Sisal carpet with pets?!

shooey · Apr 11, 2007 10:57 am

We have just chosen everything for our new house that is being built, and whilst showing a family member they commented on the fact that we had chosen sisal carpet, as we have 2 dogs and 2 cats

They thought that claws could result in damaged carpet

I'm not too worried about the dogs as their nails are fairly blunt, but could the cats possible cause major damage to this type of carpet?

The carpeted area is a minoirty in the house, the bedrooms/study and the formal lounge are carpeted, all other areas are tiles so won't be a problem

Thanks

Michelle · Apr 11, 2007 12:26 pm

Whilst sisal is a good design in carpet, things that have sharp bits to them is not possibly a good mix. Kids shoe buckles could be a problem as well.

Sisal is like a jumper, one pull of the thread and it will run…..continually.
It can be stitched back in, as like a jumper.

Cats generally don’t like sisal carpet as their claws get stuck in the loop of the fibres.
But having said that, if they choose to use it as a scratching poll, you will end up with pulled fluffy fibbers everywhere.

My opinion of a really good quality carpet is a low twist pile, they last longer!!!

Always remember….your flooring gets the biggest wear and tear of anything that goes in the home,
Make sure it is good quality, as it will last longer.

Good luck

shooey · Apr 11, 2007 12:38 pm

Thanks

Thats what his concern was, the thread being pulled out

We got the sisal as it was the harder wearing and longer warranty of the choices we had

I don't think the cats will use it as a scratching post, they like their actual fabric scratching post more! (and the fabric couch, grrr)

I do clip the cats claws too so they aren't too sharp or long (indoor cats) so I think we might be ok, I really like the sisal look

Michelle · Apr 11, 2007 12:42 pm

Yeah....cats love couches!!! :lol:

royalblue · Apr 16, 2007 12:12 am

Hi Shooey,

What other surfaces have you chosen for your home? I have seen many timber floors (especially softer timbers) badly scratched by pets claws as well as high-heels and other damage. Timber may not be your best choice if pets MUST spend time indoors.

As far as the carpets go, are you talking about sisal STYLED carpet or actual sisal fibre floorcoverings. There are many popular sisal styled carpets that don't contain actual sisal fibres. These may have wool, nylon, polypropylene or a blend of different yarns, and they all perform differently.
I would NOT recommend natural sisal carpets, as they offer poor service.

I don't see many carpets physically damaged by cats unless they are very active. If they are a bit frisky, get them a clawing pole thing to vent their energy. Of possibly greater concern is staining or chemical damage due to toileting or furballs etc. If you have chosen a wool sisal, you will have to manage these possibilities carefully. I can give specific advice if you consider this to be an issue.

Otherwise, have your carpets, look after them well with a good upright vacuum cleaner (to collect hair) and enjoy your new home.

Ash.

shooey · Apr 17, 2007 1:55 pm

Thanks Ash

The rest of the new house is tiled, we currently have laminated floorboards and thought they havn't been damaged by the dogs zoomies we decided to go something different this time!

I am 99% sure it is a "sisal look" carpet not actual sisal, and the cats do have their scratching pole which they use and are very well toilet trained which is great

I will find out what type of carpet it is (or what mix it is)

They will also have an outdoor run, so I will make sure I put some tree trucks or similar to what they have now, they climb on them and scratch them up too

Thanks heaps for your help and advice