratch up your furniture. As for dogs, they tend to chew (this is a problem especially with puppies). Don’t forget, potty accidents are also a thing. That would leave you with a mess that you’d have to clean up! Odors can be problematic as well.

On top of all that, there’s a possibility that they’ll disturb your neighbors. For instance, it’s not uncommon for dogs with separation anxiety to bark and howl when they’re left alone. Fortunately, this isn’t usually an issue with cats.

Choosing a Flooring Type When You’ve Got a Pet

Planning on upgrading your floors? There are several things that you want to consider if you share your home with a dog or cat. Remember, they’ll be walking around in the house too! The last thing that you want is to get something that can be easily ruined. Fortunately, there are many options out there that are worth considering. We’ll be going over some of the best ones below. Keep reading to find out what they are! 

Which Floors NOT to Get

Let’s start by taking a look at the no-nos. These are the floor types that you want to avoid if you have a dog or cat.

Carpet

Does it surprise you that carpet’s on this list? Sure, it might be soft and cushiony, which your pet might enjoy, but it’s also a fur magnet. That is, fur will get trapped within the fibers. Add dust into the equation and you can easily see how it can be a problem! Every time you walk on the carpet, allergens, and dust will be released into the air, which can provoke allergic reactions such as sneezing or coughing. In some cases, it can even trigger asthma! 

Sure, you can “fix” the problem with vacuuming, but you’ll have to do it regularly to keep things under control. As you can imagine, that can be tedious. Remember, just because you don’t see fur and dust, doesn’t mean that they’re not there!

And another thing—carpet flooring can also tore ticks, fleas, and other pests that your furry friend may bring into the house!

Solid Hardwood

Hardwood floors can be a great addition to any home—if you don’t have any pets. If you have a dog or a cat, you’ll want to reconsider. For one thing, their nails can easily dig into the material, which can cause permanent dents and scratches. Spilled food or water can also seep into the planks if left for long periods of time. Not to mention that urine can damage the finish of the floorboards!

Damage aside, your pet may also have trouble getting their footing. That is, they’ll be more likely to slip, which can lead to accidents in the house.

The 6 Best Flooring Types For Dogs and Cats

Now that we’ve gone over what not to get, let’s take a look at some of the better options.

1. Cork

Cork is often considered one of the best floorings for pets. One of the main reasons is because it’s antimicrobial. That is, it’ll keep your home free of bacteria, mold, and other allergens. Not only that, but it’s fairly resistant to damage. Don’t get me wrong, it can still be scratched, but it likely won’t become as damaged as say, hardwood. On top of all that, it’s resistant to water. So you won’t have to worry too much about spills or potty accidents as long as you clean it up immediately.

Other benefits of cork floors:

  • It provides a comfortable cushion underfoot
  • It’s a good insulator for both heat and sound
  • It can be refinished periodically just like hardwood
  • It’s environmentally friendly and biodegradable
  • Installation is easy

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is a great option due to its durability. Not only is it strong, but it’s hard too. As a result, it can withstand more abuse than other materials. In addition to that, it’s resistant to water to some degree. So you won’t have to worry about it staining or warping with spills. Having said that, moisture can seep in over time so it’s important to wipe up any messes as soon as possible.

Another benefit is that it’s eco-friendly. Unlike hardwood, bamboo is a highly renewable resource that can reach maturity in just a few years. The fact that it’s made from natural vegetation also makes it attractive. If anything, the use of natural materials is becoming more of a trend in recent years.

Other benefits of bamboo floors:

  • It’s relatively easy to maintain with regular vacuuming and mopping
  • Bamboo can be refinished to give it a “new” look
  • It has a trendy, distinct look

3. Tile

Tile floors work well with pets of all ages. They’re stain-resistant, water-resistant, and very easy to clean. On top of all that, they’re extremely tough so scratches won’t be a problem. If anything, they’re ideal for those with allergies as tiles do not hold onto or attract animal dander and dust. Even if they do land on the surface, you can easily wipe them away with a cloth or sponge.

Other benefits of tile floors:

  • Tiles are available in a variety of colors and patterns
  • There are different materials that you can choose from (e.g. marble, ceramic, etc)
  • Tile flooring is generally affordable compared to other options

The only thing is that they tend to get cold—something that your pet might not appreciate during the winter. Fortunately, you can fix that by providing them with a soft bed or rug to lie down on. It’s also possible to install a heating system underneath, though that will cost extra.

4. Laminate

Laminate is another great choice for pet owners. It’s hard, durable, and resistant to stains. Having said that, scratches are a possibility, though they won’t be as noticeable. It might be a bit slippery for their furry paws, but you can always get it textured, which will provide them with some extra traction. On top of all that, it’s easy to clean. You don’t have to do much besides vacuuming and mopping.

Other benefits of laminate:

  • Most come with a click-and-lock system, which makes them very easy to install
  • They come in various colors and finishes
  • Cheaper than solid hardwood

Just keep in mind that water can leak through, given the chance. That’s why it’s important to prevent standing pools of water. Another thing is that it cannot be refinished like solid hardwood. Once it wears down, you’ll have to replace it entirely.

5. Vinyl

Vinyl is ideal for several reasons. Not only is it resistant to scratches and stains, but it’s also waterproof. In other words, you won’t have to worry even if your furry friend has an accident in the house. You can just wipe it off with a clean cloth! That’s not all, it provides a comfortable underfoot as well—that is, it won’t get cold during the winter. To top it all off, it’s inexpensive. Depending on what you get, it can be as low as $0.50 per square foot.

Other benefits of vinyl flooring:

  • Vinyl is a highly durable material that can last up to 20 years if maintained properly
  • Vinyl planks and tiles are very easy to install as long as the subfloor is dry and level

Like most materials, however, it does have a couple of drawbacks. For one thing, it tends to release volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which can cause eye irritation and respiratory problems. Second of all, it’s not biodegradable. In fact, it can take a long time to break down. Because of this, it can take up room in landfills.

6. Rubber

Rubber is the material of choice for most doggy daycares. It makes sense when you think about it—not only is it resistant to moisture, but it’s also soft, and easy to clean. On top of that, it provides traction so that your furry friend will be less likely to trip!

Other benefits of rubber floors:

  • It’s soft underfoot, which is comfortable for pets
  • Offers great noise absorption
  • Comes in a variety of styles and colors
  • Naturally resistant to mold and mildew

As far as cons go, it can have a “rubbery” smell. Fortunately, it tends to go away with time. In some cases, detergents can also discolor the surface.

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