Choosing the Best Flooring for Pets: A Complete Guide for Dog & Cat Owners

How to Choose the Best Flooring for Your Pets

The best flooring for pets includes luxury vinyl plank, tile, and sealed hardwood because they resist scratches, repel moisture, and are easy to clean—making them ideal for homes with dogs and cats.

These considerations are for performance - preference is also an important factor. The best flooring for pets balances what works best for you and your furry friend.

For homeowners in Bryan-College Station seeking a reliable local flooring company, Faith Floors and More is just a call away. Our flooring experts will provide you with sound advice to optimize your flooring needs, budget, and preferences. 

Best Flooring for Pets: Quick Comparison Table

Key Takeaways:

• Narrow down styles that work with your needs while complementing your style and floor plan.

• Vinyl plank, tile, and pet-proof carpet hold up well to wear and tear.

• Dogs and cats have different flooring needs based on weight, behavior, and mobility.

• Each flooring type comes with its pros and cons—some are quieter, some are tougher, some are easier to clean.

Best Flooring for Dogs

Dogs are tough on floors—especially big ones. Scratches, accidents, and daily wear demand materials that hold up. LVP and tile are top picks: both resist moisture, clean easily, and don’t show claw marks. Laminate works if it’s high-quality and water-resistant. Avoid soft woods—they dent fast.

Comfort matters too. Older dogs need traction and cushioning. Vinyl and cork strike a good balance between durability and joint support. Use rugs or runners in high-traffic spots for added grip.

Top Dog-Friendly Floors:

• LVP: Waterproof, scratch-resistant, quiet

• Tile: Nearly indestructible but cold

• Pet-Proof Carpet: Softer with stain resistance; needs frequent cleaning

• Engineered Hardwood: Tougher than solid wood with the right finish

Best Flooring for Cats

Cats don’t scratch floors like dogs, but they track litter, shed fur, and cough up the occasional mess. Smooth, sealed floors like LVP and tile help cut cleanup time and keep odors under control.

Moisture resistance is very important—especially near litter boxes. Vinyl and sealed tile won’t absorb accidents. Textured surfaces trap fur and debris, so stick to slicker options.

Top Cat-Friendly Floors:

• Luxury Vinyl: Low maintenance, resists fur and mess

• Tile: Ideal for litter box areas; seal the grout

• Low-Pile Carpet: Adds comfort; vacuum often

• Bamboo: Durable and scratch-resistant with a sleek look

Is LVP or Laminate Better for Pets?

Durability and resistance to scratches and accidents

Between the two, LVP handles pet traffic better. It’s waterproof, has a thicker wear layer, and doesn’t warp when exposed to moisture. Laminate can resist light scratching, but it doesn’t bounce back well from water damage.

If you're worried about accidents or muddy paw prints, go vinyl.

Slipperiness, comfort, and noise levels

Both laminate and LVP can be slippery for pets, especially as they age. LVP tends to have more grip with textured finishes.

Noise-wise, LVP is quieter. Laminate floors can click and clack with every step. If you’ve got an energetic dog, that sound adds up fast.

Comfort leans in vinyl’s favor too—it feels softer and more forgiving under paws.

Which is better for long-term maintenance?

LVP wins again. It’s easier to clean, resists stains better, and doesn’t require special care. Laminate might cost less upfront, but vinyl holds its value and performance much longer in a home with pets.

For homes in College Station where heat, humidity, and active pets are common, LVP is the safer long-term investment.

Easiest Pet Flooring to Clean and Maintain

Efficient cleanup starts with the right materials. Luxury vinyl plank and sealed tile resist moisture, odors, and stains, making them ideal for pet-heavy homes. Sealed hardwood is an option but requires more consistent upkeep.

Maintain a simple routine: vacuum or sweep daily, spot clean messes immediately, mop weekly with a neutral cleaner, and inspect seams or grout monthly for buildup or damage.

Most Comfortable Flooring for Older Pets

Older pets benefit from floors with cushioning and grip. Vinyl offers slight give and stability. Cork adds softness and absorbs sound. Low-pile carpet provides comfort in quiet areas without trapping excessive debris.

To improve traction on harder surfaces, use non-slip mats or runners in key areas like hallways and feeding zones. These additions reduce fall risk and improve mobility.

Hypoallergenic and Eco-Friendly Flooring Options

Hard, non-porous surfaces help reduce allergens. LVP, tile, and sealed bamboo don’t hold dander or dust and are easy to sanitize. For sustainable options, cork and bamboo stand out—they’re renewable and low in VOC emissions.

Prioritize flooring with third-party certifications such as FloorScore or GreenGuard to support cleaner indoor air and safe materials for both pets and people. (1)

Choosing the Best Flooring for Pets in College Station, TX

Pet-friendly flooring comes down to three things—durability, comfort, and cleanability. LVP handles messes well, tile stays solid through years of wear, and carpet or thick rugs give older pets the support they need. Each material has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your pet’s behavior and your home’s needs.

At Faith Floors & More, we help Bryan-College Station homeowners find the right flooring for their entire family—including the four-legged members. Our team knows what holds up to claws, fur, and muddy paws, and we’ll walk you through flooring options that work for your lifestyle.

Come by our showroom or give us a call. We'll help you pick the perfect pet-friendly flooring with confidence. For more information, visit our HOMEPAGE.

Reference:

(1) Do Carpets Impair Indoor Air Quality and Cause Adverse Health Outcomes, NIH, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5858259/