New Carpet and Cats

I want to get a new carpet for the family room - really need one very badly.  However, I want to  make sure that I'm not getting something that might in some way hurt the kitties - especially with Cindy and all her health problems.  Are some brands better than others for cat safety?  What should I look out for?  Any advice / help is appreciated!  (Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of money to spend on it so I can't get top of the line).

When we put the carpet in the living room, we asked at the store for a good pet-friendly carpet. We also asked them how they put the carpet down, what they used for padding.....we paid extra for a pet-type padding under the carpet because, supposedly, this padding would help to bead up puke, so it wouldn't soak through well. The people worked with us, even though it did cost us a bit more. Ask around at carpet places (don't go to just one store, ask around for help and advice), and when the weather warms up a bit and you can open windows, then have your new carpet installed.

That's a good idea to ask at the stores. I'll try doing a little research online too. I'm not too concerned about the barf, although I've heard you should get carpets that match the color of your cat food  

I just want to make sure nothing they use to lay the carpet or nothing in the carpet itself will make them sick in any way.