Vacuum Cleaner for Cat Hair on Carpet: 7 Must-Have Features
by Sir Alfred WilshireBissell CleanView
- Multi-level filtration to reduce household allergens
- Pet odor eliminator
- Quick release wand
- OnePass technology for powerful, nonstop suction
- 2 year warranty
Dyson DC50
- Captures allergens, expels cleaner air
- Captures particules such as pollen, mold, bacteria
- HEPA filtration
- 2 Tier Radial cyclones
- No loss of suction
- 5 year warranty
Dyson DC65 Animal
- Radial Root Cyclone Technology
- 25% more power drives bristles deeper into carpets
- Tangle-free Turbine tool
- Extra tools including turbing tool, flat out tool, soft dusting brush
There's no hiding it - you're tired, sore and restless from spending every weekend vacuuming cat hair only to see its return the following Monday. You desperately need to upgrade from your wimpy, average household vacuum to a behemoth of a cleaner with tornado-powered suction that can get the job done.
Don't worry - we're here to help you guide you through the process!
Table of Contents
- Ready to look into the top-rated products? View our Top Rated Vacuum Cleaners for Cat Hair & Allergies below.
- Looking to learn more about pet vacuum cleaners? Scroll down to learn about the 7 things to know before buying a Vacuum Cleaner for Cat Hair, Allergens & Dander so you know what types of features and technologies to look for in a pet vacuum cleaner.
- Looking for a list of product reviews by price range? Hop on down to our products below.
Top Rated Vacuum Cleaners for Cat Hair & Allergies
As you look through these cleaners, the only advice I have is don't be afraid to splurge a little to invest in a long-term solution.
Although I definitely was hesitant in spending over $200 on a vacuum cleaner, I am glad I spent the extra money for my Dyson DC50.
- This vacuum cleaner was relatively light (a smaller version of the DC65), so good to take up and down the stairs.
- It is powerful, and still is today, after three years of owning it.
- The bagless bin makes it easy to dump out the waste, and there's no need to buy vacuum bags.
- The clear window view to the bin allows me to monitor when I need to dump out the waste.
If you're looking for a cleaner with excellent allergen removing capabilities, I would look into the Dyson Ball Allergy Upright Vacuum.
| Model Name | Weight (lbs) | Cord Length (ft) | Allergy Note | Features | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell CleanView Bagless Upright | 15.5 | 25 | Multi-level filtration to reduce household allergens. | Pet odor eliminator filter, quick release wand. OnePass Technology for powerful, nonstop suction with brush design to clean on initial pass. Lightweight design. | 2 years | $ Check price  (920+ reviews) |
| Bissell 1650A Pet Hair Eraser  | 18 | 30 | Smart Seal Allegen System. Captures and holds dust and allergens inside vacuum. | Powerful OnePass and Cylonic System Technology for powerful, nonstop suction. Turbobrush tool and easy empty dirt tank. | Upon Request | $$ Check price  (7,277+ reviews) |
Dyson DC50 | 11.6 | 25 | Captures allergens, expels cleaner air: captures particles including pollen, mold and bacteria. HEPA Filtration for removing allergens from air. | 2 Tier Radial cyclones. No loss of suction. Latest ball technolgoy for easy turns in difficult spaces. | 5 year | $$ Check price  (832+ reviews) |
| Dyson Ball Allergy  | 17.3 | 25 | Whole Machine HEPA filtration. Certified asthma & allergy friendly. Removes fine dust and allergens from dififcult places. | Radial Root Cyclone Technology - captures more dirt and microscopic dust. Extra nozzle tools to remove allergens and dust from difficult places. | 5 year | $$ Check price (108+ reviews) |
| Dyson DC65 | 27.1 | 25 | HEPA Filtration system to capture allergens and fine dust particles. | Removes 25% more dirt. Tangle-free Turbine Tool to prevent tangling. Counter-rotating heads with brushes remove hair from upholstery. | 5 year | $$ Check price (725+ reviews) |
7 things to know before buying a Vacuum Cleaner for Cat Hair, Allergens & Dander
1) Standard vacuums just won't work
You *could* go out to your local Sears and buy the cheapest, most-suitable looking vacuum there is. However, it's important to note that there are differences with pet-care vacuums. Two features you want to look for include:
- Rotating brushesthat help stir the hairs to the top, where it can then be sucked in by the vacuum's force.
- A suction tube in the middle of the head to prevent hairs from wrapping around brushes.
An improper vacuum cleaner may exacerbate the situation. For example, if the bristles aren't of the proper type, standard cleaners can push hairs into the carpet, making it difficult to clear your carpet of hair.
2) Suction power comes at a cost
You already know how tough a job vacuuming is, especially when your vacuum is heavy and you live in 2-story home. However, consider that the top-rated vacuum cleaners with the highest sucking power are usually heavier. So although you may have to work harder, it's sometimes the tradeoff is worth the extra suction power.
3) Upkeep & Allergies - bagged vs. bagless
Don't just consider the cost of the vacuums, but also the cost of bags, and replacement filters. There are some cleaners that don't require replacement bags (bagless). Instead, you just dump the collected dust and hair into the trash. This means that there's no vacuum bags you'll have to purchase which is great!
However, if you or any of your housemates suffers from allergies, a bagged vacuum cleaner may be better. When dumping the bagless vacuum cleaners, there is a puff of dust that appears, polluting the air. You can circumvent this using a vacuum cleaner with a bagged system. Or just empty the bag outside with a mask on.
If you're more interested in keeping the air in your room clean, be sure to check out our guide on how to selecting the best air purifiers!
4) Enhanced filtration system
Speaking of allergies, another point to consider is vacuums with a filtration system. A vacuum with a HEPA filtration system, will ensure that no allergen particles pass through to the exiting air when cleaning. A good filtration system will provide you with pure air, free from dander, dust and allergens.
5) Corded vs. Battery
Some upright vacuum cleaners run on battery. Sometimes, these are useful, but in my experience, it's much better to avoid battery-run vacuums . Battery-powered vacuums have inherent flaws such as:
- Takes a while to charge, so you can't use it whenever.
- As battery begins to wear out, so does the suction power.
- Replacing batteries are pricey!
Of course it's reasonable for the smaller handheld models to run on batteries, but you should always have a corded, upright model that does most of the heavy duty work.
6) Warranty
In case something goes wrong with your vacuum, you'll want a guarantee. Be on the lookout for products with 5+ years of warranty. Albeit expensive, it'll guarantee that the brand can live up to its price.
7) Extra features - nozzle & brush tools for crevices.
Make sure to look for extra features like nozzle tools that can help get the hard-to-reach areas. You'll need these when cleaning off your TV stand and other furnitures. Personally, I found the brush tool very useful to suck the dust off the staircase edges.
Recommended products by price
Here is the top items curated on Internet. It's best to figure out what budget range you're looking at, then selecting accordingly.
- Less than $100 - Lightweight, get the job done
- $200 to $300 for reliability, more power and added technology
- $300 to $500 Durable with intense suction power, and a great brand to back it up
Less than $100 - Lightweight, get the job done
If you're on a budget, but still need a vacuum cleaner that gets the job done, the Bissell CleanView is for you. At less than $89, you get all the powerful features of a pet vacuum, along with the bagless so you save even more money from not buying replacement bags.
 |
- Product Name
- Bissell CleanView Bagless Upright Vacuum with OnePass Technology
- Technology
- Nonstop suction. Innovative brush design. Cyclonic system for long-lasting, powerful suction.
- Weight
- 15.5 lbs.
- Cord Length
- 25 ft.
- Warranty
- 2-year limited warranty
- Allergy notes
- Multi-level filtration
- Unit Cost
- $ Check price (777+ reviews)
$200 to $300 for reliability, more power and added technology
A step up from the CleanView is the 1650 Pet Hair Eraser vacuum. With an advanced filtration system and patented tangle-free brushroll, cleaning will be quick and easy.
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- Product Name
- Bissell 1650A Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum
- Technology
- Tangle-free brush roll. Goodbye hair-wrap.
- Weight
- 18 lbs.
- Cord Length
- 30 ft.
- Warranty
- 5-year limited warranty
- Allergy notes
- Smart Seal Allergen System with Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator.
- Unit Cost
- $$ Check price (49+ reviews)
$300 to $500 Durable with intense suction power, and a great brand to back it up
If there's a King of vacuum cleaner brands, it's going to be Dyson. I personally use the DC50 model and it works great. Although a bit on the pricey side, the 5 year warranty guarantees that your investment will last.
A great quirk about Dyson vacuums is their patented ball design. The ball makes it easier to twist and turn around your furniture, allowing your cleaning experience to be easy and enjoyable.
The main difference between DC50 and DC65 is the power. For real heavy-duty and thorough cleaning, the DC65 will suit your needs. However, for more everyday cleaning, the DC50 is plenty powerful enough.
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- Product Name
- Dyson DC50 (left) / Dyson DC65 (right)
- Technology
- 2 Tier Radial cyclones capture more microscopic particle. No bags, no suction loss. Tangle free turbine. Patented Dyson Ball technology for easy maneuverability.
- Weight
- 11.6 lbs. / 27.1 lbs.
- Cord Length
- 25 ft.
- Warranty
- 5-year warranty
- Allergy notes
- Captures allergens, expels cleaner airs.
- Extra tools
- Combination and stair tool.
- Unit Cost
- $$ Check price (725+ reviews) $$ Check price (725+ reviews)
We hope that this guide was helpful in your quest to find the best vacuum cleaner to minimize allergies, asthma and cat hair! If you're interested in better ways to keep your in-home air quality clean, check out our Air Purifiers guide, or How to Selecting the Any questions or concerns? Comment below!