Best Vacuums for Ragdoll Cat Hair According to Ragdoll Cat Owner
We get many emails inquiring about the best vacuum for Ragdoll cat hair, aka long-haired cats. I’ve repeatedly asked on our Facebook page to see what everyone likes and uses. There is a lot of passion behind the kind of vacuum to use. So, I wanted to do a post about it. I have put the vacuums in order according to the number of times people mentioned them in the post. Of course, this is not very scientific; it was how I chose to organize them. I also included comments that readers said about them.
Do you have a favorite vacuum for vacuuming cat hair? If so, please leave a comment below, letting us know the brand and model and a description as to why you like it so much – that way, other Ragdoll cat owners can benefit!
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HYLA EST Vacuum Cleaner
Floppycats reader say:
- “While the Hyla can be used as a normal vacuum, this vacuum is so much more. I love my Hyla as an air purifier. As an asthmatic, I need clean air, and the Hyla does just that. I also love that I can use my Hyla to vacuum up liquid. I can use it to blow dust out of my electronics or appliances The ability to adjust the suction power is perfect for curtains or blinds. This is my third Hyla not because of breakdown but because I need the upgrade.“
- “I can feel the difference in my home since I start using Hyla🥰💕 Best vacuum cleaner ever 🔥“
Buy a Hyla and use HYLA coupon code “floppycats” for $$$ off the HYLA EST
Shark Vacuums
Readers like two models of the Shark vacuums – the Navigator and the Rocket.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Vacuum (NV370)
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum (NV352)
Floppycats readers say:
- “Shark navigator – love it and it’s a fraction of the cost of a Dyson.”
- “Shark Navigator! Never had a vacuum this good. When you see all the stuff it pulls out of carpets, you’ll know your old vacuum wasn’t doing much good!”
- “I have the Shark Navigator (Swivel Steering) 2X capacity. No bag. You can’t believe the cat hair I pick up. Love it“
- “Shark Navigator. I use mine every week. It is light and really sucks. REALLY SUCKS. I have to empty the container at least twice each time.“
- “I’ve had Dysons, and now I have a Shark. I love it!“
- “Shark. They also have a pet attachment that will get cat hair off of furniture also. Love it!
Shark Rocket
Floppycats readers say:
- “I like the navigator for the carpet but the rocket for all the rest. It’s great on hard floors, blinds, furniture, walls, pillows.”
- “Shark Rocket!!! Period! Best picker upper of Ragdoll fur!”
- “I have two sharks, and I love them. I couldn’t live without the rocket cuz it snakes around everything great. And the suction is awesome! I’m a clean freak and I think the shark beats everything out there, and trust me I have had them all.“
- “Shark navigator. It works great for a Ragdoll who gives off clumps as opposed to hairs.”
- “The Dysons are nice, but they don’t get under or around stuff because of that big ball on it. That rocket can get under or around everything.”
Dyson Vacuums
Readers used a variety of Dysons – see all the ones they mentioned below.
Dyson Animal Compact Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Floppycats readers say:
- “Love my purple Dyson!!“
- ” I have a Dyson animal it’s brilliant.”
Dyson DC41 Animal
Floppycats readers say:
- “I have three Dyson vacuums: Dyson DC41 Animal, Dyson DC44 Animal handheld and Dyson DC56 Hard. I have two Ragdolls and a Miniature Schnauzer. They work great .”
Dyson Animal Handheld
Dyson Hard- Hardfloor Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Floppycats readers say:
- “Dysons are fantastic! We have DC – 59 & 65 animals, and they suck everything up! We also have a Roomba that runs daily to keep up with anything we miss. They’re all pricey, but they make our lives easy!”
Miele Vacuums
A few readers mentioned how much they liked the Miele canister vacuums for their cat hair.
Miele S8380 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum
Floppycats readers say:
- “Miele cat and dog canister – excellent. Filters air, extremely powerful, bag snaps in and closes to capture and contain all dander. Very good reviews online showing comparisons to canister style like Dyson.”
Hoover Vacuums
Hoover – WindTunnel 2 Bagless Pet Upright Vacuum
Floppycats readers say:
- Carole writes, “I had to get a new vacuum cleaner, and I LOVE the one I purchased. I wanted to share it with you and your “Ragdoll Readers.” It is a HOOVER UH70102 and came with TWO pet tools. I picked it up at Best Buy. My friend purchased a similar one thru Amazon.”
Other vacuums mentioned were the Wertheim, Harry with pet hair turbulator, Kenmore Elite Canister, and the Kirby G5 Diamond Edition.
What’s your favorite vacuum for picking up cat hair?
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
I followed a link from the email that I received from Floppycats yesterday and ended up here. Oh, how I wish I had seen this article before today, as I’ve bought two new hoovers this year and still have difficulty removing cat hair from my carpets. I tend to use an iPhone for my email and web browsing, and I not found a way of searching subjects on your website/blog.
Sorry! There is a search icon at the top you can click on and search that way – or just enter your keyword on google – and add “floppycats.com” – so if you’re interested in vacuums, it would be “vacuum and floppycats.com”
Hi Jenny
I followed a link from the email that I received from Floppycats yesterday and ended up here. Oh, how I wish I had seen this article before today, as I’ve bought two new hoovers this year and still have difficulty removing cat hair from my carpets. I tend to use an iPhone for my email and web browsing, and I not found a way of searching subjects on your website/blog.
As there haven’t been any comments on vacuums since Dec 2016 I thought I would share my experience of hoovers purchased this year, in the hope that it will help others in their decision making.
When I took on two 1 year Ragdoll cats in March, I had no idea how much fur they shed, and boy was it a shock, as I hadn’t owned a pet before. I wasn’t warned about the shedding from their previous owner, and as I’ve only had them for 5 months, I don’t know whether this is a seasonal thing, which is worse during particular times of the year and around the time I happened to adopt them. I’m in the UK, so I’m guessing (and hoping) the shedding is particularly worse in spring and summer here.
I had previously owned a upright Dyson hoover then a Miele, so when my hoover gave up a few months ago, I spent ages looking around and reading reviews to see which would be the best hoover for pet hair. I dismissed the Dyson quickly as I didn’t like the thought of seeing the dust, dirt and pet hair collecting in the cylinder. I also felt that Dyson products were becoming over priced, and the quality of their newer hoovers on the market today are less robust for the money against competitors. I opted to purchase another Miele Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner and got the one specifically for cat and dog hair. This is great on tiled, laminate and wooden flooring, however, carpet is another matter. What I’ve found is that the hair is difficult to lift from the carpet as it gathers and clumps the hair then it and sticks on the bottom of the bristles on the floorhead nozzle/brush. By switching it to the highest suction setting, it’s difficult to push and pull the brush over the carpets, and I’ve found the suction is too strong and lifts the carpets up whilst hoovering. It’s possible I have the wrong hoover for the type of carpets I have (I have a mixture of deep pile wool bend in the bedrooms and twist in one room downstairs and on my stairs and landing – thankfully everything else is wooden, tiled or laminated flooring).
When I first got the cats I was hoovering twice a day, and by the time I’d finished, it felt like I had done a fitness workout! For the stairs and landing, as my carpet is dark and really shows up the cat hair, I decided to purchase a Four Paws Magic Pet Hair Remover, so I could remove most of the hair up before hovering. Sadly this only lasted for a few uses and disintegrated. After buying several other products, I was finally able to purchase the Lilly brush (as recommended by Floppycats), which gets most of the hair up before hoovering, but again this is quite hard work.
In May, I decided to invest in a cordless vacuum cleaner to make lighter work on the stairs and landing. Again after lots of research and looking at reviews (4½ out of 5* rating), I decided to buy a Vax Air Cordless Switch vacuum, as it had a multi-function switch for suction only, or a revolving brush and suction for use on carpets. The middle part of the hoover can be removed and used as a handheld – this is great for quickly going around and collecting cat hair from tiled, laminate and wooden flooring. Unfortunately the vacuum isn’t powerful enough on the carpet as the cat hair gets tangled around the brush at the bottom and the handheld suction isn’t strong enough.
Jenny, I was wondering whether you have done any reviews on suitable carpets for cat owners or run a similar article on best carpets for Ragdoll cats according to Ragdoll owners. At some point I need to replace my stairs and landing carpet with a lighter carpet. I’ve already been into several retailers (in the UK) to ask whether there is a carpet manufactured as a cat friendly carpet (stain resistant, easy to remove hair and possibly claw resistant/heavy duty). It seems that no manufacturer advertises a pet friendly carpet as a unique selling point (personally I think they are missing a trick here). My cats have a tendency to claw the landing carpet during the night, even with sisal scratching pads, posts and beds everywhere, and they usually chase each other around and charge up and down the stairs around 3am. I’m hoping that this is something they will grow out of! I have thought about taking the wooden flooring all the way up the stairs and onto the landing, but I’m concerned that my cats may injure themselves when they chase each other around during the night (as they slide on the wooden flooring downstairs) and they can get a bit rough with each other. Any tips will be useful. Many thanks
PS I’ve finally managed to get hold of an EZ-Groomer. I didn’t realise I could purchase one directly from the Petcomb shop. It was only after seeing another person’s comment (she was from New Zealand) on Floppycats’ FB Page with a new link that I discovered they shipped worldwide. Unfortunately we don’t have a supplier in the UK so I had been trying to get one throuh Amazon but they didn’t ship to the UK. My cats still don’t like being groomed, however, the EZ-Groomer is much better at removing hair and takes less time.
Hi Michelle,
Ironically, when I search for something on the site – I go to Google – enter the keyword I am searching for and “Floppycats”.
So on this one, for example, I would have searched for “vacuum floppycats” to see what suggestions there were.
I am sorry that you found it retrospectively after buying your Hoovers. My mom is a loyal Hoover buyer – so I was raised to love a Hoover.
Yes, I was working on updating this post – we had a vacuum discussion on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/floppycats/posts/10154487894998038
I was going to suggest the Lilly Brush – but yes, you’re right, it’s a lot of work. You might also try using a damp terry cloth rag – wiping it off the carpet before you vacuum?
Have you tried grooming them more to prevent the cat hair shedding?
I have been trying to get a carpet company on board – as there are many factors about carpets:
1. ones cats don’t want to scratch
2. ones that don’t have chemicals that will affect the cat’s thyroid
3. ones that don’t collect cat hair.
I will think about running a similiar article – but would need to gather info on FB first.
I actually think removing the carpet would slow them down ! I can ask on FB for you, if you want – just shoot me an email with exactly what you want me to post on FB.
Glad the EZ-Groomer is working for you!
Jenny
I have an older Dyson Animal and just purchased a Shark Navigator Pro a couple of months ago. The Dyson is now in a closet. But I must agree with writer with Rainbow. My landlady has one and it is fantastic. Would love to have one but just a little too pricy for me. Fantastic find at a yard sale though.
We have a Ragdoll cattery and lots of fine, sticky fur everywhere. About 15 years ago I bought a used Rainbow at a garage sale. If it ever quits, I will spend the money to get a new one. It has great suction which never slows down because the fur and dirt goes into water and it has no filter. That means I can suck up water poured on pee, poop stains, or vomit. It will get up fur and dirt left on carpets even right after they have been professionally cleaned. I know the cost over the ones listed is very high, but if you get the opportunity to get one someday, you won’t be disappointed. It is also made so you can reverse the flow of the air and use it as a blower with an attachment which will spray water or a cleaner. I use it with odor control liquids such as Natures Miracle when we have a male spraying problem.
Good to see Dyson Animal. Not sure if the lighter version was available back when I purchased my refurbished certified one (animal was new and the vacuums werebquite expensive). Either way, I have had mine for over ten years and it works like a charm. I will keep the lighter version in mind if ever needed.
I have two shark models love love love them,getting the Shark Rocket next,Happy Ragdoll Mom!
I have the Dyson Animal complete and I have say that it does a great job of getting up the hair of two Ragdolls. I try to vacuum every 2 days, but If I get to 3 or 4 days, I find lovely cream colored tumbleweeds blowing thru the house LOL. I am happy with my vacuum which was a gift last Mother’s Day. I especially like the attachments and I received the handheld canister with it. I love it as it picks up litter quickly and easily. I’ve never had a Shark, but I hear they work well. I’ve had cheaper vacuums in the past, and while they picked up pretty well, they didn’t have the features I get with the Dyson.
I tried the Shark Vacuum but it didn’t pull the ragdoll fur off my furniture, so I got the Dyson Animal Vacuum – it’s a heavy vacuum but it works. I have 2 female ragdolls and another female black cat. It is shocking how much fur I vacuum up each week and I vacuum up any extra sand near the sandbox. I highly recommend the vacuum. It’s a bit pricy, but I waited for it go on sale at Kohl’s and then used my 30% off coupon and it was reasonable. My ragdolls are soooo worth it – absolutely love these cats!
My good ole’ reliable Rainbow Vacuum…. Takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.
Belinda, I would love to have a Rainbow – but can’t afford it at the moment. Did you purchase yours from a rep? How long ago?
I used to get down on my hands and knees to get cat hair out of our oriental carpets. We got a Shark Navigator and have been delighted that it gets the hair out! Best vacuum we’ve ever owned and we’ve run the gamut. Plus you can wash the foam filters and empty the canister…no more buying bags! Great vacuum!
I have a Dyson DC40 (I think) that’s about 7-8 years old and I love that thing! It was expensive but amortized over the years it works out to be very cost effective per use. Also, it’s super easy to take apart and clean or clear any blockages yourself.
I do want a lightweight vacuum to use downstairs in the entryway and on the stairs though. About 6 years ago I bought a Dyson handheld cordless for this job but I do NOT recommend it unless you can vacuum what you need in less than 2 minutes because that’s about as long as a full battery charge lasts.
P.S. I’ve had four Eurekas, three at work and the one I own. My current machine is excellent and one work vacuum was outstanding. The other two were worthless, so I have no confidence in or loyalty to the brand.
My Eureka “The Boss” upright (Consumer “Best Buy” choice I bought several years ago) does a great job. I also have a dandy little Dirt Devil Simpli-Stick (less than $20 last December) that works picking up crumbs, litter and cat hair on hard floors. Last night I saw a TV ad for Shark Liftaway. I’d seriously consider it if I needed to replace my main vacuum cleaner. It looks bagless, though, and bagless vacuums are nasty to empty because dust goes everywhere.
Thanks for another very useful feature article, Jenny 🙂
i’ve heard that sharks are just as good as the dyson, i have neither because i can’t afford them but i’d love to have one. maybe santa will bring me one! 3 cats, one with long hair.. i got cat hair!
I hear ya, Patricia. We just have one Ragdoll but with the amount of fluffies floating around here at time I feel like we have a gaggle of Raggies! lol 🙂
Going to save my pennies (I’ll need A LOT of them!) and get the Shark Rocket! 🙂
Big hugs!
Patti & Pink Sugar 🙂 <3
We have the Shark Rocket for a Labrador Mix, Ragdoll, & recently added short-haired kitten. It is an awesome vacuum for pet hair of all kinds. Dysun’s are of course excellent vacuums as well (my parents have one for a golden retriever), but I can’t justify paying almost double for a machine that works just as powerful, if not better…coming from first-hand experience. I know a lot of people would pay $100+ just for the top-name in vacuum cleaners, & who sees your vacuum? Hopefully not anyone that you’re trying to impress anyways 😉 Go with the Shark!!
Thanks, jniec328! I’m sold. Shark Rocket is what I’ll be saving up for! 🙂
Big hugs!
Patti & Pink Sugar 🙂 <3
Luckily, mine was a gift or I’d still be saving up! Let me known if & when you get one & how it works out! <3
Jess & Sam & Sookie & Sharky
Dysons are the best for Ragdoll fur, as I should know as I had/have 4! Lol.
Wow! Great info! Thanks, Jenny! I have yet to invest any serious money in a vacuum. I just find it hard to commit that much money to a vacuum cleaner but I must say that I certainly need a better vacuum to attack the cat hair on our floors. What I have works okay but I know there’s lots of room for improvement that a more expensive, better engineered vacuum might provide.
Currently, we are using a Hoover Nano-Cyclonic Upright vacuum. I’m adding the Shark models to my Wish List, though. As I think when I get a new vacuum I will invest in one of those. The Dysons and Miele are just too expensive for our limited budget, though. 🙂
Big hugs!
Patti & Pink Sugar (who sez “Ah hatez dat berry loudz thingamajigz!” 🙂 <3
Hi Patti,
I totally want the Sharks now – never have been interested in Dysons, not sure why.
Thanks,
Jenny