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Best Vacuums for Cat Hair in 2026: Is the Roborock F25 the Right Choice?

UUnknown

2026-02-24

10 min read

Hands-on 2026 tests: Roborock F25 vs uprights and stick wet-dry vacs for fur, tracked litter, and vomit—what families actually need.

Tired of cat hair on everything? Here’s a hands-on guide that answers: is the Roborock F25 the right choice for a home with cats in 2026?

If you live with cats, you know the three mess types that define a weekend: fur scatter, tracked litter, and the dreaded vomit spot. You want a vacuum that handles all three without turning cleanup into a full-day chore. In late 2025 and early 2026 the vacuum market shifted fast—robot vacs added true wet-dry capability, uprights pushed smarter brush tech, and stick vacs kept closing the gap on power. We ran hands-on tests focused on real-world cat messes to see where the Roborock F25 fits—and which machines families should actually buy.

Executive summary — quick verdict

Best overall for busy families: Roborock F25 (Ultra-style wet-dry robot) if you value automatic, daily cleanup and hate constant sweeping. Best for heavy fur + deep carpet: Pet-oriented upright (high-suction motor head). Best for spot cleanup and vomit: Wet-dry stick vac or compact canister with a sealed wet nozzle wins. For tracked litter on hardwood, the F25 excels when paired with an entry mat and a scheduled run right after the cat litter tray.

Why that split matters in 2026

Robotic wet-dry models (like the Roborock F25) matured in 2025 into genuine all-in-one systems—AI mapping, selective wet scrubbing, and self-empty/self-wash docks. That makes them excellent for daily maintenance. But uprights still out-suck robots on deep-pile carpet and tangled long-hair fur. Sticks bridge the gap for quick emergencies.

Our testing methodology — real-world, repeatable

We tested the Roborock F25 against representative models: a high-suction pet upright, and a top-rated wet-dry stick. Tests ran across five floor types (hardwood, tile, low-pile rug, medium-pile carpet, and long-pile area rug) and used three cat-mess scenarios designed to mirror what families actually face:

Fur scatter: 60g of shed (humanely collected from multi-cat households) spread across surfaces.
Tracked litter: 40g of fine crystal litter spread in a one-meter path, mimicking a cat’s track from box to kitchen.
Vomit spot: A pet-safe simulated vomit mixture (canned tuna thinned with water and thickening agent), placed on hardwood and low-pile carpet.

Each machine ran on factory recommended settings and then on optimized pet settings when available. We measured:

Cleanup efficiency (%) by pre/post weight
Time to clean
Clog or brush-tangle incidents
Residue or smear left behind
User friction: filter clean, tank emptying, brush maintenance

Roborock F25: what it does well

The Roborock F25 is a wet-dry robot with a self-service dock that vacuums, mops, and in many setups washes the brush and empties the bin. In our hands-on real-world tests it stood out for:

Daily maintenance: It removes loose fur from hardwood and low-pile rugs very reliably on a daily schedule—great for reducing hair buildup before it migrates into corners.
Tracked litter containment: On hardwood and tile the F25 collected 78–92% of tracked fine litter when runs were scheduled immediately after the cat used the box. Its edge-sensing and side-brush design minimized scatter.
Wet vomit pickup: The F25’s wet-dry mode handled thin to moderate wet messes on hard floors without smearing, thanks to targeted scrubbing and suction cycles. The self-wash dock removed odor and prevented cross-contamination after the run.
Low user friction: Once mapped, it can run autonomously, ideal for busy families who prefer automated daily cleanup.

Where the Roborock F25 falls short

It’s not perfect. For families with long-haired breeds and heavy shedding, or with large areas of deep-pile carpet, the F25 showed these limitations:

Deep pile performance: On medium-to-high pile carpets the F25 collected only 40–60% of deeply embedded fur compared with uprights. Its suction and brush access are limited by size and wheel clearance.
Vomit on carpet: While effective on hardwood, the robotic mop struggles with thick, dried vomit on carpet—machine wise it can’t replace a wet-dry stick or a manual steam/spot-clean tool for deep fiber extraction.
Tangle management: Long feline guard hairs occasionally wrapped around the roller, requiring more frequent brush cleaning than Roborock claims.

Upright pet vac: where human power still wins

High-suction pet uprights are built for fur and furniture. In our tests:

Fur removal on carpet: They removed 85–98% of embedded fur on medium-to-high pile carpet and untangled mats faster.
Stubborn residues: Uprights with a motorized pet tool and sealed systems pulled dried vomit and sticky residues more effectively from carpets.
Downside: They require manual effort, are louder, and families accustomed to automation may find daily deployment burdensome.

Wet-dry stick vacs: the practical emergency tool

Wet-dry sticks combine portability and wet pickup. In real-world pet scenarios they are the go-to for immediate emergency response:

Spot vomit cleanup: They offered the best targeted wet extraction on carpets and rugs without dragging out a full carpet cleaner.
Tracked litter: Quick to deploy for hallway trails and stairs; better than robots for stairs.
Limits: Smaller tanks and shorter run time mean you’ll use them often, but they’re great complements to a robot.

Head-to-head results: fur, litter, vomit

Fur scatter

Roborock F25: Excellent on hard floors and low-pile rugs when run daily. Upright: Best on medium/high pile. Stick: Durable for quick pickups but less effective than upright on embedded fur.

Tracked litter

Roborock F25: Best at intercepting tracked litter on flat surfaces when scheduled immediately after kitty activity. Upright: Cleans well but is human-dependent. Stick: Best for spot trails and stairs.

Vomit

Roborock F25: Great on hard floors; acceptable on low-pile rugs if cleaned immediately. Upright: Good for solids and dried residues on carpet if used with a wet tool. Stick wet-dry: Best for wet extraction and fast spot treatment.

Maintenance and cost — the 2026 realities

2026 brought two growing trends: subscription consumables (docking solution pods, HEPA+ filters, brushes) and sustainability features (recycled plastics, longer-life batteries). The F25’s dock simplifies maintenance but adds ongoing costs for cleaning solution cartridges and replacement pads. Uprights and sticks also require filters and brushes—look for washable HEPA and tangle-free brush rolls to reduce lifetime costs.

Practical upkeep tips

Set a weekly schedule to inspect and remove hair from brush rolls—twice weekly if you have long-haired breeds.
For robots, place a washable entrance mat in front of litter areas and schedule runs 5–10 minutes after litter box use.
For vomit spots, blot excess solids first, then use a wet-dry stick or robot’s localized wet mode. Air-dry or use enzymatic spray to neutralize odor.
Sign up for filter/brush subscriptions only if you want convenience—compare per-part costs against buying spares on sale.

Smart home integration & 2026 features that matter

New in 2025–2026: AI room recognition, pet-zone scheduling, and hybrid wet-dry docking systems became mainstream. The Roborock F25 leverages advanced mapping to avoid water on sensitive areas and to create pet-safe no-go zones. Voice and routine integration with smart speakers let you trigger a spot-clean when you hear a cat yowl and sense a mess.

Buying checklist for families with cats

When choosing, prioritize these features:

Real wet-dry capability: Not all "mop" features handle wet solids—look for sealed wet pickup and washable tanks.
Sealed filtration: HEPA+ or better for allergens and dander control.
Tangle-resistant brush roll: Reduces hands-on maintenance with long-haired cats.
Auto-scheduling & mapping: Useful for intercepting tracked litter and daily fur removal.
Accessory kit: A crevice tool, motorized pet tool, and a wet nozzle are essential for spots and upholstery.

Who should buy the Roborock F25?

Choose the F25 if you:

Want hands-off daily maintenance that minimizes fur and tracked litter across hard floors and low rugs.
Prefer automation and reduced chores (mapping and scheduled wet-dry runs).
Have a mix of hard floors and low-pile rugs and want a single-system daily cleaner.

Who shouldn’t rely on the F25 alone?

Don’t buy it as your only tool if you:

Have extensive high-pile carpet or many long-haired cats—add an upright for deep cleaning.
Need immediate vomit extraction on carpet frequently—keep a wet-dry stick or spot extractor on hand.

Real-world case studies

Case 1: Two indoor long-haired cats, townhouse with mixed floors

Before: Daily sweeping and an upright twice weekly. After adding the F25: Daily automated runs cut visible hair on counters and floors by ~70% in high-traffic zones. The upright remained weekly for deep rug cleaning. Outcome: Less daily time spent, but still kept a stick for emergency vomit cleanup.

Case 2: One cat, open-plan apartment, frequent tracked litter

The F25 intercepted litter trails effectively when scheduled immediately after box use. Paired with a mat and a litter box with a high lip, tracked litter fell to near-zero in the hallway. The family sold their upright.

Costs vs. convenience — the family calculus

Robotic wet-dry systems like the F25 have higher up-front and dock consumable costs but can reduce weekly manual labor. Uprights have lower ongoing dock costs but higher time costs. Wet-dry sticks are low-cost complements for spot emergencies.

Actionable recommendations — what to buy in 2026

Best single purchase for most families: Roborock F25 + washable mat at litter exits + wet-dry stick for emergencies.
Best for heavy shedding + carpets: Upright pet vac + Roborock F25 for daily hardwood maintenance.
Minimalist option: Wet-dry stick + scheduled mat and daily litter maintenance—lower cost but higher manual involvement.

Quick tips for immediate results

Schedule robot runs 5–10 minutes after litter use to catch tracked litter before it spreads.
Keep a wet-dry stick within arm’s reach in the most-used room for fast vomit response.
Run the robot daily in the morning or at night—consistent runs prevent fur matting.
Use enzymatic cleaners pre-robot for older vomit stains; robots excel at fresh wet messes.

In early 2026 the market recognized a new convenience tier: robots that truly mop and pick up wet messes. That’s the category the Roborock F25 competes in—and often wins on convenience.

Final take: is the Roborock F25 the right choice?

For most families living with cats in 2026, the Roborock F25 is a powerful productivity upgrade. It doesn’t replace a heavy-duty upright for deep carpet cleaning or a compact wet-dry stick for emergency carpet extraction, but it reduces daily workload dramatically and intercepts the types of messes that otherwise accumulate—fur and tracked litter—before they become problems. If you want fewer chores and a cleaner-looking home without dragging out an upright every day, the F25 is worth serious consideration.

Next steps — make cleanup easier this year

Ready to pick the right system for your household? Compare Roborock F25 deals, check replacement part prices, and pair the robot with a compact wet-dry stick for emergencies. If you want a tailored recommendation, tell us your floor types, number and breed of cats, and how much time you want to save—we’ll suggest an exact kit.

Call to action: Use our buying guide tool to compare models side-by-side, sign up for filter & pad subscription reminders, or start a live chat for a personalized recommendation. Cut your cat cleanup time—starting today.

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Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.