Who are these options for?

Homes with carpets and well-used soft furnishings

If hair is left on carpets, sofas, cushions or pet beds, check which accessories are actually included and whether they’re compatible with the vacuum cleaner. The words ‘for pets’ alone aren’t enough to identify the right brush.

People who do a little cleaning every day

For regular cleaning, an appliance that’s easy to get out and put away may matter more than a long list of features. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that cordless stick vacuums often have limited runtime and power, so compare the modes you’ll use.

Homes looking to automate floor cleaning

A robot can be programmed to clean your floors regularly, as long as you’re prepared to empty its bin and maintain it. According to UFC-Que Choisir, results vary depending on the model and floor type, among other factors. Sofas and cushions need a different tool.

Which features should you prioritise?

First, decide how you want to clean your floors. Then check separately which accessories you’ll need for carpets and soft furnishings.

Cordless stick vacuum

Worth considering: for short, frequent cleaning sessions with an appliance that’s easy to handle.

Bear in mind: runtime depends on the mode you use, and the bin may need emptying frequently.

Cylinder vacuum

Worth considering: if carpets and rugs are your priority and the model you choose comes with suitable brushes.

Bear in mind: make sure you’re comfortable moving the appliance and its brush over your surfaces.

Robot vacuum

Worth considering: for scheduling regular cleaning sessions on your floors.

Bear in mind: results depend on the surfaces and model, and the bin and brushes still need maintaining.

PriorityWhat to checkWho it matters to
Hair on carpets and soft furnishings Brushes included and compatible with the exact model; access to the roller for cleaning. When hair is left on the sofa, cushions or carpet, I want to be able to clean these surfaces with the right accessory. Around 33% of consumers would make this a priority.
Quick cleaning sessions Runtime in the mode you plan to use; bin capacity and ease of storage. If I vacuum a little every day, I want to be able to get it out and put it away without making my routine more complicated. This would be a priority for around 27% of consumers.
Automated floor cleaning How the model performs on your flooring; emptying the bin and maintaining the brushes. To automate floor cleaning, I’m happy to programme the robot and look after it between cycles. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this automation.
Appliance maintenance Access to the brushes and filters; availability of parts and the applicable repairability index. With frequent use, I want to be able to remove hair from the brushes and maintain the appliance over time. This would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

What should you watch out for?

  • Relying only on the words ‘specially designed for pets’

    This doesn’t tell you which accessories are supplied for sofas and carpets, or whether they’re compatible with each model.

    Check the list of included brushes and nozzles, the surfaces they’re designed for and how to clean the roller.

  • Confusing maximum runtime with runtime in the mode you use

    UFC-Que Choisir explains that the maximum runtime stated for a cordless stick vacuum is based on its lowest power setting. So it may not reflect how long it will run in a more demanding mode.

    Before estimating how much you can clean on a single charge, compare the stated runtime in the mode intended for your surfaces.

  • Expecting a robot to clean soft furnishings too

    A robot cleans floors. According to UFC-Que Choisir, results vary from one model and floor covering to another. It won’t clean cushions or your sofa.

    Look for tests on the types of flooring in your home, and plan to use a separate accessory for the soft furnishings you need to clean.

  • Assuming filtration means protection against allergies

    The presence of a filter or a claim aimed at pet owners doesn’t guarantee a health benefit. The repairability index answers a different question: whether the appliance can be repaired.

    Consider these features for what they actually tell you, without treating them as a promise about allergies.

Brands to consider for different needs

Rowenta

A brand to consider if you’re looking for a cylinder vacuum or an accessory for soft furnishings. Check each model individually.

  • Rowenta describes its SS-7222087196 mini turbo brush as designed to remove hair from household fabrics and car seats.
  • It’s only compatible with the appliances listed by the brand. UFC-Que Choisir’s findings for the turbo brush on the older RO7386EA Animal Care Pro, on rugs and carpets, don’t apply to every Rowenta model.

Dyson

A brand to consider if a motorised mini brush for specific areas of soft furnishings is one of your requirements.

  • Dyson describes the mini brush on the V16 Piston Animal as anti-tangle for hair and pet hair.
  • This is the manufacturer’s description of this accessory and model. It doesn’t guarantee the same results on every fabric or across the entire range.

iRobot

A brand to consider if you’re comparing robots for regular floor cleaning.

  • UFC-Que Choisir includes Roomba models in its robot vacuum tests.
  • A model’s inclusion in tests doesn’t predict how it will perform on your flooring. The bin and brushes also need maintenance.

Roborock

Another brand to consider for automated floor cleaning.

  • UFC-Que Choisir recently tested robots including the Qrevo Edge.
  • This doesn’t tell you how another Roborock model will perform on pet hair or carpets, or in your home’s layout.

Vacuum cleaners available on Joybuy

This selection includes cordless stick vacuums for manual cleaning and robots for your floor-cleaning routine. For carpets and soft furnishings, check the accessories supplied with each stick vacuum. Robot vacuums for floors aren’t a substitute for a tool for your sofa or cushions.

BISSELL PowerClean FurGuard Select stick vacuum

BISSELL PowerClean FurGuard Select stick vacuum

A stick vacuum worth considering for regular manual cleaning in a home with a cat. Check which accessories are included for your soft furnishings and the runtime in the mode you plan to use.

View on Joybuy
UNINELL HOME UV1 cordless stick vacuum

UNINELL HOME UV1 cordless stick vacuum

Worth considering if you’re looking for a stick vacuum for regular cleaning. Its product title lists 450 W, 45 000 Pa, a removable battery and up to 60 minutes of runtime. Check how long it lasts in the mode you’ll use on your surfaces.

View on Joybuy
MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless stick vacuum

MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless stick vacuum

Worth considering for manual cleaning around your home. Its product title lists 60 000 Pa and up to 65 minutes of runtime. These figures alone don’t tell you how well it performs on carpets or how long it lasts in each mode.

View on Joybuy
Black Roborock Q10 S5 robot vacuum and mop

Roborock Q10 S5 black robot vacuum and mop

Designed for scheduled floor cleaning rather than cleaning soft furnishings. Its product title lists 10 000 Pa, a dual anti-tangle system and a liftable mop. Look for tests of the Q10 S5 on your types of flooring before drawing conclusions about its performance.

View on Joybuy
White Lefant N1 robot vacuum

Lefant N1 white robot vacuum

An option for automated floor cleaning. Its product title lists 4 500 Pa, four modes and up to 165 minutes of runtime. Check how it performs on your flooring, as well as how to empty the bin and maintain the brushes.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can a cordless stick vacuum be the only vacuum cleaner in a home with a cat?

Yes, if its runtime in the mode you use, capacity, accessories and performance on your surfaces cover your whole routine. However, UFC-Que Choisir generally describes cordless stick vacuums as supplementary appliances and highlights their potential limitations in runtime and power.

Is a robot enough to pick up cat hair?

A robot can handle cleaning your floors, but not your sofas and cushions. UFC-Que Choisir notes that results vary by model and floor covering. Check tests for your surfaces, and remember to empty the bin and maintain the brushes.

Will a mini brush for pet hair fit every vacuum cleaner?

No, you need to check compatibility for each model. For example, Rowenta publishes a list of appliances compatible with its SS-7222087196 mini turbo brush. Compare this list with the exact model you own or are considering buying.

Can the repairability index help you choose a vacuum cleaner for pet hair?

It helps you assess repairability, not how well a vacuum picks up pet hair. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition lists vacuum cleaners among the appliances covered by the index in France. Check it separately from the accessories and performance on your surfaces.

Does a filter or a ‘specially designed for pets’ claim guarantee an effect on allergies?

No, neither a filter nor a marketing claim guarantees a health benefit. Choose your vacuum cleaner based on the surfaces you need to clean, its accessories and how it’s maintained. If you have symptoms, ask a healthcare professional for advice rather than relying on a claim about the appliance.