You've seen pet hair vacuums before. You've seen them clog, and miss stuff, and just plain not pick the hair up. And then, there was this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Bissell-33A1-Eraser-Handheld-Cleaner/dp/B001EYFQ28/ref=pd_sim_k_2

It is honestly the saving grace of my home. We have three cats, and foster kittens, and black fabric furniture. And EVERYONE who comes over says "how is it possible your furniture is so clean?
No, I don't sell for Bissell. We registered for this because it was fairly inexpensive and we thought we'd try it. Now I can't live without it. I will be happy to tell anyone who asks why it is better than every other vacuum :)