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Home > Cats > 8 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Cat Hair in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

8 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Cat Hair in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

gray scottish fold cat with vacuum cleaner on floor

As cat owners, we all love our little furry, feline pals and do everything in our power to ensure their good health and happiness. However, loving our cats and loving the fur they leave behind on the couches, chairs, stairs, and rugs are two different things.

In fact, removing the hair from the floors and carpeting can be challenging and a bit overwhelming as well. However, there are so many vacuum cleaner choices that swear to be the best at removing the cat hair from your life that it’s hard to know which is right for you.

Maneuverability and suction are essential, of course, but what else? In this guide, we’ll give you our top eight reviews of what we think are the best vacuum cleaners for cat hair removal on the market today. But, of course, we’ll also help you in our buying guide section to make that choice as well.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Shark S2 Upright Vacuum Shark S2 Upright Vacuum
  • Pretty quiet
  • Converts from a canister to an upright
  • Less expensive than many vacuums
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Eureka Lightweight Vacuum Eureka Lightweight Vacuum
  • Specifically designed for pet hair
  • Great for people with allergies
  • Strong suction
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Dyson DC41 Animal Vacuum Dyson DC41 Animal Vacuum
  • Features a lot of accessories
  • Built to pick up cat hair
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Bissell Pet Hair Handheld Vacuum Bissell Pet Hair Handheld Vacuum
  • Great for areas that are hard to reach
  • Long-lasting vacuum with good suction
  • Comes with rubber bristles
  • Miele Complete Pet Vacuum Miele Complete Pet Vacuum
  • Easy to push
  • Great allergy protection
  • Almost silent and easy to adjust
  • The 8 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Cat Hair

    1. Shark NV356E S2 Navigator Vacuum – Best Overall

    Shark NV356E S2 Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum

    Type: Upright/Canister
    Bagless: Yes
    Cordless: No
    Anti-Allergy Filter: Yes

    Our best overall pick for a vacuum cleaner for cat hair is the Shark NV356E S2 Navigator Upright Vacuum. Featuring a swivel base that lets you switch from an upright vacuum to a canister-type vacuum, this machine is less expensive than many other vacuums on the market but is still durable and works well.

    The HEPA filter works as a three-tier filtration system to take allergens out of the air. The vacuum has quite a few accessories and is a pretty quiet unit.

    The only downside to this model is that it can be quite top-heavy, meaning it tilts over easily if you’re not careful. In addition, some users reported that the dirt spills out of the canister when you’re emptying it, meaning it can be messy.

    Pros
    • Pretty quiet
    • Less expensive than many vacuums
    • Converts from a canister to an upright
    • HEPA filter and a three-part filtration system

    Cons
    • The Vacuum is top-heavy and tips over easily
    • Can be messy when being emptied


    2. Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Vacuum – Best Value

    Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum

    Type: Upright
    Bagless: Yes
    Cordless: No
    Anti-Allergy Filter: Yes

    At number two on our list, and what we think is the best vacuum cleaner for cat hair for the money, is the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. So, if you’re looking for a vacuum that works well at removing cat hair but can’t afford to drop a lot of money on one, then this is the choice for you. Built with a PAWS, Pet Approved Wind Tunnel, this vacuum is designed to deal with pet hair.

    It’s an excellent vacuum for people who suffer from allergies but still love and want to keep their cats in their homes, and the suction is strong enough to pick the hair up off the carpet with ease. In addition, the vacuum features Clean Drop technology, so you can empty it without ever touching the dirt and debris.

    The vacuum has been reported as being quite loud, and it doesn’t work well on thick carpeting. In addition, there have been reports of it malfunctioning easily, but for the money, it’s worth it in our opinion.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Specifically designed for pet hair
    • Great for people with allergies
    • Strong suction

    Cons
    • Loud
    • Doesn’t work well on high pile carpeting
    • Malfunctions easily


    3. Dyson DC41 Animal Complete Vacuum – Premium Choice

    Dyson DC41 Animal Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner

    Type: Upright
    Bagless: Yes
    Cordless: No
    Anti-Allergy Filter: Yes

    If you’re searching for a bagless yet strong suctioned vacuum, then you already know that Dyson probably has what you’re looking for. At number three on our list is the Dyson DC41 Animal Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

    It’s specifically built to pick up pet hair, is easy to maneuver, and has quite a few accessories to make cleaning up after your cat a breeze. Not only does it have a true HEPA filter, but it’s also easy to move even though it does weigh in at 17 pounds.

    The only drawback to this unit is that it’s one of the most expensive vacuums on the market today, so if you’re looking for a budget vacuum cleaner, then this isn’t it. It’s also been reported that the vacuum is hard to lock into the upright position.

    Pros
    • Features a lot of accessories
    • Built to pick up cat hair
    • Easy to maneuver

    Cons
    • One of the most expensive vacuums on the market
    • Locking the vacuum into the upright position is hard


    4. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum

    Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum

    Type: Handheld
    Bagless: Yes
    Cordless: No
    Anti-Allergy Filter: Yes

    Sometimes all you need is a vacuum that’ll spot clean and reach those hard-to-reach spots. That’s where our number four choice comes in. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum is great for reaching areas you can’t reach with a standard vacuum cleaner, and it has good suction. In addition, this vacuum has proved itself to be long-lasting and comes with rubber bristles to help the vacuum catch and get rid of cat hair.

    The only complaint we have about this model is that it’s very noisy, which could bother you and possibly scare your cat when you’re using it. But, for the money you pay, this is a great handheld vacuum to use when you just need to spot vacuum or reach into corners that your normal vacuum can’t reach.

    Pros
    • Great for areas that are hard to reach
    • Long-lasting vacuum with good suction
    • Comes with rubber bristles

    Cons
    • Very noisy


    5. Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum

    Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Canister HEPA Canister Vacuum

    Type: Canister
    Bagless: No
    Cordless: No
    Anti-Allergy Filter: Yes

    If you don’t mind a vacuum that’s extremely pricey but durable, then the Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum is at number five on our top 8 list. Built to last and using smart features to operate, this brand is the best out there for people with allergies. The vacuum is super easy to push, almost completely silent when running, and easy to adjust to the settings on.

    As previously stated, the only drawback to this unit is that it’s the Mercedes of vacuum cleaners, and the price you pay reflects that in spades. However, if you’re looking for a vacuum that’ll last you from 10 to 20 years, it’s well worth the investment.

    Pros
    • Easy to push
    • Great allergy protection
    • Almost silent and easy to adjust

    Cons
    • Extremely pricey


    6. IRobot Roomba S9 (9150) Robot Vacuum

    iRobot Roomba S9 (9150) Robot Vacuum

    Type: Robot
    Bagless: Yes
    Cordless: Yes
    Anti-Allergy Filter: Yes

    In today’s busy world, sometimes it’s hard to find the time to vacuum on a regular basis. That’s where our number six vacuum, the iRobot Roomba S9 (9150) Robot Vacuum, comes in handy. This model has a surprisingly durable build and moves easily on bare floors and is pretty easy on some carpeting. We found that the battery life for this robot vacuum is exceptional as well.

    However, the recurring costs for this model are quite expensive, and it’s a little bulky, which is compounded by the vacuum not having a carrying handle to easily move it from one room to the other.

    Pros
    • Durable build
    • Moves easily
    • Works on bare floors
    • Battery life is exceptional

    Cons
    • Recurring costs are high
    • Has no handle to carry the bulky machine


    7. Dyson-V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum

    Dyson - V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum

    Type: Handheld/Stick
    Bagless: Yes
    Cordless: Yes
    Anti-Allergy Filter: Yes

    If you’re looking for a way to get the cat hair off your stairs, then the Dyson-V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum at number seven is lightweight, extremely easy to push, and affordable enough to do the job for you. We consider the overall cleaning performance of this vacuum to be quite superior as well. As a pet parent, you want to get to every spot that cat hair gathers, and the stairs are one of those places.

    However, users have found this vacuum to not be very sturdy, and it requires them to clean the parts of the vacuum more often than many would like.

    Pros
    • Overall cleaning performance is superior
    • Lightweight, so easy to push

    Cons
    • Isn’t extremely sturdy
    • Requires quite a bit of maintenance


    8. Eureka FloorRover Bagless Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner

    Eureka FloorRover Bagless Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner

    Type: Upright
    Bagless: Yes
    Cordless: No
    Anti-Allergy Filter: Yes

    At number eight on our list of the eight best vacuum cleaners for cat hair is the Eureka FloorRover Bagless Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner. The beauty of this vacuum is that it can be used on all types of floors. In addition, the brush roll can be removed for easy cleaning, and it features a pet turbo tool so you can clean the cat fur from your furniture easier.

    The only negatives we found are that it could be a little hard to push for some people, and it’s a bulky vacuum that can make it a bit hard to maneuver and move from room to room.

    Pros
    • Can be used on all floors
    • Features a pet turbo tool
    • The brush roll can be removed

    Cons
    • Bulky
    • Hard to push

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Vacuum Cleaner for Cat Hair

    Now that you know the basics and what each vacuum we’re recommended can do for your home, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this section, we’ll give you a few tips on how to choose the best vacuum cleaner for your home to remove cat hair.

    Durability

    The first thing you should look for in any vacuum is durability. Cleaning up pet hair requires great suction ability, so you want a vacuum that measures up. Most of the vacuums on our list have strong suctioning ability. The strongest will work well, the weakest will only last you a few months, and the hair will still be on your carpets and furniture when that vacuum is gone.

    Pet Specific Attachments Included

    If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner that removes cat hair, it stands to reason that the cleaner should have pet-specific attachments included. While it’s not completely necessary if you find a strong enough vacuum, pet-specific attachments work best for hard to vacuum areas such as cat trees, beds, and stairs.

    HEPA Filtration Needed

    There are few modern vacuums that don’t use HEPA filters these days. However, you do need to do your research to ensure the vacuum you’re considering is using a true HEPA filter or technology. This true HEPA filter catches allergens and filters particles instead of releasing them back into the air of your home, where they can make you sick, cause asthma, or make your allergies much worse than they need to be.

    Quietness Required

    Everyone cat owner knows that loud and sudden noises can send your feline pal into a panicked frenzy. That’s why it’s important to find a vacuum that is pretty much as quiet as can be. While a quiet vacuum is better for everyone in your household, cats have super sensitive ears, so look for a vacuum that won’t traumatize your cat when it’s running.

    Bag or No Bag?

    Whether to purchase a bagless vacuum or one with bags is actually a personal choice, and they both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to pets. Vacuums with bags are a better choice for people who suffer from allergies since you don’t have to dump the canister releasing the dirt and debris into your home. However, many people love the sight of the dirt and dust swirling around in the canister of the bagless vacuum as they clean. The choice is yours.

    These few tips will help you to choose the right vacuum cleaner to meet your needs in the cat hair removal department. But, how do you easily remove cat hair from your home? We’ll discuss that with our tips on how to remove cat hair below.

    black and white cat with robot vacuum
    Image By:stocker193, Shutterstock

    Tips for Keeping Your House Pet Hair Free

    While we love our little feline friends, keeping a house pet hair-free can be a big, almost overwhelming challenge at times. No one wants to get up off their couch and have cat hair sticking to their clothes. But how do you keep that cat hair out of your home if you have cats? Read on below to find out.

    Brush Your Furry Friend Regularly

    While vacuuming is extremely important to keep fur out of your house, brushing your furry friend is important also. It’s the single best way to keep your cat from shedding all over your home; it’s good for you and your cat as well. It’s good for you because it helps prevent shedding, and it’s good for your cat because brushing releases oils that are good for your cat’s skin and fur.

    Consider Giving Your Cat a Bath

    While bathing a cat makes most cat owners cringe at the idea, it’s a good idea if you want to keep your house pet hair-free. It’s an especially good idea if you have someone in your house who has allergies. Scrubbing your cat releases all the pet dander, allergens, and hairs that will fall off and linger in your home.

    Many cats actually enjoy baths, though the first time you try to give your cat one, you might want to wear long sleeves and gloves, just in case he decides to claw you and try to get away. Also, only give your cat a bath once every couple of weeks, as over bathing can also lead to dry, irritated skin. It’s also a good idea to make sure you love and pet your cat and keep him calm during a bath, as cats can be easily frightened by water.

    Use an Air Purifier

    While you’re already using a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner, you can go even further and use an air purifier to help someone who has allergies when you have a cat in the house. On top of that, the filtration and purification of the air purifier will help to keep your home and the air in it pet hair-free also.

    These are just a few tips to help you keep your house pet hair-free. Though they aren’t going to stop your cat from shedding completely, that would be a miracle. However, these tips will ensure that you’re doing everything you can to keep your house, your family, and your cat healthy, happy, and cat hair-free for years to come.

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    Final Thoughts: Best Vacuum For Cat Hair

    This brings us to the end of our buying guide and reviews on the top eight best vacuum cleaners for cat hair removal. At number one on our list, our overall choice went to the Shark NV356E S2 Navigator Upright Vacuum for its three-part filtration system, HEPA filter, and affordability. The second spot went to the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for its budget-friendly price and strong suction capabilities. Finally, in the top three spot, the Dyson DC41 Animal Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner was chosen because it was built to pick up pet hair, although it’s on the expensive side for sure.

    We hope these reviews and our buying guide help you to choose the best possible vacuum cleaner out there to keep your home cat hair and allergy-free for many years to come.

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    Featured Image Credit: kholywood, Shutterstock

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