15 Best Hand Vacuums For Cat Hair
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
If you have a cat, you know how difficult it can be to continually clean up fur that has been left all over the house.
Rather than pulling out the giant, full-sized vacuum every time you need a fast clean-up, a handheld vacuum can be useful for little issues like hair accumulation.
For this reason, most cat owners prefer to use a handheld vacuum.
There are numerous portable vacuums on the market, but you must locate one that is suitable for collecting up tough cat hair from a range of surfaces. Not all vacuums are designed to perform this function.
We have eliminated the need for you to waste time and money on trial and error purchases.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has also gone through and checked the reviews from other cat owners to create the ultimate list of best hand vacuums for cat hair.
Let's have a peek at what we've created!
Reviews
IRIS High-Power Portable Vacuum Cleaner – Overall Winner
- 1.1 pounds in weight
- Battery Rechargeable
- Components Included
- Vacuum, docking station, brush tool attachment, and crevice tool attachment
The Iris High-Power Cordless Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is our top overall selection for a handheld vacuum for vacuuming up your cat’s hair.
When completely charged, this vacuum can run for up to 20 minutes on low or 15 minutes on high. There is a battery display that shows how much battery life remains before the next charge.
The Iris is quite light, weighing only 1.1 pounds. Although it is compact and light, the DX motor offers a powerful suction, making it ideal for cleaning up cat hair and other pet hair around the house or in the car.
The washable dust cup on this handheld vacuum can be easily removed and emptied without causing a mess. This vacuum comes with two attachments to aid in efficiency in tighter, more difficult-to-reach areas.
When not in use, the accessories can be neatly stowed in the charging dock. Some consumers complained that the battery and run time after a full charge did not live up to expectations.
Pros
- Lightweight and simple to use
- DC motor with strong suction
- Excellent for difficult-to-reach areas.
Cons
- Some consumers complained about the reduced run time after charging.
Best Value BISSELL Pet Hair Corded Handheld Vacuum
- 4.5 pound weight
- Battery N/A
- Components Included
- Hard nozzle tool, contour nozzle tool
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum offers excellent value for money. This vacuum weights 4.5 pounds and comes with two different nozzles for further versatility.
One nozzle is solid, while the other is curved rubber with comb-like bristles that are ideal for picking up pet hair, particularly on furniture or stairs.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser offers multi-level filtration, which aids in the reduction of odors and allergens.
This device isn’t the best choice for difficult-to-reach spots, and the power cable can be difficult to work around. While the vacuum is light, there are far lighter ones available.
It performs an excellent job of taking up cat hair, however reviews caution that it will violently blow air out the sides, causing loose debris to be blown around.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Cord length
- Excellent for pet hair
Cons
- Air is expelled through side vents.
- The cord might be inconvenient and tough to work around.
- Not suitable for particularly narrow, difficult-to-reach places.
WANDVAC SHARK Premium Choice Cordless Hand Vacuum
- 1.4 pound weight
- Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Components Included
- Pet tool with several surfaces, charging dock, dual onboard accessory storage, and crevice duster
The Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac is our top pick for a premium handheld vacuum for cat fur. This vacuum is extremely lightweight and compact.
It has a strong suction that is ideal for cat fur, especially when used with the supplied multi-surface pet tool. It is also available in a number of stylish hues.
The Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac is great for quick and simple cleaning. Because the accessory bank connects directly to the charging dock, any additional tools are easily accessible.
This vacuum is compact and charges just on the dock. This type charges faster than most slimline handheld vacuums.
This vacuum comes with a washable filter for convenience. The dust cup’s small size is the most common criticism, as it fills very rapidly and requires regular emptying.
While this is a more expensive option, it is a popular handheld vacuum.
Pros
- Lightweight and simple to use
- Attachments for multiple surfaces are included.
- Cordless, compact, and convenient to store
- Filter is washable
Cons
- A little dustpan
- Expensive
Kitten-Friendly Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
- 3.7 pound weight
- Battery N/A
- Components Included
- Hose, crevice tool, slide brush, and upholstery tool are all available.
The Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is reasonably priced and well-liked by pet owners.
This vacuum is lightweight and has a powerful motor that provides excellent suction for a wide range of messes. The supplied crevice tool is really useful for getting into small spots.
This is a corded vacuum, but the cable is rather lengthy, allowing you lots of room to clean with. The good news is that you do not need to charge it before using it.
This portable vacuum has no bag and is simple to clean because the contents are simply emptied into the trash.
According to reviewers, the major disadvantage of this vacuum is that air is pushed out of the side vents, which might spread material further.
Some reviews did express concern that this vacuum broke easily and was not of good quality manufacture.
Overall, this vacuum is an excellent value, and many pet owners strongly recommend it.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Cord length
- Suction is really strong.
Cons
- Air is expelled through side vents.
- The cord might be constrictive.
- Can easily break
Pet Hair Eraser Li-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum by BISSELL
- 3 pound weight
- Lithium-ion 14V battery
- Components Included
- Battery, brush tool, upholstery tool, and crevice tool
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Li-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum is a small and lightweight vacuum that is specifically intended for pet hair.
Not only does it remove pet hair, but it also works well for other issues, such as scattered litter. Bissell will donate $5 to the Bissell Pet Foundation upon activation of your purchase.
The 14V lithium-ion battery provides powerful suction and efficient cleaning. The dust bin is larger than competitors’ and can hold more hair, grime, dust, and debris.
It is simple and straightforward to empty. This vacuum also has triple-level filtration to help with odors and allergens, making it ideal for allergy patients.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Li-Ion comes with certain tool attachments designed specifically for pet owners’ needs.
This contains a motorized brush tool, upholstery tool, and even a crevice tool for those hard-to-reach places.
According to the reviewers, the negative of this vacuum is the short run time after charging, and some individual vacuums have generated a little electrical charge when the power button is touched.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Value
- It includes useful attachments.
- Simple to clean and store
Cons
- When turning on the electricity, there is a possibility of an electrical charge.
- Run time is limited.
BLACK+DECKER Pet Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
- 4.5 pound weight
- Battery Rechargeable
- Components Included
- Hard Nozzle Tool, Contour Nozzle Tool
Another choice aimed for our four-legged companions is the Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum for Pets. The filter is washable and offers a one-touch emptying feature for quick cleanup.
The vacuum may be charged and stored by standing upright on end. The battery can last up to 30 minutes on the basic level, although there have been reports of reduced battery life on the higher setting.
This vacuum cleaner is substantially quieter than others on the market. It includes a large dust cup, so you don’t have to empty it all the time to keep cleaning.
It may not be as light as some of the others, but it has received very positive feedback from pet owners.
However, some of these vacuums were found to have malfunctioning motors, necessitating contact with the manufacturer.
It comes come with two different nozzles that can be swapped out depending on your cleaning requirements.
Pros
- Quiet
- A large dustpan
- Filter is washable
Cons
- Some products have defective motors.
- Inadequate battery life
20V Max Cordless Handheld Vacuum by BLACK+DECKER
- 3 pound weight
- Lithium-Ion 20V Battery
- Components Included
- Model PVF110 washable filter, on-board brush, on-board crevice tool, and charging base
Because of its 20V lithium-ion battery, the Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Handheld Vacuum provides a strong suction.
This vacuum is lightweight and works with cyclonic motion. The 3-stage filtration technology reduces smells and allergens while also improving the vacuum’s overall performance.
Because the filters in the Black & Decker 20V Max are removable, there is no need to replace the complete product when the filter reaches the end of its lifespan.
The 200-degree spinning nozzle is ideal for difficult-to-reach places.
According to several user evaluations, the Black & Decker 20V Max has poor battery life after a full charge, lasting only around 10 minutes.
Some consumers also reported that it only lasts approximately a year before malfunctioning. The maker provides a 2-year warranty, which is a silver lining.
Pros
- Suction power is provided by a 20V lithium battery.
- Various attachments for a pivoting nozzle
- Design is cordless and lightweight for ease of usage.
- Bagless and quite simple to clean
- A 2-year warranty is included.
Cons
- Short run time following charging
- Some vacuums experience problems a year after purchase.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Hair Handheld Vacuum
The Advantages of Using a Handheld Vacuum
There are numerous advantages to having a handheld vacuum in the home, especially if you have pets!
- Keeps pet hair off your furniture, corners, and small spaces without bringing out the big vacuum.
- Excellent for tiny messes such as cat litter or food.
- Portable, light, and ideal for difficult-to-reach areas
- Cleans high-traffic areas like door frames, vents, fans, and baseboards.
- Excellent for cleaning up any pet hair or accidents in the car.
Things to Think About Before You Buy
Cost
The initial cost of a handheld vacuum can vary substantially. You should think about your budget and how much money you are willing to spend on this goods. You always want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Suction Power
A portable vacuum with suction power is required for the work.
Not only do cats leave their hair everywhere, but it can also adhere to certain materials, such as microfiber furniture, making it difficult to vacuum.
If removing pet hair is your primary goal, don’t scrimp on suction power.
Attachments
Every cat owner knows that fur may be found almost anywhere in the house. Many portable vacuums include additional attachments for more varied vacuuming.
Different attachments can aid with the cleaning of various surfaces and difficult-to-reach areas.
Filter
Different types of filters will be used in handheld vacuums. Keep a look out for filters that are washable and simple to maintain.
It’s also a good idea to acquire a handheld vacuum with a removable filter so you don’t have to replace the entire vacuum when the filter wears out.
HEPA filters are excellent for decreasing allergens, although they are often more expensive in vacuums.
Cleaning Ease
Once you’ve vacuumed up the cat hair, the last thing you want to do is distribute it around while trying to get it out of the vacuum.
You’ll need an easy-to-clean handheld vacuum. It should ideally feature a release that allows you to empty the contents directly into the trash can, avoiding any further mess.
Surface Recommendation
Some vacuums offer surface suggestions for best performance. Keep an eye out for the surface suggestions for each product you’re considering.
You will need a handheld vacuum that is appropriate for the surfaces you intend to use it on. Many options cover all types of surfaces, making them unquestionably the most convenient.
Corded vs Cordless
Handheld vacuums are available in both corded and cordless versions. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
While cordless provides the convenience of portability, they do run on batteries and must be charged.
You don’t have to worry about whether your corded vacuum is charged, but you do have to work around the cord and are limited by its length when cleaning.
There are excellent corded and cordless choices on the market that will do the job. This is largely dependent on personal taste and convenience.
Size and Weight
You’re probably buying a handheld vacuum to avoid having to tote about a heavy, full-sized vacuum cleaner.
Make certain that any handheld vacuum you are considering is of a size and weight that you are comfortable carrying around. You’ll want a vacuum that’s easy to hold and won’t strain your hands.
Storage
Slim, cordless vacuums with charging bases are typically the most convenient and neat to store. These are ideal if you have limited storage space for your vacuum.
Larger, heavier portable vacuums may be more difficult to store, although this may not be an issue for individuals with ample storage space.
Conclusion
The IRIS High-Power Cordless Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent overall choice for cat owners searching for a lightweight handheld vacuum with excellent suction that is small, compact, and easy to store when not in use.
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum is inexpensive and provides exceptional value for money.
It is corded, which may be an issue for certain users, but it has a long reach and does not need to be recharged after each usage.
The Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac is a tad on the pricey side, but it is BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) premium pick for a reason.
This lightweight vacuum offers strong suction in a lightweight and sleek design that is simple to use, store, and clean. It even comes in a variety of colors.
After reading the evaluations of the best hand vacuums for cat hair, you should have a better idea of which handheld vacuum will be best suited for your cat hair cleanup needs.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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