Are there certain types of carpets that are more 'cat-proof' than others?

Question

We want to re-carpet our house. Our cat has destroyed the looped carpet that we have throughout the house, particularly on the stairs. So I was wondering if anyone could advise me on a particular type of carpet that is a bit more cat claw resistant than others?

We provide scratch mats for our cat which he uses, but he also unfortunately uses particular steps on the stairs too.....

Answer 1

What a bunch of cat-haters!  Yes, you have options.  Get a cut pile, which means the loops have been cut so they won't catch on your cat's nails.  If your cat likes particular stairs, buy some bitter apple spray and spray them.  You can also put a scratch mat on "his" stairs, at least for awhile.  It's possible he won't return to the same places since they will look and smell different to him.

It's not hard to cut your cat's nails.  If he's not used to it, get someone to hold him by the scruff while you clip them.  Do it once a week or two and even if he claws, it won't do damage.

Answer 2

High quality Berber carpets seem to stand up reasonably well to cat scratching (but we're talking big bucks and the lesser quality ones are probably no better than your average looped carpet). You could also try an indoor/outdoor carpet.

Another option (and I'm sooooooo glad you're not considering de-clawing) is to see if your cat will tolerate  nail caps. They're just little rubber caps that fit over your cat's claws. I included a link to an article describing them. Granted, it is from some seller's website, but you can pretty much pick them up at any pet store (I'm not selling anything here, just trying to offer alternatives).  

Good luck!

Answer 3

Get rid of the cat.......What?????????? It would save you money. By the way cat lover below, its laminated.....How comes Emmaxx is getting more thumbs down than me? Give me a thumbs up Emma!!!!!.........Get a dog!!!!!!!!!!!....EyJude....its your lot doing the thumbs down, lighten up people it is cyberspace you know.

Answer 4

What is this ... a contest to see who can get the most thumbs down???

Burber carpet runs when one of the loops are pulled.

So I would think a plush ... not the ones that have the loops

would be best.

I provide my cats with the back side of carpet to claw on they seem to like that side the best... rough I guess.  I staple it to one of those foot rest that you can open and put stuff inside.  You might put a small strip of it on the stairs just for them to scratch.

My other consern is the color... not kind.

When they hork up something ... I want carpet that will not stain.

Most carpet now is nylon so that does pretty good... but I dont' know about white carpet.

good luck

Answer 5

get something with a lower, tighter pile. it will be obvious when you look at it - less fluffy carpet will hold up better.

even better - avoid carpet.  

Answer 6

Get the type of carpet you like and punish the h**l out of your cat when he claws it!

Answer 7

Only one way to go that is lamented flooring wont cost much more if any, easier to clean and no clawing on it, I have 5 cats I and am seriously thinking of it but I am skint at the moment!

Answer 8

just get rid of the cat.......

and put whatever carpet you want down........

Answer 9

we had a dog that kept getting her claws caught in our carpet. We replaced it with a wilton carpet and have had no problems since. Maybe if you have a word with someone at your local carpet shop, they may be able to recommend the type of carpet you need. If your cat is destroying it deliberately, you could try pet behave spray. If that doesn't work, you will probably have to put the cat outside whenever you're not at home.