Tiddles - The Carpet Destroyer
In the UK, 59% of the population have a pet of some kind, with dogs being the most popular at 33%, followed by felines at 27%. It means there is the potential for an awful lot of paws and claws walking across your new carpet. So what do you then when you have a pet, and you need a new carpet? We find out here in our short guide to buying a new carpet when you have a pet.
Do you have a pet?
At Archway Carpets, we offer free, no-obligation consultations – either at your home or dwelling or by video. One of the first questions Darrell or Graham will ask is, do you have pets? It’s one of the first because it will determine what kind of carpet we suggest.
Cormar Carpets - Southwold Chilton Canvas
The rule of thumb is to avoid looped carpets. Looped carpet is where a single fibre is looped in construction, producing tiny loops as the name suggests. Our friends at Cormar Carpets have this to say about this kind of carpet:
Loop pile carpets are great for creating a classic, rustic, country-style or providing a more contemporary look. Loop pile carpets are usually made in a choice of plain coloured, textured or level pile surfaces, as well as striped designs.
However, they go on to say that ‘it should be noted that loop pile carpets don’t always work well with pets and especially cat’s claws, or abrasive shoes as these can pull out the loops’. Nevertheless, the effect is not too dissimilar to a cut thread appearing from the fabric of your favourite woolly jumper, although on a grande, potentially more expensive scale.
Cut pile carpet to the rescue!
Exquisite Velvet by Westex with Fresh Guard (Neutralises pet odours)
The best carpet for pets is a cut pile carpet. Instead of loops, cut pile carpets are manufactured by cutting the yarn loops, which produces an upright pile. Not only is it considered to be softer underfoot, it means paws and claws have less to latch on to substantially avoiding any pulled threads.
Cut pile carpets are made using wool, synthetic fibres or a mix of both, with all options working with pets. However, little accidents can happen - particularly with new pets - so most synthetic carpets are advertised as 'bleach cleanable. That said, wool carpets still have their place should you prefer something natural underfoot and claw. This is because wool contains a natural oil called lanolin which coats the fibres and protects them from dirt, pet poo or wee. Often, accidents can be dealt with immediately (see our earlier blog here for tips), but we always suggest talking to a professional carpet cleaner like UK Carpet Care if you're unsure on how to proceed. To see Darrell talking to UK Carpet Care owner, Rob Reeve please click here to watch The Carpet Guy.
We hope you find this useful. If you have any more detailed questions or if you would like to talk to us about any aspect of carpet and flooring, please contact us here.
