How to choose the right laminate if a cat lives in the house

When we had a kitten, at first we were only touched. But not for long, until they realized that this woolen ball became the main thing in the house! I don’t know about you, but now we have to plan and do everything taking into account our Scottish Fold (although our ears are actually straight) Themes. How else? We have to constantly "look back" at him: what must be left, what must be removed, what awaits us at home, where the beloved bully was in charge for several hours. And when we started the renovation, choosing materials, we could not ignore his presence. Therefore, the floor covering was chosen not only for themselves.

Cat or laminate?

Our floors have hinted at renewal for a long time. Moreover, modern coatings look so enticing! Visiting friends, I just admired the laminate. And in my thoughts I saw the same floor in myself. And now the renovation is just around the corner! But doubts immediately arose: I like it, and all the household agrees, but Tyoma-Timofey? (Yeah, he began to respond to two names at once).

Why did we doubt

The reasons for the doubts seemed to me serious. And there were several of them:

• Claws! That only the cat has not tried with its claws! How will laminate flooring transfer it? Will you soon have to look for a replacement?
• Puddles! Yes, sometimes! This little rascal gets angry if we are not at home for a long time. And protests in this way. And I heard that laminate flooring does not particularly welcome moisture. But you have to wash! Yes, perhaps with detergents. And the smell? Will it soak into the laminate panels forever?
• Running! Our Scotsman is actually quite a calm guy. But when he wants to frolic, he does it from the heart! Will he be able to wear on the new coating the same way? Anyway, won't the cat be too slippery on the laminate floor?

Agree, these are not trifles. After all, I want it to be beautiful and convenient, and the money was not spent in vain.
I honestly tried to find the answers myself. But I didn't find anything definite. On the forums, by the way, too: emotions - yes, as much as necessary, but, alas, no exact answer.

We decided to go to the store. And they did the right thing!

Professional opinion

We were lucky, even twice. In the store, our sales assistant turned out to be Vitaly, who seemed to know absolutely everything about the laminate. As well as about other coatings, however. But the main! He himself turned out to be a "cat lover"! He understood all our doubts at once. And he did not dismiss them, but explained everything in detail and in detail. Here's what we learned:

• Firstly, cats get along well with laminate. Vitaly's pets did not change their lifestyle, did not become sad and did not lose their appetite after such a coating appeared in the apartment.
• Secondly, this the material tolerates the presence of animals well. If no force majeure occurs, then there will be no talk of any replacement in the near future.
• Thirdly, we did the right thing to take into account the presence of a cat when choosing a cover. Indeed, in this case there are several nuances, the observance of which ensures a successful outcome of the sex renewal. And so that everyone is happy.
• Fourth, there are special substances that can be used to coat the surface after installation. They will increase the resistance of the material to moisture. Should you use them? For me, there is no definite answer.

How to choose the right laminate flooring with a cat

So, we do not just need a laminate that will fit into the interior and will be combined with pieces of furniture. Our challenge is to find a very good laminate that will resist cat claws scratches. And it will also tolerate the presence of small puddles that can remain on the floor for some time (several hours until one of us appears at home).

Here are the important points to look out for:

Class

The wear resistance shows the grade of the material. Usually in living quarters, coverings of 31, 32 or 33 classes are chosen.

Our consultant advised to take a closer look at a higher (commercial) class. Its reliability and water resistance are also higher.

Important! To further ensure the water resistance of the selected material, you should pay attention to the icons on its packaging. The drop in the figure confirms the moisture protection.

Security (emission)

The composition of the laminate that is commercially available varies. The safety of the coating as a whole depends on the safety of the materials used. The emission of a specific species and variety is indicated on its packaging.
It is better for us to choose a coating with emission E0.5, E1. They contain less formaldehyde, so they are safer for both the cat and all of us.

Availability of additional coating "Korund"

We were always interested in how to choose a more durable coating. It turns out that there is such a possibility.

Reference. In those grades that have additional protection in the form of a layer of corundum, the strength increases several times.

Such panels are not afraid of cat's claws! And also tolerate numerous wet cleaning well.

Seams

Having read the "experts" from the Internet, we set out to look for panels with special locks. Such that the seam is very durable and does not suffer from moisture. This means that it would not absorb odors.

But the store explained to us that now almost all panels dock tightly. Therefore, you should not get hung up on the search for panels with water-repellent seams. Good quality material will be.

Do I need additional impregnation

Here is another important question that the owner of the cat is looking for an answer on his own. I mean special impregnation. The fact is that it is possible to increase the strength of the coating if it is treated with a special waterproof impregnation.

Of course, this is good for the floor. But our consultant helped to see the other side of the protective procedure. She is related to animals! (I told you that now we get a cat's "approval" for everything!)

The composition of the impregnation is certainly useful for the floor. But this is chemistry! It turns out that our Theme will unwittingly pick up particles of this substance on its paws or wool. And if then he licks himself, and this chemistry gets into his stomach? No, we are not ready for this! By the way, the seller, who told us all this, also refused impregnation at home.

Well, I've told you almost everything. And I already looked after the color - "nut". I hope that at least I can choose a shade without the participation of a cat ?!