For a thorough clean in a home with pets, first choose a vacuum cleaner whose tests on embedded fibres match your carpets, then check which upholstery tools are included. According to UFC-Que Choisir, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaners generally pick up more effectively than bagless models and release less dust when emptied. Bagless models mean no bags to buy, but you’ll need to empty the dust container, while cordless stick vacuums are best suited to quick clean-ups.
If hair gets trapped in carpet fibres, look at tests on fibres and the floorhead rather than relying on the wattage alone. The UFC-Que Choisir test protocol includes a carpet-fibre test designed to simulate pet hair.
When pet hair finds its way onto cushions, bedding or into the gaps in your sofa, check the accessories supplied with the exact model: an upholstery tool, crevice tool and, if needed, a mini turbo brush.
Your choice also affects the chores you’ll need to do regularly: replacing bags or emptying the dust container, as well as maintaining the filters. UFC-Que Choisir says bagged cylinder vacuum cleaners release less dust when emptied than bagless models.
Choose this if : you’re looking for a main vacuum cleaner for floors and carpets, with less exposure to dust when you empty it.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to replace the bags and check which bag types are compatible.
Choose this if : you’d rather avoid buying bags and don’t mind emptying the dust container regularly.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to maintain the dust container, filters and brushes. UFC-Que Choisir found that bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners generally have lower suction performance than bagged models.
Choose this if : you want to quickly clear visible pet hair between thorough cleans.
Check : the battery life and performance on your surfaces before relying on it as your only vacuum cleaner. UFC-Que Choisir considers cordless stick vacuums better suited to quick clean-ups.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Hair embedded in carpets | Check test results for embedded fibres, and look at the floorhead and brush supplied. | If hair gets trapped in a carpet or rug, I want to know whether the vacuum can remove it from that surface. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Different floors and fabrics | Check which tools are included for floors, upholstery and crevices. Also consider the cleaning radius if your plug sockets are far apart. | If I also clean the sofa and pet beds, I want to reach those areas with the same main vacuum cleaner. This versatility comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and dust | Compare replacing bags with emptying the dust container, and check how easy it is to access the filters and brushes. | When I need to remove pet hair regularly, I want an emptying method and maintenance routine I can keep up with over time. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will remove hair from carpets. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of the floorhead and tests different surfaces and embedded fibres separately.
Compare test results for the floor coverings you care about most, then check which brush comes with the model you’re considering.
A floor brush won’t necessarily work as an upholstery or crevice tool. Accessories can vary between models in the same range.
Check the accessory list for the exact version you’re buying, rather than relying on the range name or product photos alone.
If the tool you need for upholstery isn’t included, you’ll need to use another compatible accessory or a different vacuum cleaner.
A bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner needs new bags; a bagless model needs its dust container emptied. Filters and brushes also need to be maintained according to the model’s instructions.
Before you choose, check the product code for any consumables you may need, as well as the instructions for emptying, cleaning and replacing the filters.
UFC-Que Choisir describes cordless stick vacuums mainly as supplementary appliances and notes that battery life and suction may be limiting factors when doing a thorough clean.
If you plan to use one as your only vacuum cleaner, look for test results for the exact model on your carpets and check its battery life in the mode you’ll need.
The Cat & Dog range includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners, designed in particular for homes where carpets and upholstery need cleaning.
The Animal Care models let you choose between bagged and bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners, depending on the kind of maintenance you prefer.
The ProAnimal range includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners, with different ways of emptying and maintaining them.
Four cordless stick vacuums are worth considering for quick clean-ups; the bagged cylinder vacuum is worth looking at as a main appliance. For carpets and upholstery, check the test results and accessories for the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering for clearing pet hair between thorough cleans, especially if you switch between hard floors and carpets.
The product name lists an anti-tangle brush and battery life of up to 65 min. Check how long it lasts in the mode you use, and which accessories you’ll need for upholstery.
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Worth considering for quick clean-ups in a home with pets. If your carpets trap pet hair, compare test results for this model before considering it as your main vacuum cleaner.
Check which accessories come with the version you choose for cleaning stairs and upholstery, and whether you’re happy with how often you’ll need to empty it.
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This stick vacuum could be a good option for removing visible pet hair between thorough cleans. You’ll need to check how well it removes embedded fibres from your carpets.
The product name lists an anti-tangle brush and battery life of up to 45 min. If you also clean the sofa or bedding, check which accessories come with the version you’re considering.
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Worth considering for quick clean-ups on different surfaces. If carpets are your priority, check separately how well it removes embedded pet hair.
The product name lists an anti-tangle brush and a claimed battery life of 55 min. You’ll need to check how long it lasts in the mode required for your cleaning.
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Worth considering as your main vacuum cleaner if you prefer a bagged cylinder model for the floors in your home. Don’t assume it will remove embedded pet hair well based on its motor power alone.
The product name lists 550 W. Before choosing it for carpets and sofas, check its test results and which brushes or tools are included with this version.
Start by looking at tests for removing fibres from carpets, then check the results for any other floors you clean. The UFC-Que Choisir test protocol uses synthetic fibres embedded in a carpet to simulate pet hair. A motor’s wattage can’t replace this kind of measurement.
Check whether the version you’re buying includes an upholstery tool and a crevice tool. If pet hair gets embedded in the fabric, also look for a suitable mini turbo brush. Accessories can vary within the same range.
Don’t assume it can replace a cylinder vacuum cleaner for thorough cleaning in a home with pets. UFC-Que Choisir considers cordless stick vacuums better suited to quick clean-ups. If you want to use one as your only vacuum cleaner, check test results for the model on your carpets and its battery life in the mode you’ll need.
Follow the model’s instructions for replacing the bag or emptying the dust container, maintaining the filters and removing hair caught in the brushes. The UFC-Que Choisir test protocol takes into account how dirty the bag or dust container gets, as this can affect performance.