Jan 18, 2021 | Flooring America
Cats, like all pets, bring so much joy into their owners’ lives. And certainly now, they bring comfort in a time of uncertainty and stress. Of course, sharing your space with a cat (or cats!) also brings up considerations regarding your design choices, especially if you’re looking into purchasing new floors. Thankfully, there are many great options out there for pet owners to explore.
Cats instinctively sharpen their claws. And sharp claws equal scratches on your hardwood floors. That’s why scratch-proof luxury vinyl can be a better choice for places like kitchens, basements, or any room that gets a lot of “paw traffic.” Plus, nowadays, there are so many beautiful styles of vinyl floors, and options for luxury vinyl flooring that does an amazing job of mimicking the look of hardwood, cement, and tile. The durability of vinyl floors is a true relief if you have cats that love to get their scratch on. And the fact that you can still have the stylish floors you want? That only sweetens the deal.
Even the best-trained cats can have accidents inside. And whether it’s your new kitten learning to use a litter box, or you have an older cat with control challenges, cleaning up is also much easier with vinyl floors, which are incredibly moisture and stain-resistant. Vinyl floors are also a great option for ease in sweeping up cat hair. Of course, hardwood floors are easy to sweep as well, but cat urine on a real hardwood floor can cause costly stains if the accident is not dealt with right away. No matter what, if your cat has “accidents” quite often, you’ll want to avoid any flooring with lots of seams. And while you may think carpet is out of the question, these days, you can choose waterproof carpet—so don’t rule it out completely.
For true cat lovers, laminate is always one of the best flooring options out there. Laminate flooring is incredibly durable, and, with proper maintenance, can last for decades. And laminate can be installed with minimal seams, which is a great option for anyone worried about pet accidents that linger. Another nice feature of both laminate and vinyl flooring is that these options can provide a hint of cushion for your cat’s paws. Especially with older cats, this can be a sweet relief.
Tile is another terrific option for cat owners. Tile flooring in a kitchen not only looks beautiful, but it’s easy to sweep and maintain, and to wipe-up stains. In the middle of summer, don’t be surprised if you find your cat splayed out on your cool bathroom tile. Of course, hardwood floors, including bamboo and cork, can work beautifully, too. Just consider your cat’s propensity to scratch—and how well the cat is trained to use the litter box!
Cats, like all pets, can bring about some challenges when it comes to making choices about home renovations and décor. But you can still create a wonderful environment for both you and your favorite feline friend. The knowledgeable experts at your local Flooring America are here to help, so be sure to reach out to them and learn more about all of their various options for pet-friendly floors. Having a home that both you and your cat will love is more than within reach.
