The flooring that's best suited for your pet really depends on the type of pet you have. For instance, if you have cats, some examples of some good floor types may include concrete, linoleum and vinyl. These floors are not only easy to keep clean, they can be resistant to scratches from cat claws. Additionally, linoleum and vinyl floors are resilient and provide some "give" underfoot. Concrete floors, on the other hand, while very hard, can suffer damage as a result of exposure to acidic substances (e.g. urine). If you fear your cat may have an indoor accident, concrete flooring may not be a good fit for your home.
Dogs typically require durable and water resistant flooring. Even the best trained pooches can have an accident or two. Don't forget the occasional dog bowl spill from an over-excited pup! While water and accidents can be wiped up easily from floor types such as linoleum and tile, it can cause irreparable harm to other floors like hardwood and cork. Save yourself time and money by investing in a floor that can withstand your pets' wear and tear.
One of the biggest mistakes I've made was choosing a bamboo floor for my dog. Within months, markings began to form on the floor where my dog would often mark his territory. I tried to wipe up every accident right after it occurred, but despite my best efforts, a few went unnoticed. This eventually caused some of the bamboo planks to warp and bubble up.
Feel free to share your experiences with flooring and your pets!