Vinyl plank is becoming very popular and the quality can range wildly. Main thing that will need to be asked is how is the concrete? Level? Any pits? LVT is a bit more sensitive to that.

Laminate is also light years ahead of where it was 10 years ago. They're textured and look more like real wood now. Beveled edges also look nicer in my opinion. Most of it is loose lay now and with modern underlay the echo and moisture issues are gone for the most part.

I would not use carpet with cats. You could always use a rug if you wanted the comfort in certain areas. My laminate runs about $3-4 sq/ft and the vinyl plank about the same for the better stuff. There is cheaper out there but if you look at the top layer it's paper thin.

Those are my suggestions as the owner of a flooring store.

Thank you so much, Rudy. I know little about LVT so this information was very useful. I have seen some beautiful LVT. And, as I said, the laminate I have, which was glued down, has been fantastic.