The Best Carpets for Pets

The best carpets for pets withstand stains from accidents or drool, scratch marks, and pet hair. Regular carpet doesn’t last long in a household filled with animals, but there are many pet-proof options available.

What is the best cat friendly carpet?

Are Carpets Safe for Pets?

It’s safe to install carpet if you have pets in your household, but you need to pick a product that’ll live up to your needs. Some carpet materials trap dust and pet dander, worsening allergies in pets and humans. Carpets can also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds affect a pet’s neurological system and can cause skin, eye, and nose irritation.

The best pet-safe carpets have low VOCs, stain resistance, and don’t trap pet dander.

Top Carpet Brands for Pets

The best carpet brands for pets vary in price, warranties, ease of maintenance, and more.


1. STAINMASTER PetProtect Textured Carpet

STAINMASTER PetProtect Textured Carpet is pet-proof, with some options featuring solution-dyed nylon fibers for stain and fade resistance.  

Stainmaster Pet Protect carpet reduces pet odor, but you need to install it with a moisture barrier carpet cushion to prevent accidents from leaking through. Stainmaster also uses anti-static proprietary technology to aid in vacuuming pet hair. 

Pros

  • FHA-approved and CRI Green Label-certified
  • Easy to get rid of pet hair
  • Stain and odor-resistant
  • Variety of styles and patterns
  • Limited warranty available

Cons

  • Premium pet carpets aren’t available

2. LifeProof with Petproof Technology Carpet.

Mohawk Flooring manufactures LifeProof carpets, exclusively sold by Home Depot. LifeProof with Petproof Technology carpet comes with a lifetime pet-stain warranty. Homeowners also get a 25-year wear warranty.

LifeProof with Petproof Technology is stain-resistant and has a higher carpet rating than most competitors. It comes in many designs, colors, loops, and patterns and is affordable at $1.8 to $7.19 per square foot.

Blending nylon and polyester fibers makes LifeProof wear-resistant. It’s also FHA and CRI Green Label Plus approved, making it a low-VOC option.

Pros

  • Over 100 LifeProof carpet designs
  • Mid-range price tag
  • Wear resistant fiber
  • Free Installation through Home Depot

Cons

  • Only available at the Home Depot

3. Proximity Mills.

Proximity Mills features a proprietary design on its machine-washable, pet-proof carpets. It has a collection of 22 designs and colors. Some of its pet-proof carpets are ideal for DIY installation since you don’t need glue or tack strips.

Carpets from Proximity Mills are also low-VOC certified, durable, and stain-resistant. They’re ideal for pets and kids with allergies. 

Some carpets from Proximity Mills are solution-dyed to make them fade-resistant. Depending on the material, prices range from $4 to $8 per square foot. Its price-to-performance ratio accords the brand with many positive reviews. The carpets also include a 20-year warranty, regardless of the material. Besides being low-VOC, this carpet is CRI Green Label Plus certified.

Pros

  • Mold-resistant
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable and easy to clean
  • Impressive warranty

Cons

  • Installation may need an underlay

4. Mohawk SmartStrand Carpet.

SmartStrand is a carpet from Mohawk with built-in stain resistance and soil protection. Mohawk uses natural polymers with fibers made from renewable plant-based ingredients.

SmartStrand doesn’t absorb moisture, and the carpet has a warranty covering all pets. It’s odor-resistant, mold-resistant, mildew-resistant, and the construction withstands crushing or matting. Its Nanoloc™ spill and soil shield make the carpet easy to clean.

Installing the SmartStrand on a 200-square-foot space may cost around $1,825 on the high end.

Pros

  • Softer than nylon
  • Mold and mildew-resistant
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable
  • Stain resistant

Cons

  • More expensive

5. Newton.

Newton Flooring has several pet-proof carpeting options at competitive prices. They sell low-VOC carpets, which are easy to clean. 

Besides being low-VOC, all the brand’s carpets are CRI-certified. There are several color options and design styles for homeowners to choose from. 

Newton’s carpets feature twisted, patterned loops and tip-sheared styles. Most carpets from Newton Flooring are either made of 6.6 nylon or solution-dyed polyester. While both materials are pet-proof, solution-dyed polyester is better at stain resistance.

Pros

  • Low-VOC certified
  • Competitive pricing
  • Easy installation
  • Newton uses hard-wearing materials

Cons

  • The brand’s carpet backing isn’t waterproof

6. Anderson Tuftex Pet Perfect Carpet.

Pet Perfect Carpet is easy to clean, durable, and reduces pet hair and odor. It’s also bleach and fade-resistant.

The Pet Perfect carpet is durable without compromising on comfort. It feels warm and soft underfoot. You can choose from different styles, patterns, and colors.

Pet Perfect Carpet has a  warranty to guarantee its longevity. Anderson Tuftex carpets are made of nylon with built-in stain protection. They’re more expensive than SmartStand or Proximity Mills.

Pros

  • Built-in stain protection
  • Resists pet hair
  • Outstanding comfort and durability
  • Easy to maintain

Cons

  • Pricier

What to Look for in a Pet-Friendly Carpet

There’s more to consider besides price and color when choosing a pet-proof carpet.

Stain Resistance & Longevity

Pet carpets made of 100% polypropylene are the most stain-resistant. High-end carpet brands sell pet-proof options with built-in stain resistance. A pet-friendly carpet should keep its appearance over time. Pet urine, mud, and stains from accidents should also be easy to clean.

Warranty

Check the manufacturer’s warranty conditions before making a purchase. The warranty should cover common forms of carpet damage like crushing and matting. You should also read the fine print to know what voids the warranty.

Carpet Construction

The main carpet piles are cut and loop. Loop pile carpets have fibers tucked from the bottom and looped back in. As the name suggests, the fibers of cut pile carpets are cut, upright, and exposed.

Unlike loop pile carpets, cut piles aren’t prone to pet claws or loosening of the fibers. Cut-pile carpets tend to be more pet-proof than their loop pile options.

Pet-Safe Fiber Material

Pick a fiber material that isn’t prone to pet damage. The most common carpet materials are nylon, olefin, wool, and polyester. Nylon is the most durable and doesn’t keep stains or odors.

Pick a low-pile carpet since it has short fibers and doesn’t trap pet hair and dander.

Carpet Padding

There are three main carpet underlays: foam, rubber, and fiber. Each manufacturer specifies the proper padding for your carpet. Adding an underlay increases the carpet’s lifespan and makes your pet feel more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What are low-VOC carpets?

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. VOCs are chemicals in carpets and other items that lead to poor indoor air quality. A low-VOC carpet emits fewer VOCs.

What’s the softest carpet material?

Wool is the softest natural carpet material. Nylon is the softest synthetic option and is cheaper than wool.

What carpet type is the most comfortable for dogs?

High-pile carpets are the most comfortable for dogs. But, their long fibers trap pet hair and dirt. Consider installing a medium-pile carpet to balance comfort and easy maintenance.

What’s the best carpet to have with cats?

Polyester is ideal for cats. It’s soft, stain-resistant, durable, and cost-effective. You should also go for a cut-pile option instead of a loop-pile.