Home / Blog / Best Carpet for Pets: Guide to Choosing the Right Pile Type
Best Carpet for Pets: Guide to Choosing the Right Pile Type
CARPET
COMPARISON
FLOORING
INSPIRATION

Best Carpet for Pets: Guide to Choosing the Right Pile Type

Pets bring warmth and joy to your home but also muddy paws, shedding hair, and the occasional accident. Choosing the right carpet pile type is key to keeping your floors looking good while standing up to daily life with dogs or cats.

Here’s our expert guide to loop, twist, and saxony carpets and which is best for pet owners.


 

Table of Contents


 

What Makes a Carpet Pet-Friendly?

Before you choose your pile type, consider these key features for pet-friendly flooring:

  • Durability: Handles claws, play, and foot traffic.

  • Stain resistance: Easier cleanup after accidents.

  • Ease of cleaning: Releases pet hair when vacuumed.

  • Comfort: Cozy for pets to nap on.

  • Hides dirt and hair: Texture or colour that masks mess between cleans.

Browse our full carpet range


 

Loop Pile Carpet

Description:
Loop pile carpets are made with uncut loops of yarn, creating a level, textured surface.

Pros for Pets:

  • Very durable and hard-wearing.

  • Great for high-traffic areas.

  • Easy to vacuum and resists flattening.

Cons for Pets:

  • Loops can snag on cats’ claws or dogs’ nails.

  • Not ideal for homes with scratching cats.

Best For:
Busy entryways, hallways, and stairs in homes with well-trained dogs or lower snag risk.

Browse loop pile carpets

 


 

Twist Pile Carpet

Description:
Twist pile is a type of cut pile where the yarns are twisted tightly before being set.

Pros for Pets:

  • Tightly twisted fibres resist matting from paws.

  • Hides pet hair and minor dirt with its textured look.

  • No loops to snag claws.

  • Often available with stain-resistant treatments.

Cons for Pets:

  • May show shading or footprints in lighter colours.

Best For:
Living rooms, bedrooms, and stairs in busy pet-friendly homes.

Explore twist pile carpets

 


 

Saxony Carpet

Description:
Saxony is a smooth, plush cut pile with uniform height, giving a soft, luxurious feel.

Pros for Pets:

  • Extremely comfortable for lounging.

  • Elegant, classic look.

Cons for Pets:

  • Shows footprints, paw prints, and vacuum lines easily.

  • Long fibres can trap pet hair and dirt more.

  • It may be harder to keep pristine with frequent muddy paws.

Best For:
Low-traffic rooms, formal lounges, bedrooms with calm, well-groomed pets.

Shop saxony carpets

 


 

Pro Tips for Pet Owners

  • Choose stain-resistant treatments for easier cleaning.

  • Mid-tone or patterned carpets hide fur better than very light or dark shades.

  • Vacuum regularly with a pet-specific brush head.

  • Place mats at entrances to catch dirt.

  • Trim pets’ nails to reduce wear on fibres.


 

Final Note: Choose the Best Carpet for Your Pets

The right carpet pile type can make your home both beautiful and practical for pet life.

  • Loop pile: Durable for dogs, but watch for claw snags.

  • Twist pile: Great all-rounder that hides hair and resists wear.

  • Saxony: Plush and elegant, best for lower-traffic pet areas.

Ready to find your perfect match?
Browse our full carpet collection or contact us today for expert advice and free samples.