In Australia, we proudly embrace our love for pets. Did you know that we rank among the highest in the world for pet ownership rates? The best part is, even if you have an indoor furry companion, you don't have to sacrifice style. Introducing pet friendly rugs!
Rugs are a great way to add texture and colour into any living space. But if you want your rug to be suitable for pets, you'll need something that is both durable and easy to clean. In this guide to pet-friendly rugs we'll cover the different types of rugs available and how to choose the right one for your home.
What do I look for in a pet friendly rug?
The best types of cat or dog friendly rugs tick the following four boxes.
Durable: When shopping for a pet-friendly rug, durability is a crucial factor to consider. Look for rugs with a low pile, as this will prevent your pet's playful paws, claws, or teeth from causing excessive damage. By choosing a rug that can withstand the wear and tear of your furry friend's daily activities, you can ensure that it will last longer and continue to look great in your home.
Washable & stain/odour resistant: From muddy paws after adventurous walks to playful fur balls rolling around, your rugs and carpets often become the primary targets of unexpected messes! But worry not, with our stain resistant and machine washable rugs, you can now effortlessly clean up spills, marks, or any other general messes, ensuring your floors stay pristine and stylish at all times.
Affordable: When it comes to adding a rug to your space, ideally, it shouldn't break the bank. This becomes even more important when you have an indoor pet or pets that may occasionally have accidents. As responsible pet owners, we understand that accidents happen, and having a rug that is both affordable and easy to clean can provide peace of mind while still adding a touch of style to your home.
Non-toxic: As pet owners, the last thing we want is to unwittingly introduce something into your home that could potentially harm our beloved fur-baby. That's why we take great pride in offering you peace of mind with our range of pet friendly rugs. Crafted meticulously from durable and non-toxic materials, our rugs not only add beauty to your home but also provide a safe haven for your furry friends to roam and relax.
What types of rugs are pet friendly?
Jute rugs
These rugs are meticulously handcrafted from a natural plant fibre, known as jute, resulting in an eco-friendly and sustainably sourced textured rug that is not only stylish but also perfect for households with pets. The unique composition of jute rugs make the highly durable and resistant to damage, ensuring that even the most playful cats won't be able to harm it. Additionally, the tight weave of the jute fibres not only adds to the rug's longevity but also makes it incredibly easy to maintain. Simply run a vacuum over the rug to effortlessly remove pet hair and other debris, leaving your rug looking fresh and clean.
Wool rugs
Another eco-friendly fabric that’s great for pets is wool. The fibres that make up wool rugs are highly durable, meaning they won’t lose their shape when wet and are resistant to stains and moisture. This is because wool has natural water-repellent properties, making it ideal for households with pets or young children. Additionally, the durable nature of wool also makes it well-suited to high traffic areas, ensuring that it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use without showing signs of damage.
Synthetic rugs
Rugs made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene are not only incredibly easy to clean, but also have additional benefits for pet owners. These synthetic fabrics are highly resistant to moisture and do not easily absorb any type of liquid, making them ideal for pets prone to indoor accidents. Furthermore, synthetic polypropylene rugs have a low pile, which means they are less likely to be damaged by curious claws or teeth. So, whether you have a playful puppy or a mischievous cat, these rugs will provide durability and peace of mind.
Patterned rugs
Any rug made from jute, wool or synthetic materials that also has a pattern is every pet owner’s best friend! While most of the rugs in our pet friendly collection are stain resistant, stains can still occur. Having a pattern on the rug will help conceal any messes and make them less noticeable. This is especially helpful if you own a cat, as their hair can easily be camouflaged in the design of the rug. Plus, these patterned rugs come in all sorts of colours and styles, so you’ll be sure to find one that fits your home décor perfectly.
Choosing the perfect rug for your home can be a difficult task, but with these tips in mind you’ll be able to find the perfect pet friendly rug. Whether you go for a classic wool or an easy-to-clean synthetic option, you’re sure to find something that meets both your needs and those of your furry friends!
What types of rugs aren’t pet friendly?
So far, we’ve covered what makes a rug great for a household with dogs or cats, such as durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance. However, when it comes to selecting the perfect rug for your furry friends, there are a few styles to avoid. Let's dive deeper into these styles to ensure you make the best choice for your beloved pets.
- High pile and shag rugs: As soft and luxurious as these rugs feel under your feet, they attract and trap hair, fur, and dust quickly. This can be easily managed in a home without pets, but with one or more furry friends indoors, cleaning these rugs can soon become a high maintenance chore.
- Vintage or antique rugs: These beautifully crafted rugs, although exquisite, often fall on the pricier side, which can be a calculated risk when you have a furry friend at home. Not only do they require a tad more care than your average rug, but try telling that to Fido or Fluffy, who might view them as their very own playtime paradise!
- Fringed rugs: Tassels or fringe rugs can be simply irresistible to your indoor pet. With their playful nature, it's not long before they discover the fringe and turn it into their favourite toy. As they happily tug and play, the fringe gradually starts to show signs of wear and tear, leaving your beautiful rug looking less pristine than before.
It’s worth keeping in mind that even though our collection of pet-friendly rugs are exceptionally durable and require minimal maintenance, it is important to note that no rug can be entirely pet-proof. While these rugs are designed to withstand the wear and tear caused by pets, it's always a good idea to take precautionary measures and provide proper training to ensure the longevity of your rugs.
Caring for your pet friendly rug
To ensure the longevity of your new rug, consider a protective spray such as ProtectMe. This all-in-one spray helps seal and protect your rugs from stains, dirt, and odours. It can also help repel liquid spills and pet accidents, giving you extra peace of mind when you have furry family members around. Simple Style Co customers can enjoy 15% off ProtectMe products with code: SIMPLESTYLECO15
Taking care of your pet-friendly rug is as essential as choosing the right one. Here are some easy steps you can follow to ensure your rug remains in top shape:
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your rug routinely. This helps in removing pet hair and other debris, thus preventing them from getting embedded into the fibres. For washable pet-friendly rugs, washing them frequently can help maintain their fresh look.
- Spot Clean: When accidents happen, act fast! Spot clean any stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into the rug.
- Rotate the Rug: Rotate your rug every few months to ensure even wear. This can help extend its lifespan and keep it looking new for longer.
- Use a Rug Pad: A rug pad not only provides additional cushioning but also prevents your rug from slipping and sliding. Plus, it acts as a barrier between your rug and floor, offering extra protection.
- Invest in a protective spray: As mentioned earlier, a protective spray like ProtectMe can help safeguard your rug from stains and spills, extending its longevity. Remember to use your code 'SIMPLESTYLECO15' to receive a 15% discount on your purchase.
Keep in mind, the key to keeping your pet-friendly rug looking vibrant and fresh is regular care and maintenance. Attention to these steps will ensure that your rug and pet can coexist in harmony without compromising on style or comfort.
The Simple Style Co collection of pet friendly rugs features a range of colours, styles, patterns and shapes. If you need some guidance choosing the perfect rug for your home, get in touch with our Interior Designers for complimentary styling advice.
