Hello, I got a comment on my previous post recommending I post it here as well.
I had the Philips one but after about a year it's suction changed to the point where it's hard for it to pick up cat litter now..
It must be able to deal with a lot of cat hair and litter.. and preferably be under 500 euros.
Of course I think a corded one is better for my purposes, and I have mostly hard floors with a few small rugs.
The problem is that every year the quality decreases, so it becomes difficult to know which vacuums will still be good. For example, someone may have purchased the same vacuum 5 years ago and think it's great but the one sold today might not compare
I haven't got a new a vacuum at least in a decade (more likely 15 years or few more), but I'm on a market for a new one too. Current one is Miele and it's been abused by dog hair, kids, house remodeling and pretty much whatever you can think of. It still functions but the plastic is starting to fall apart.
But, based on that one model, which hasn't been available in years, it seems to be a pretty reliable.
Yes can also recommend Miele, also just get the one with bags, it sounds inconvenient but it's really not that big a deal and it works so much better than bagless. The standard bagged/corded one is well within budget I believe.
I also vouch for bags. Just purchase two boxes with the vacuum and make a habit to rip the model number out of the empty box and add it to grocery list immediately after one is empty. They're pretty cheap, mostly made out of paper so they're not that bad for the environment and the bag acts as an additional filter which saves actual vacuum filters and motor in the long run.
I have a 15 year old Miele, too. Mine still works like new, more or less.
Talking about vacuums, Miele is the answer.