Which Natural Fiber Rugs Work Best for Cat Owners?
The answer's pretty simple. The best rugs for cat owners give claws nothing to hook. That means a smooth bamboo surface or a low, tightly woven flat weave, in a color that matches your cat's coat. Bamboo is the safest choice for a determined scratcher, and jute and wool work well for cats that mostly ignore the rug.
Cats cause three problems for rugs: scratching, hair and the occasional mess. The right fiber handles the first two, and a few habits handle the third. For the overview that covers dogs and other pets, see our guide to natural fiber rugs for homes with pets.
Will my cat scratch a natural fiber rug?
Cats naturally scratch, and your rugs and upholstery can often be the victim.
When if comes to whether a cat will scratch your natural fiber rug, it depends on the fiber, and it's definitely worth knowing before you buy.
Cats are drawn to twisted, fibrous natural materials. Scratching posts are wrapped in sisal rope for a reason, and jute has a similar rope-like feel. A cat that loves to scratch may treat a jute rug like a scratching post, especially a hand-braided one, which looks and feels the most like rope.
That doesn't completely rule jute out. It just changes how you choose and what you put around it, as you will see below. If your cat is a confirmed scratcher, start with bamboo.
What makes a rug good for a cat?
Nothing to hook. No loops, no long pile and no loose ends for claws to catch.
A low surface. Hair sits on top where you can vacuum or wipe it.
A color that matches the coat. Natural tone variation hides hair between cleanings.
A rug that stays put. A pad stops it from skidding when your cat sprints across the room.
Tolerance for spills. Hairballs, tipped water bowls and accidents happen, so how the fiber copes with moisture matters.
How do bamboo, jute and wool compare for cats?
|
Fiber |
Claws |
Hair |
Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bamboo |
A hard, smooth surface gives claws nothing to grab |
Sits on top and sweeps or vacuums away |
Slick underfoot, so use a pad |
|
Jute |
A tight flat weave holds up well, but rope-like texture can invite scratching |
Warm, mixed tones hide hair |
Place a scratching post close by |
|
Wool |
Dense, though claws can pull at the pile |
Sheds loose fiber while it breaks in, and hair can cling |
Best for cats that don't scratch |
Why bamboo is the safest rug for a cat that scratches
Bamboo is hard and smooth, so there is nothing for claws to sink into. Hair stays on the surface instead of working into the weave, and spills wipe up instead of soaking in.
If you have a young cat, a rescue that is still settling in, or a cat that already has a favorite scratching spot on your rugs, this is the fiber to try first. All Natural Rug Co. bamboo rugs feataure a vented, eco-soy backing that adds cushioning and keeps the rug in place. If youre' purchasing a bamboo rug without non-slip backing, add a pad so the rug stays put when your cat takes off.
How to use jute with a cat
Jute's golden-brown tones are good at hiding cat hair, and a tightly woven flat weave holds up to everyday walking and napping. A few things improve your odds. Choose a flat-woven style over a braided one if your cat is curious about rope textures. Put a sturdy scratching post where your cat already likes to scratch. Trim claws regularly. And be ready to switch to bamboo if your cat treats the rug like a post anyway.
When wool works for cats
Wool is soft and warm, which cats appreciate, and it springs back after a cat has napped in the same sunny spot for hours. Dense wool constructions hold up well for cats that rarely scratch rugs, but claws can pull at the pile, and wool sheds loose fiber while it breaks in.
It's also not good to leave a wool wet, so clean up hairballs and spills promptly.
Where do litter, food and water bowls fit in?
Litter tracks, water bowls slosh and hairballs happen. A smooth bamboo mat under a feeding station or beside a litter box is easy to sweep and wipe, and it keeps those messes off the larger rug in the room. Our bamboo kitchen and bath mats are naturally water-resistant, which suits this job well.
How do you keep a rug looking good with a cat?
Give your cat a better option. A tall, sturdy scratching post near the rug works better than any deterrent.
Vacuum with suction only, never a beater bar, a few times a week during shedding season. A dry rubber glove or rubber-bristle broom helps lift stubborn hair from flat weaves.
Clean accidents quickly. Blot, do not rub, and dry the area fast. Cat urine odor is stubborn, so if the smell lingers, a cleaner experienced with natural fibers and pets is a safer call than repeated home treatment.
Use a rug pad so the rug stays flat. Shop rug pads>
Rotate the rug every few months to even out wear and sun exposure.
What should you avoid with a cat?
Skip loop-pile and shag rugs, which are made of exactly the loops that cats love to snag. Avoid fringed edges that invite swatting, delicate hand-knotted pieces in the rooms your cat uses most, and light solid colors if your cat sheds dark hair.
Frequently asked questions
Will my cat scratch a jute rug?
Some will. Cats are drawn to twisted natural fibers, and a hand-braided jute rug looks a lot like rope. Put a scratching post nearby, choose a flat weave, and if the scratching continues, switch to bamboo.
Are bamboo rugs good for cats?
Yes. The surface is hard and smooth, so claws have nothing to hook, and hair and spills wipe away. Use a rug pad if you're rug doesn't feature a backing like the Natural Rug Co bamboo rugs, because smooth surfaces are slick when a cat sprints.
How do I get cat hair out of a natural fiber rug?
Vacuum with suction only. For stubborn hair on a flat weave, drag a dry rubber glove or rubber broom across the surface to gather it, then vacuum. Avoid beater bars on natural fibers.
Are natural fiber rugs safe for cats?
Natural fiber rugs are made from plant or animal fibers rather than synthetics, but any cat that chews fabric can swallow loose fiber. Redirect chewing, and call your vet if you think your cat ate rug fiber.
What color rug hides cat hair best?
The one closest to your cat's coat. Mixed, heathered or natural jute tones hide more hair than a solid color.
The bottom line
Give claws nothing to hook. Choose bamboo for scratchers, flat-woven jute for cats that mostly leave the rug alone, and wool for soft, calm homes. Not sure which fits yours? Take the Rug Finder Quiz.
Keep reading:
The Best Natural Fiber Rugs for Homes with Pets
Which Rugs Need a Pad? (And Which Don't)
