Have you recently welcomed a dog into your life? Or maybe your cat has had its way with your carpet and you're in need of a pet-friendly renovation?

If you've got pets, then you'll know that with great cuteness comes great responsibility. Choosing suitable flooring for pets is a must. And of course, style is important. This is why we have put together the ultimate list of the best flooring for pets. They look good while also being practical for pet owners. We can't tell you how to look after your pets, but we can tell you about the one thing we know better than anybody else: flooring, because choosing the right floor for your pet is important. So, let's explore the best flooring for pets.

How to choose the right flooring for dogs and cats

As cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the UK, we would be foolish to not give them a bone when it comes to what to consider when choosing your flooring. Before picking the best flooring for dogs and cats, consider:

  • Scratch resistance
  • Durability
  • Water resistance
  • Maintenance

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

We think the best floor for dogs and other 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 floor! As well as this, the surface of LVT is kind to your pets by having enough friction for them to charge around on without slipping over.

Luxury vinyl floors are the best flooring for dogs and other pets because they are:

  • Scratch-resistant
  • Waterproof
  • Slip-resistant
  • Easy to clean

 

Engineered and solid wood flooring

Engineered and solid wood floors, 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.

Engineered wood flooring is good for dogs because:

  • It has texture, so it slip-resistant
  • Their finish protects against scratches
  • It is durable and hardwearing

 

Laminate floors

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 their 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.

If you are opting for laminate flooring in your home with pets, we recommend adding a rug with slip-proof matt beneath it. This will be great for any excitable pets who may find themselves potentially slipping. Explore our rugs available to order online.

 

What flooring is not suitable for pets?

We recommend avoiding carpet when looking for the best flooring for dogs and cats. 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.

Visit our floor installation and maintenance advice for everything you need to know about protecting your flooring.

Summary and further advice

We now see there are many different types of flooring that are suitable for pets. You just need to decide which one is best for your home. We offer plenty of advice and guidance on flooring. Check out our flooring guides hub today.

Related - Kid Friendly Flooring.

 

A cat laying on a wooden floor