You love your precious fur baby, but let’s face it: She gets her hair everywhere. The good news is that cleaning up cat hair is no longer a matter of constantly sweeping or running a manual vacuum. Instead, you can invest in a robot vacuum that will keep your floors cat-hair-free with little to no effort on your part.
We have taken a close look at dozens of robot vacuums to find you the ones that are the best at removing cat hair from your carpets and hard floors. We evaluated the various features available, whether they work with Alexa, whether they charge themselves, and several other considerations.
If you are looking for additional ways to keep your floors and other surfaces clean with kitty around, check out our review of the best cat urine cleaners and odor removers. And if your cat’s messes tend to be hairballs, you won’t want to miss out on the best cat hairball remedies.
Our top pick went to the iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum. It has a three-step system that loosens fur, lifts it, then suctions. It is great for use on both hard and carpeted floors thanks to multi-surface brushes that adjust to the height of the carpet’s pile or to the bare floor.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Robot Vacuums for Cat Hair
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Robot Vacuum for Cat Hair | iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum | 4.3 |
Best Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo | Roborock E35 Robot Vacuum and Mop | 4.4 |
Best Budget Robot Vacuum | eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S | 4.4 |
Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum | Shark IQ R101AE with Self-Empty Base | 4.1 |
Best Robot Vacuum for Hard Floors | Pureatic V2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Robot Vacuum for Cat Hair Overall: iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum
The iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum made the very top spot on our list. It has a patented Dirt Detect system that will prompt it to spend more time on areas that have more debris (including cat hair). It can navigate itself under and around furniture, and it has an edging brush that will sweep into your corners, where cat hair tumbleweeds can end up.
This robot vacuum is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can activate it by voice control without even getting out of your chair. You can also use the iRobot app to schedule vacuuming sessions even when you’re not home. And it will run for up to 90 minutes before taking itself “home” to its docking station to charge up for the next cleaning time.
iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum Key Features:
- Great for hard and carpeted floors
- Patented systems for removing dirt and hair
- Navigates under furniture
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Has a dedicated app
- Self-charging after 90 minutes
Best Robot Vacuum and Mop for Cat Hair: Roborock E35 Robot Vacuum and Mop
If you are looking for a robot vacuum with a mop, we recommend the Roborock E35 Robot Vacuum and Mop. This vacuum has a sensible mapping pattern, so you can be confident that it will hit every area of your floors. It’s compatible with Alexa and also has its own app to allow you to schedule and customize your cleaning schedule.
With 13 sensors, the Roborock avoids collisions and getting stuck. It will return to its charging station when it’s time for a charge, but with the ability to clean for 2.5 hours, it will be able to vacuum a large area before needing to charge up.
The mop will wash your hard floors in the same way that it vacuumed them. It has excellent suction, so you won’t need to worry about you or kitty slipping in puddles. This is truly a convenient and no-touch way to keep your floors hair-free and super clean without having to get your own hands dirty.
Roborock E35 Robot Vacuum and Mop Key Features:
- Efficient mapping pattern
- Compatible with Alexa and its own app
- 13 sensors to avoid collisions
- Won’t fall down stairs or off of ledges
- Self-charging (after 2.5 hour runtime)
- Mop will wash floors at the same time
Best Budget Robot Vacuum for Cat Hair: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S
Our pick for the best budget-friendly robot vacuum is the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S. This has been engineered to be one of the slimmest robot vacs out there, so if you have low-set furniture, this might be a great product for you. It also has BoostIQ Technology, which means that if you have areas needing some extra suction (maybe where kitty lays on the floor to enjoy her favorite sunbeam?), it will kick in as needed automatically.
This one will vacuum nonstop for up to 100 minutes depending on the flooring type, and it will automatically recharge so it’s always ready to go. It works best on hard floors and carpet pile up to medium. It comes with a remote control, an extra set of filters, and a 12-month warranty.
eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Key Features:
- Slim profile
- BoostIQ Technology
- Vacuums for up to 100 minutes
- Use on hard floor or low- to medium-pile carpet
- Automatic recharge
- Includes remote control
- Removes extra filters
- Has a 12-month warranty
Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum for Cat Hair: Shark IQ R101AE with Self-Empty Base
The Shark IQ R101AE with Self-Empty Base was our fave among robot vacuums that have self-empty bases. You can forget about vacuuming for up to a month with this unique product. It will keep your house vacuumed and free from cat hair, but the genius part is that it will also return to the base and empty itself! All you need to do is empty the larger bin periodically.
It also has a self-cleaning brush roll, which makes it good for homes with long haired cats (or long haired owners). The edge and corner brush will keep your corners fur-free, and the strong suction makes quick work of hard floors and carpeting alike. This one is truly a winner if you don’t want to have to worry about emptying out your robot vac for up to several weeks at a time.
Shark IQ R101AE with Self-Empty Base Key Features:
- Self-emptying technology
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Edge and corner brushes
- Excellent mapping technology
- Easy to program
Best Robot Vacuum for Hard Floors: Pureatic V2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner
If you have all or mostly hard floors with a few area rugs or some low-pile carpet, the Pureatic V2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner is our top pick for you. It operates best on these flat surfaces and has great suction designed for hard flooring. This robovac cleans in straight lines as opposed to making diagonal or perpendicular lines in various rooms, so if you prefer to have it working in one area at a time, this might be the vacuum for you.
The high-capacity battery will run for up to 100 minutes before returning to the base for recharging. It has a large dust box, so it will be able to suck up a lot of cat hair before you need to empty it. It also has a remote control and WiFi, so it’s easy for you to program it between four modes.
Pureatic V2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner Key Features:
- Best for hard floors and low-pile carpet
- Strong suction
- Cleans in straight lines
- Runs for 100 minutes
- Automatic recharging
- Includes remote control
Who Should Buy a Robot Vacuum for Cat Hair
If you are a busy cat-owner or simply someone who does not enjoy vacuuming, a robot vacuum might be the right choice for you to keep your floors clean and hair-free. These work by mapping your home; some will go in straight lines, and others will zoom around in what looks like a random pattern (but is actually based on technology!). They remove cat hair along with other dirt and debris, which means that you can cross that chore off of your list.
Some people have one robot vacuum for each level of their home. If you currently have one downstairs, for example, you might consider purchasing a second to have one on the upper level. Or you might choose to vacuum one level yourself with an upright vacuum cleaner while allowing your robot vacuum to tackle the cat hair on another level. Either way, it will reduce your overall workload.
If you want to make the need for the vacuum a it less frequent, then you’re going to want to check out The Best Pet Hair Removers.
Important Features to Consider
Whether you are new to robot vacuums or you are looking to replace (or add to) your current model, there are a few things you should think about before making your choice. Here are some of the important features to consider.
- Type of flooring. Read the descriptions for the various robot vacuums. Some work best on hard floors, while others do well on even high-pile carpet. Match the product you buy with the type of flooring you have.
- Device compatibility. Most robot vacuums are equipped with WiFi, and some can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to quickly command your vacuum to clean a certain area or to return for charging without having to walk over and pick it up.
- Self-charging or not. Many robot vacuums will charge themselves. This feature means you won’t have to worry about the battery dying in the middle of a vacuum job. It also means that it will likely not get lost; if you don’t know where your robot vacuum is, it’s probably on its charger.
- Sensors and special features. The sensors that the robot vacuum has will help it avoid getting stuck under furniture or colliding into walls. Look for extra sensors or special features that will keep it from rolling down the stairs or off of a single step to avoid damage.
- Extra cleaning capability. If your robot vacuum has a corner brush, it will be able to clean out the corners of the room, where cat hair typically accumulates. Some come with the capability to mop the floor, which cuts down even more on the cleaning you’ll need to do when you could be spending that time cuddling your kitty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a robot vacuum for pet hair and how does it work?
A robot vacuum is a small vacuum cleaner that will roll around your house picking up cat hair and other debris as it goes. It comes with its own internal mapping system that will allow it to avoid crashing into walls. This mapping system will also tell the vacuum where to go so it doesn’t miss certain areas of the home while going over the same spot many times.
Do robot vacuums work for pet hair?
Yes! Robot vacuums are excellent for keeping pet hair under control. You do need to choose one that is meant for the type of flooring that you have. For best results in minimizing the amount of pet hair in your house, you’ll want to run your robot vacuum daily.
How do you get pet hair out of carpet?
For everyday cleaning, a robot vacuum or any other type of vacuum with a rolling brush will be able to keep most of the pet hair out of your carpet. If you have a lot of embedded cat hair, however, you might need to use a rubber squeegee or a similar product to rub the hair out manually. Then you can vacuum as usual. This can be done periodically in between regular vacuuming.
How do you vacuum cat hair?
Cat hair will normally be picked up easily by a robot vacuum or a regular vacuum cleaner. Be sure to clean out the dust bin frequently so it maintains maximum suction and cleans most effectively.
Other Robot Vacuums for Cat Hair We Reviewed
In addition to the vacuums that made our top 5 list, we also took a look at 20 additional robot vacuums. These didn’t make our top spots, but they are still great options to consider when it comes to choosing a vacuum to remove your cat’s hair from your floors.
Self-Charging Robot Vacuums
360 2000Pa Vacuum Cleaner with Laser Navigation
Laser navigation, self-charging and automatic resume make this robot vacuum a cinch to use. You can run it at night, since it works even in complete darkness.
Key Features:
- Long-lasting battery
- Washable filters
- Set “off limit” rooms
Cost: $390
This has a very low profile, so it will be able to get under couches and chairs to remove the cat hair that’s been hiding out under there.
Key Features:
- Super strong suction
- Won’t fall down stairs
- Large anti-spill dustbin
Cost: $165
This low-profile, self-charging vacuum operates quietly and can easily adapt to moving from hard flooring to carpet and vice-versa. It has an oversized dustbin, too.
Key Features:
- Runs for up to 100 minutes
- Quiet operation
- Large dustbin
Cost: $220
ECOVACS DEEBOT 500 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
This budget-friendly robot vac can handle carpets and hard floors. It also has a low sound level to avoid scaring kitty, and you can control it all from its app.
Key Features:
- Low profile
- Easy to program
- Quiet operation
Cost: $160
GOOVI 1600PA Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Self-Charging
The 360-degree smart sensor on this robot vacuum will create the most efficient pattern possible in your home to remove cat hair, sand, dirt, and other debris.
Key Features:
- High battery capacity
- Cleans all floor types
- Intelligent setting modes
Cost: $150
Grand-Pro 2020 New Version Robot Vacuum
This vacuum has a unique square design that allows it to get into every corner without leaving any spaces neglected. It also has a low profile for cleaning under furniture.
Key Features:
- Remote-control programming
- Runs up to 150 minutes
- Air filtration system
Cost: $120
Kealive 2020 New Version Robot Vacuum
The movement pattern on this vacuum might look random to you, but it’s actually created for efficiency. It is suitable for all floor types and is great for picking up cat hair.
Key Features:
- 5 different cleaning modes
- Super-strong suction
- Anti-collision system
Robot Vacuums Compatible With Alexa
Bagotte 2200Pa & Mapping Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
This vacuum has great navigation and is designed to clean every part of the floor without going over the same places over and over again.
Key Features:
- Carpet-boost technology
- “Find my robot” feature
- 100 minutes of running time
Cost: $280
Coredy Upgraded R3500S Robot Vacuum Cleaner
You can start your vacuum from miles away using Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Coredy app. The slim profile allows it to get your cat’s hair out from under furniture.
Key Features:
- Best for hard floors and low-pile carpets
- Automatic floor-type detection
- Anti-drop technology
Cost: $225
With six cleaning modes and a clever “S” pattern this slim-profile vacuum will keep your whole house fur-free. The HEPA cleaning filter is perfect for a home with cats.
Key Features:
- Anti-fall technology
- Great for hard floors and carpet
- Keep track of progress through the app
Cost: $250
Dser 2200Pa Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
This robot vac has a boost mode that increases suction in dirty (or hairy) areas. Four cleaning modes make it easy to clean every part of every room.
Key Features:
- Automatic charge
- Multiple cleaning modes
- Great for carpets
Cost: $270
You’ll enjoy completely carefree cleaning with this Roomba. It charges itself, empties itself, creates its own mapping, and is able to be commanded with Alexa.
Key Features:
- Automatic dirt disposal holds 60 days of dirt
- Works with the Braava Jet mops
- Has “keep out zones”
Cost: $800
You can control this vacuum in a variety of ways, including Alexa, through wifi, and with the app. It comes with a remote control and has anti-collision technology.
Key Features:
- Quiet operation
- Anti-drop sensor
- Learns boundaries
Cost: $250
Samsung Electronics R7040 Robot Vacuum
This vacuum’s unique design has 20x the suction power of traditional round vacuum robots. Creates an ideal path through your home and shows you what’s been cleaned.
Key Features:
- Rubber blade to clean edges
- Automatic recharge
- Easy pass wheels
Cost: $325
This robot vacuum cleaner utilizes an “S” shaped mapping system to get all of the cat hair off of the floor from wall to wall. V-shaped rollers make quick work of dirt.
Key Features:
- Anti-drop sensors
- Anti-collision technology
- 12-month warranty
Robot Vacuums With Mops
Dibea Upgraded Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner
The powerful suction on this vacuum is perfect for hard floors and thin rugs, while the mopping function can be used on any hard floor that can get wet.
Key Features:
- Large dustbin and water bin
- Need to wet the mopping cloth before use
- Vacuums and mops separately
Cost: $230
Knox Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Mopping Cloth
This vacuum has a dual filter to make it easy to stay comfortable if you have a mild allergy to your cat. It’s great at picking up pet hair and cleaning the floor.
Key Features:
- Good for all floors
- Dual filters
- Smart sensors
Cost: $90
LEXY Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop ComboÂ
This robot vacuum with mop combo is Alexa-enabled, so you can control it with your voice. It’s ultra-quiet, too, so it won’t scare your cat.
Key Features:
- Works with Alexa
- Quiet operation
- Smart sensors
Cost: $170
OPODEE Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner
Regular wireless updates will keep your new robot vacuum up to the minute with the latest feature releases. Uses Smart Life or TUYA apps.
Key Features:
- Uses 2.5Ghz wifi
- Large dust bin
- Best on hard floors and thin carpets
Cost: $240
This robot vacuum has laser smart navigation to prevent collisions and falls. It has a 180-minute runtime and automatic charging.
Key Features:
- Super suction vacuum power
- Intelligent cleaning route
- Stores multiple room maps
Cost: $480