Hello AT,
Hello! We're just starting to decorate our living room "for real", and would love to find a rug to soften the dark wood floors. The only problem is, we have cats, and with cats come hairballs and other messes, usually just where you don't want them. So I'm looking for suggestions for rugs that can be taken apart in pieces and washed separately. Does such a thing exist, and can it be attractive? Thanks for any ideas!
Thanks Paul K
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FLOR tiles.
http://www.interfaceflor.com/
i second that. FLOR is attractive, functional and they just came out with some great new designs.
We've had good luck with polypropylene rugs that look like sisal from Pottery Barn. We just wipe up any mess with a damp paper towel, and there are no stains!
Those suggestions sound great. I have a similar problem. In addition to the messes, the cats like to scratch most rugs. Are there specific fabrics/weaves they do not scratch, or is completely cat-based what they might scratch. I hate the idea of spending a lot on a rug and it being scratched up.
The easiest and best solution: get rid of the cats.
no suggestions for rugs, but baby wipes are great for cleaning up pet messes. (what's IN baby wipes, don't ask).
Paul,
I have four antique Persian rugs and a long haired black cat with the typical hairball problems. Like all cats, he does not throw up on the wood floor, or better yet the bathroom or kitchen floors - but goes directly for the very valuable rugs - of course he does!! But, remember, people live in lovely homes with cats for a very long time. It is possible and it can bee not all that difficult with the right cleaning techniques.
Click on my name for a site on cleaning good oriental wool rugs - this advise can be applied to most wool rugs.
Check our the rug first aid section of the page - it is useful. I have found the spot cleaning directions and the solution to be fantastic and use it on all my rugs. I make up a large batch and keep it in a labeled spray bottle for clean up.
FYI: I do NOT wash my rugs myself but send them our for professional cleaning every 2 years. I live in DC and send mine to Bergmann's (they pick up) - they were recommended to me by a textile curator at the National Gallery.
my cat only throws up on the wood floor or in the kitchen. and then feels very embarrassed about it. weird, huh..
I have some Gotland Sheepskin rugs on a dark walnut floor and they not only look fabulous but I can throw them in the washing machine. You can find them here http://www.sarakahlin.com/ just click on Products then Tapis. Hope this helps
Hi
My friend has one of these in her apartment for her cat, and she swears it's the best thing.
http://www.everydaystudio.com/index.php?nv=products&p=cattree
The cat only scratches this, and doesn't even pay attention to the rug itself. Could be worth looking into. And they look so cool.
Paul,
Check out FLOR modular carpet tiles. You can take them apart, wash them and even throw one away if need be. It also allows you to customize many different sizes and patterns to fit your space. Good luck!
www.flor.com
Paul,
If you like the FLOR tiles, and I do, I highly recommend seeing them in person first. Some of them are very plush and some are very firm - all are good quality but I have found the catalogue to be not particularly clear. If you have a local store that carries them such as DWR you can see samples there. Otherwise, you can get samples from the company directly for a small cost - it is worth it.
If you go the tile route - you should consider buying several extra tiles (at the same time to get the same die lot).
I am wondering if you should you rotate tiles for even wear? I know my cat throws up in the same spot every other time or so - a single tile would get a lot of washing while another would not need cleaning for years. This would probably affect wear and tear. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Whatever you do don't declaw your cats. It's not just the nail but bits of bone and nerves and its quite an ugly amputation. Some vets hear the word "rug" and instantly suggest declawing. It's not a minor operation and often results in adverse behavioral changes. Sorry for going off topic and preachy.
plastica in LA sells scandinavian rugs called pappelina (you can order online too). they're made of woven rubber and come in a variety of bright designs (stripes and dots), and you can throw them in the dishwasher. very cool.
also for cats' claws, i use soft paws. like lee press on nails for cats; you put them over their claws and no more scratching.
Paul, Flor has an area rug called tonal vision that includes a few different kind of tiles. If the colors fit, I'd recommend trying it out and seeing if your cat decides to use any of them as a scratching post. I find that pet hair clings to certain tiles and doesn't have anything to do with others.
Alex, I have Flor throughout my house and I rotate the tiles from high traffic areas to low traffic areas. It's easy enough to just move them around when I clean them.