Our pets are part of the family, and many of us create our homes with them in mind. When it comes to choosing a pet friendly rug, there are various things to consider. Whether you have a cat, dog or even a house rabbit, you need to find a rug that can endure daily life with a furry friend, and is suitable for their lifestyle and wellbeing too.

But how do you find pet friendly rugs that are both practical and stylish? Read on to discover our top tips, including ways to help you find a rug that will camouflage any dog or cat hairs, or a rug that doesn't allow your pet to bite or scratch it to shreds…

Cats are infamously known for scratching carpets and furniture so you need to make sure you invest in the right type of carpet that won't be too attractive for cats!

Tip #1: Opt for a Low-Pile Rug

When choosing a pet friendly rug, you want to avoid adding to the amount of fluff in your home. The best option here is to choose a low pile rug.  Rugs of this type are easier to maintain and receive much less damage from whiskers and claws. Higher pile and fluffy rugs give many pets the opportunity to dig and bury things within them, plus they can shed more, adding to the amount of hoovering you need to do in your home. A low pile rug is the most practical option when it comes to pet friendly home décor.

Tip #2: Go for a High-Quality Material

Finding the right material to suit your pet can be difficult, but wool is an excellent choice. It is easy to maintain and clean, which is crucial in a household with pets. It is also very durable and long-lasting, ensuring it stands the test of time, even with multiple pets at home. Opt for a wool fibre rug instead of a man made material - not only do wool rugs look high quality, they are also super soft under foot, or paw and are made to last. 

Tip #3: Consider Patterns

Small patterns are a key disguise. Accidents happen at the best of times and even more so with pets, so stains are inevitable. Search smaller patterned rugs that will help disguise any stains better than a block colour neutral rug. Of course you want to avoid mishaps and staining to your rug, but with careful planning ahead, you can ensure if this does happen, you won’t have to start thinking about replacing your rug. 

Tip #4: Choose a Colour that works for your Pet's Fur

This might seem obvious, but often how much a rug will show up fur is overlooked. You will create a lot more work for yourself if you choose a rug that shows up every tiny little strand, requiring daily hoovering or brushing. If your pet has light fur, choose light coloured rugs, and vice versa. With so many designs to choose from, you’re sure to find something to suit your home décor as well as your pet’s fur colour. 

Tip #5: Consider your Pet's Health

If your pet has allergies or is prone to sneezing and wheezing, think about the type of rug that would be best for them. This is something few of us might consider, but if you choose a rug that sheds easily or has short strands that might float in the air when the pile is disturbed, this could make the environment uncomfortable for your furry friend. Shaggy rugs are best avoided. Instead choose a high quality low pile rug that won’t shed and cause discomfort. 

Tip #6: Style Matters Too

It might not matter to your pet, but of course you want to style your home in a way that you love. You might have a certain look in mind, or an interior scheme that you want to stick to, but feel like you may not be able to find a rug that works with your scheme, and your pet. Of course it’s important to consider your pet when it comes to designing your home, but this doesn’t mean you should have to compromise on style. The best place to start is by shopping with a brand that offers a wide variety of rugs, so that you can find a piece that suits all of your needs. 

Tip #7: Durability is Key

When we update our home, the last thing we want is to find that the pieces we invested in aren’t fit for purpose and need replacing in a matter of months or years. When looking for a rug to suit your home, and more specifically your pets, always look at high quality pieces. Rugs made from cheap fabrics, or even cheaply made aren’t going to last well, especially in high traffic areas. Choose to buy a rug from a reputable brand, and look out for handcrafted pieces made from high quality materials that will last well. 

One of our best tips when considering the durability of rugs when pets are involved is to invest in a washable rug. These rugs, whilst looking amazing, are made from 100% synthetic materials which means they can be placed in the washing machine to remove any stains without fuss. Easy, right?

Tip #8: Consider Use

When choosing a rug for your home, you might go straight to thinking about how it will work for your pet, but stop and think about how and where you will use the rug in your home. Are you planning on placing it in a room that your pet doesn’t go into often, or might it become a favourite spot to sleep for your furry friend? Pausing and considering how the rug will be used might change the decision you make. If your pet won’t be walking across or laying on the rug much, perhaps you might have more options available, such as shaggy rugs or a longer pile. 

As you can see, there are many ways in which you can ensure your home is pet friendly and works for the whole family. Pet friendly rugs are a must, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Browse our collection of pet friendly rugs - we have a huge range of designs to choose from, including dark and light shades, patterns and rugs made from high quality materials such as wool.