Truly, with a cat and light carpet, getting a portable cleaner is a *great* idea, eventually cats usually have a hairball or digestion issue (read: stuff on carpet). We've had some good use out of the 'Spot Bot' cleaner, but next time I'd get one that is corded for better power. Also - warning - don't use baking soda in those little mobile cleaners -it doesn't come out very well and gunks up the works eventually.