Is rubber surface pet-friendly - Pros and Cons.

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Everyone who owns a pet is well aware that they are more than just animals. They are full family members. For this reason, they do everything possible to create safe, comfortable, and friendly conditions for their pets. And everyone focuses on food, shelter, water, the nontoxic nature of relationships, vitamins, toys, etc. But what about the type of flooring? And what is a pet-friendly flooring surface on the whole? That is exactly what we are going to discuss in this article, focusing on rubber floor solutions.

what is a pet-friendly flooring surface

Importance of Choosing The Right Surface for Pet Owners

At the stage of repairs or redecorations, we always pay attention to the type of flooring in terms of design. We have a question for people who own pets. Do you ever consider what flooring surface is pet-friendly? In fact, the material and type of floor you choose can significantly impact your pet’s life and their comfort and safety, as well as the practicality of cleaning up after them.

Our pets should be able to move freely, play without slipping and worrying, and just have a rest in comfy conditions. But how do you select the proper indoor flooring that is suitable both for you and your pet? Actually, there is a perfect solution for pet owners – rubber surfaces.

Let us mention that rubber surfaces have gained traction in the last decades. The reasons they are so popular come down to their durability, versatility, and other unique properties. Many people start questioning, “Is rubber surface pet-friendly?” So, let us take you on a journey of discovering the pros and cons of rubber floorings for your four-legged family members.

Pros of Rubber Surfaces for Pets

Rubber surface is not just a trendy option in the market. There are plenty of advantages they offer for pet owners. As soon as you discover them, you’ll understand why you should choose them. 

Remember that it does not matter what pet you own: an active kitten, a playful dog, or an elderly guinea pig. The advantage of rubber floorings is that they are made to fit them all. So, let’s find out how you can achieve a pet-friendly home.

Pros of Rubber Surfaces for Pets

Durability and Resistance

As we have already mentioned, the rubber surface is exceptionally durable. It can easily withstand the daily wear and tear that comes with pets. It is related to them running, scratching, and playing on it (and you know that they do that all the time!). Moreover, it is sound and waterproof as it does not absorb any liquids. It is also resistant to punctures, cracks, scratches, and tears. It can stay integral even if you own a few pets.

Comfort and Cushioning

As we’ve stated, pets are mostly very active. And, of course, it happens that they fall, roll, and slip on the floor. So, another advantage of rubber surfaces is the comfort and cushioning. With rubber flooring, they have, so to say, softer and more forgiving surfaces. You may stop worrying that they injure or hurt themselves. It is like providing them with a built-in cushion around the home.

Safety and Non-slip Properties

As soon as you own a pet, you start worrying and taking care of them as a family member. And there is no exaggeration here! Rubber surfaces take safety as a top concern. That is why they offer non-slip properties for your pets’ stability and reduce the risk of slips and injuries. You should especially consider installing a pet-friendly rubber surface in the areas where they play and run most of the time. Need some peace of mind? This advantage will definitely encourage you to opt for this material for your floor.

Ease of Cleaning

Some people who don’t own pets often say that they are not ready to have a mess and clean after animals. Guess what? Rubber surfaces are a breeze to clean! All pet owners will agree on how important it is. Rubber flooring is resistant to all types of stains, so it’s easy to wipe everything away. It creates an extremely clean and hygienic environment as well as eliminates time and effort spent on cleaning up messes. Everything that you require is some detergents and a routine cleanliness system, and your rubber flooring will be in top shape.

Cons of Rubber Surfaces for Pets

Cons of Rubber Surfaces for Pets

We want to be completely honest with you, so apart from the advantages, we would like to mention possible situations that can damage rubber surfaces. Like any other flooring option, rubber has some downsides and considerations to take.

If you really want to create a pet-friendly home, sit comfortably and remember all the cons we are about to list.

Chewing and Ingestion Risks

Even though rubber flooring is very durable, it still doesn’t have an immune system to the pet’s chewing habits. There is no surprise some animals tend to grip and chew everything! And the floor is not an exception. The danger is that ingesting rubber can lead to digestive issues and cause choking. To prevent these accidents from happening, make sure to provide chew toys to distract their attention away from the flooring.

Rubber Might Degrade with Particularly Active Pets

Over time, rubber surfaces can become worn and torn if you own a hyperactive pet. Rough play and a lot of running cause such problems with all types of flooring. Rubber surface doesn’t like sharp claws or heavy objects. Be prepared for some degree of wear, supervise your pets, pay attention to the length and sharpness of their claws, and put some rugs or mats in areas where your pets are most active.

Tips for Maintaining a Rubber Surface with Pets

Tips for Maintaining a Rubber Surface with Pets

Having discovered all the advantages and disadvantages of rubber floorings, you have already learned some tips to maximize their benefits and improve your pets’ safety and comfort. Let’s wrap it up. 

  • Supervision

Especially on the installation day, always keep an eye on your pets and don’t let them chew or swallow rubber.

  • Regular cleaning

Create a cleaning routine with some frequency to make sure your home is always clean, and the rubber surface is maintained.

  • Get some chew toys.

You should know how to divert your pet’s attention. And providing chew toys is the best choice to keep them away from the rubber flooring.

  • Use rugs or mats.

When you notice some areas where pets run and play the most, place rugs or mats there to protect the rubber surface from excessive wear and scratches.

  • Trim claws

In order to reduce the risk of scratches and punctures, try to regularly trim your pet’s claws.

  • Periodic inspection

Last but not least, inspect your rubber flooring on a regular basis. The earlier you notice some signs of degradation, the more you can extend its durability.

So, what flooring is best for pets? The decision is up to you to make. But when you choose rubber flooring, you already know all the pros and cons it brings.