Does your home feel like a fluffy snow globe, but instead of snow, it’s cat hair? If your feline friend leaves a trail of fur on every surface, you’re definitely not alone. Living with cats is wonderful, but their shedding can turn even the tidiest home into a furry kingdom.
Finding the perfect vacuum cleaner to tackle this constant battle can be frustrating. You want something that works, but with so many brands and features, it’s hard to know where to start. Will it really pick up all that stubborn hair? Will it clog easily? These are the questions that keep cat owners up at night (or at least make them sigh every time they look at their couch).
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a vacuum great for cat hair, so you can finally conquer the fluff. Keep reading to discover the key features to look for, understand the different types of vacuums, and find the best tool to keep your home looking and feeling clean. Let’s get your floors and furniture back to being fur-free!
Our Top 5 Vacuum Cleaner For Cat Hair Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Vacuum Cleaner For Cat Hair Detailed Reviews
1. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to every surface? The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is designed to tackle those furry messes with ease. Its swivel steering makes it super easy to clean around furniture and tight spaces. Plus, a portion of every purchase goes to the BISSELL Pet Foundation to help save homeless pets, so you’re cleaning your home and helping animals at the same time!
What We Like:
- Swivel Steering: It’s a breeze to move around obstacles, making cleaning quicker and less of a hassle.
- Triple Action Brush Roll: This brush roll works hard to loosen, lift, and remove even the most stubborn pet hair from carpets.
- Scatter-Free Technology: Say goodbye to chasing scattered kibble or debris on hard floors. This vacuum keeps messes contained.
- Edge-to-Edge Cleaning: You can get those tricky spots along walls and in corners where pet hair loves to hide.
- Large Dirt Tank: The big dirt tank means you can clean more before needing to empty it, saving you time.
- Easy Empty: Emptying the dirt tank is simple and mess-free.
- Helps Save Pets: Your purchase supports a great cause that helps animals in need.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight: While maneuverable, some users might find it a bit heavier than expected for carrying up stairs.
- Hose Length: The hose might be a bit short for reaching certain high or distant areas without moving the vacuum itself.
Overall, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel is a powerful tool for pet owners. It makes cleaning up after your furry friends much more manageable.
2. Shark
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of pet hair and dust taking over your home? The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is here to help! This powerful upright vacuum cleaner tackles messes on both carpets and hard floors, making your cleaning routine a breeze. Its sleek white and silver design looks great too!
What We Like:
- The Lift-Away functionality lets you detach the pod for easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and even your car.
- It has an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with a HEPA filter that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is great for allergy sufferers.
- Switching between carpets and bare floors is simple with the brushroll shutoff.
- Pet owners will love how it powerfully picks up pet hair and dander from all surfaces.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to get around furniture and into tight corners.
- The extra-large dust cup means you can clean for longer without stopping to empty it.
- Included attachments like the crevice tool and dusting brush help you reach every nook and cranny.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great all-around vacuum, some users might find the cord length limiting for very large spaces.
- The dust cup, while large, might need frequent emptying in very messy situations.
This Shark vacuum is a fantastic tool for keeping your home clean, especially if you have pets. It offers versatile cleaning power and allergy-friendly features that make a real difference.
3. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of stubborn pet hair clinging to your furniture and car seats? The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum (2390A) is your new best friend in the battle against pet messes. This powerful little vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, making cleaning up after your furry friends a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s cordless, so you can clean anywhere without being tied to an outlet.
- The motorized brush tool is a lifesaver for digging out embedded pet hair.
- It comes with handy tools like an upholstery tool and a crevice tool to reach those tricky spots.
- The easy-empty dirt bin makes cleanup quick and mess-free.
- Triple-level filtration helps trap dust and allergens, improving your home’s air quality.
- Every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, helping save pets in need.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful for its size, battery life might be a concern for very large cleaning jobs.
- The dustbin capacity is moderate, requiring emptying for bigger messes.
Overall, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum is a fantastic tool for any pet parent. It makes tackling pet hair and everyday messes much simpler.
4. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to every surface? The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach vacuum is here to help. This powerful cleaner tackles pet messes with ease, making your home cleaner and fresher.
What We Like:
- It’s a lifesaver for pet owners. Every purchase helps save homeless pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology grab pet hair from all over your home.
- The Quick Release Extension Wand is always ready for cleaning above the floor, like on furniture or stairs.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move around. It’s also lightweight, so you don’t have to do heavy lifting.
- Special pet tools reach dirt and hair in tricky spots, like on stairs and upholstery.
- You can clean right up to the edges and corners of your rooms.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color of the vacuum may vary, which might be a small disappointment if you have a specific color preference.
- While powerful, some users might find it could benefit from even stronger suction for deeply embedded pet hair.
This vacuum makes cleaning up after your furry friends much simpler. It’s a solid option for any pet-loving household.
5. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner in a cool blue color is here to make cleaning a breeze. This vacuum is designed for busy homes, especially those with pets. It’s super light but packs a punch when it comes to cleaning power. You can easily move it around your house and even up and down stairs without breaking a sweat. It works great on all sorts of floors, from your smooth kitchen tiles to your thickest carpets.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly lightweight, weighing only 10 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
- The strong 960-watt motor provides powerful suction that cleans effectively on carpets and hard floors.
- The large 2.6-liter dust cup means you won’t have to stop and empty it as often.
- Cleaning up is mess-free thanks to the easy-to-empty, bagless dust bin.
- You can adjust the brush roll height to five different settings to get the best clean on any surface.
- It comes with special tools like a Pet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush to tackle pet hair and tight spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might find the cord length a bit limiting for very large rooms, requiring frequent unplugging and replugging.
- The onboard tool storage is convenient, but a few users have mentioned it could be more secure to prevent tools from falling off during use.
This Eureka vacuum is a fantastic option for anyone needing a powerful yet easy-to-handle cleaning solution. It handles dirt and pet hair like a champ, making your home feel fresh and clean.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Cat Owners
Living with a feline friend is wonderful, but it often comes with a fluffy side effect: cat hair! Battling shedding fur on your floors and furniture can be a constant struggle. That’s where a good vacuum cleaner designed for cat hair comes in. This guide will help you find the best tool to keep your home clean and fur-free.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a vacuum cleaner to tackle cat hair, keep these important features in mind:
Powerful Suction
This is the most crucial feature. Strong suction pulls embedded cat hair from carpets and upholstery. Look for vacuums with high wattage or a good CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. This means it can move more air and dirt.
Specialized Pet Tools and Attachments
Many vacuums come with tools specifically for pet hair. These might include:
- Upholstery Tools: These are smaller, often with rubber or brush strips, to grab hair from couches and chairs.
- Crevice Tools: Perfect for getting into tight spots where fur loves to hide, like along baseboards or between couch cushions.
- Motorized Brush Rolls: These spinning brushes agitate carpet fibers, loosening stubborn hair so the vacuum can suck it up more easily. Some have anti-tangle features, which are a lifesaver!
Good Filtration System
Cat dander and allergens can cause problems for allergy sufferers. A vacuum with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter traps these tiny particles. This keeps the air you breathe cleaner.
Bagged vs. Bagless Design
Both have pros and cons. Bagless vacuums are convenient as you just empty the dustbin. However, emptying can release dust back into the air. Bagged vacuums contain the dust and allergens neatly inside the bag, making disposal cleaner, but you’ll need to buy replacement bags.
Durability and Build Quality
A vacuum cleaner is an investment. Look for sturdy construction and reliable parts. Brands known for making durable appliances are usually a safe bet.
Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum can affect its performance and lifespan:
- Brush Rolls: Often made with a mix of bristles and rubber. Rubber strips are excellent for grabbing hair on hard floors and carpets.
- Housings: Most vacuums have plastic housings. High-quality, impact-resistant plastics are best for durability.
- Filters: HEPA filters are typically made of a dense fibrous material that traps fine particles.
- Hoses and Wands: Look for flexible but strong materials that won’t kink or crack easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a vacuum cleaner great or disappointing:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Strong Motor: A powerful motor is key for good suction.
- Effective Brush Roll Design: A well-designed brush roll that doesn’t easily clog with hair is essential.
- Sealed System: A vacuum with a sealed system, especially with a HEPA filter, ensures that allergens and dust don’t leak back into the air.
- Ergonomics and Maneuverability: A lightweight vacuum that’s easy to push and steer makes cleaning less of a chore.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Weak Suction: If the vacuum can’t pull up embedded hair, it’s not doing its job.
- Clogging Brush Rolls: Hair wrapping around the brush roll and stopping it from spinning is a common frustration.
- Poor Filtration: If dust and allergens escape the vacuum, it defeats the purpose of cleaning.
- Flimsy Construction: Parts that break easily or a hose that cracks will shorten the vacuum’s life.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the vacuum:
- Home Size and Layout: For larger homes, a powerful upright or canister vacuum might be best. For smaller apartments, a lightweight stick vacuum or even a robot vacuum could work.
- Flooring Types: If you have mostly carpets, a vacuum with a strong brush roll is vital. For hard floors, a vacuum with good suction and soft brush attachments is ideal. Many vacuums offer adjustable height settings to work on different carpet piles.
- Pet Behavior: If your cat sheds a lot, you’ll need a vacuum that can handle a high volume of hair. Some vacuums are designed to be quieter, which can be helpful for cats that get scared by loud noises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a vacuum cleaner good for cat hair?
A: A good vacuum for cat hair has strong suction, specialized pet tools, and effective brush rolls that grab and lift hair from surfaces.
Q: Do I need a special vacuum for cat hair?
A: While any vacuum can pick up some hair, vacuums designed for pet hair have features that make them much more effective at removing embedded fur and dander.
Q: What is a HEPA filter, and why is it important?
A: A HEPA filter traps very small particles like dust and pet allergens. It’s important for people with allergies or asthma to keep the air cleaner.
Q: Is a bagged or bagless vacuum better for cat hair?
A: Bagged vacuums are generally better for containing allergens when you empty them. Bagless vacuums are convenient but can release dust when the bin is emptied.
Q: How do I stop my vacuum’s brush roll from getting clogged with hair?
A: Look for vacuums with anti-tangle brush rolls or those that are easy to access and clean. Regularly cleaning the brush roll yourself is also important.
Q: Can a stick vacuum handle cat hair?
A: Many modern stick vacuums are very powerful and come with excellent pet hair attachments. They are a great option for smaller homes or quick cleanups.
Q: What are the best types of vacuums for different floor types?
A: For carpets, vacuums with strong brush rolls are best. For hard floors, good suction and soft brush attachments are ideal. Many vacuums work well on both.
Q: How often should I clean my vacuum cleaner?
A: You should empty the dustbin or bag regularly. Clean the brush roll and filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually every few weeks or months.
Q: Are robot vacuums good for cat hair?
A: Yes, many robot vacuums are designed with pet hair in mind. They can help maintain a baseline level of cleanliness, but you’ll likely still need a more powerful vacuum for deep cleaning.
Q: What should I do if my vacuum loses suction?
A: Check if the dustbin or bag is full, and clear any blockages in the hose or brush roll. Make sure the filters are clean and not clogged.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!