Published Aug 31, 2024
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
You might think that if you’ve tried one cat litter scoop, you’ve tried them all. Litter scoops might not be a product many people are excited about buying, but it’s something those of us with cats use every day, so finding the best litter scoop for you does matter!
Things to look for in a great litter scoop are durability, fast sifting, a comfortable handle, and ease of use. Most of us want to be able to scoop our cats’ litter boxes as quickly as possible and then get on with our days.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top seven litter scoops from plastic to metal, for cats large and small.
At A Glance: Best Best Cat Litter Scoops To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
DurAnimals Durascoop
- Easy sifting
- Solid metal scoop
- Soft finger grips
Litter Lifter
- Sifts faster than other scoops tested
- Made of a sturdy plastic
- Comfortable and easy to use
iPrimio Sifter
- Sturdy metal material
- Lifetime warranty when bought through Amazon
- Comes with adhesive wall holder for easy storage
PetFusion QuickScoop
- Lightweight
- Easy to use design
- Great for small litter boxes
WePet Cat Litter Scoop
- Sifts effectively
- Made of durable metal
- Wide variety of color choices
iPrimio Monster with Extra Long Handle
- Made of sturdy metal
- Easy to use
- Large size is great for scooping big litter boxes
TOYPORPOR 32-Inch Metal Cat Litter Scoop
- 32 inch handle to reach the box without kneeling
- Made of sturdy metal
- Easy to use
Why Trust Cats.com
I’ve been scooping litter boxes since I adopted my first two cats more than 16 years ago. In that time, I’ve had up to nine cats at once, so I’ve scooped a lot of litter over the years! Currently, I have seven cats and eight litter boxes that I scoop daily.
Each litter scoop on our list has been tested extensively using the following popular litter types:
- Elsey’s multi-cat clumping clay cat litter
- World’s Best multi-cat clumping corn litter
- Naturally Fresh multi-cat clumping walnut litter
I also tested it with the generic clay litter that I use day-to-day.
Top Picks Explained
Since this video was filmed, we have updated the article with some new products. However, we still love all of Mallory’s picks.
The 7 Best Cat Litter Scoops
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. While our overall best pick is the DurAnimals Durascoop, we acknowledge that every cat and human has different preferences. To help you choose the best litter scoop for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by the fastest sifting scoop, the best plastic scoop, the best scoop for fine litter, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: DurAnimals Durascoop
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
This metal scoop is simple, sturdy, and effective. It’s made of solid metal from the scoop to the handle, which is covered in a soft grip that’s comfortable to hold. The scoop sifted well with every litter tested and was easy to use.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Some reviewers think the slats are too wide and find that it misses some small litter chunks. While I didn’t notice this in testing, it’s definitely something to watch for. Another common complaint is that the scoop is too large, which might be a problem if you have small litter boxes. It’s a bit on the heavy side and might be uncomfortable for people with weak wrists.
What We Liked
- Sifts well and is easy to use
- Sturdy metal material extends through the handle
- Soft grip
What We Didn’t Like
- Might be too large and heavy for some people
- Tiny litter clumps might fall through the slats while sifting
#2 Fastest Sifting: Litter Lifter
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Litter Lifter cat litter scoop was the fastest sifting litter scoop that I tested. It digs easily beneath clumps of litter that are stuck to the bottom of the box and has a large surface area that gets the job done fast. It’s very sturdy for a plastic litter scoop. Although it won’t prove as unbreakable as metal scoops, it’s good for those looking for a lightweight scoop that will still hold up over time.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Some reviewers dislike the flat design of the Litter Lifter. Though I suspected I’d be one of them, I didn’t have a problem keeping waste on the scoop. It was very easy to use and overall, one of my favorites during testing.
What We Liked
- Fastest sifting of all scoops tested
- Thick, sturdy plastic
What We Didn’t Like
- Plastic might crack over time
- Some reviewers dislike the flat surface of the scoop
#3 Best for Fine Litter: iPrimio Sifter
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The iPrimio litter sifter wins first place for durability, ease of use, and its lifetime warranty if purchased from Chewy (Amazon doesn’t mention the warranty in their item description). It also comes with a plastic holder that adheres to the wall for easy storage, and a hole in the handle if you’d prefer to hang it elsewhere on a hook.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
This sifter has thin slats, which is great for getting the box as clean as possible if you have a fine-grain litter. However, it doesn’t sift as well through litter with large particles as they get caught between the slats.
The scoop does claim to be nonstick, but I’ve yet to find one that actually is. In my experience, it’s just a given that you’ll have to clean clumped litter from the scoop occasionally. Another slight downside is the weight of the scoop, which is a side effect of its sturdy construction. This won’t be an issue for most consumers but if you have weak wrists, the weight is noticeable (or at least, it was for me during testing).
What We Liked
- Sturdy metal handle
- Lifetime warranty
- Comes with adhesive wall holder
What We Didn’t Like
- Litter scoop can be a little heavy for weak wrists
- Small slats might not sift large litter particles
- Despite nonstick claims, the scoop still needs regular cleaning
#4 Best Plastic Scoop: PetFusion QuickScoop
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The QuickScoop was easy to use and comfortable to hold. It seems sturdy for a plastic scoop, and I liked the flat edge that made it easy to dig into large litter clumps. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a small, lightweight plastic scoop, especially if you scoop often or only have a couple of cats.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
During testing, it took longer to fully scoop the litter boxes with this scoop than the others on this list. This is because the scoop is quite small. This might not matter as much if you have two or three boxes to get through, but it felt tedious while I was scooping eight boxes at once.
It also didn’t hold the larger clumps of pee fully. This might be an issue for cats with health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease, that make them urinate more, or for multi-cat homes where the pee clumps sometimes stick together.
This sifter comes with a small adhesive wall hook that you can hang near the litter box or in a closet to store the scoop when it’s not in use.
What We Liked
- Lightweight
- Well designed
- Comes with adhesive wall hook
What We Didn’t Like
- Small
- Doesn’t hold larger clumps of pee fully
#5 Best Metal Scoop: WePet Cat Litter Scoop
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The WePet litter scoop is a simple metal scoop that works well. It’s easy to use and has a comfortable rubber grip on the handle. A small but fun thing that stood out to me is that you can choose your own handle color rather than the company shipping them at random. They have a wide variety of options to choose from.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
While I didn’t have issues with this scoop, some reviewers did have the product arrive with a broken handle or said that the handle breaks easily during use.
What We Liked
- Sifts well and is easy to use
- Comfortable handle grip
- Choose your own from 18 colors
What We Didn’t Like
- Some reviewers report handle breakage
#6 Best for Large Litter Boxes: iPrimio Monster with Extra Long Handle
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
This long-handled scoop is large and quickly scoops large litter boxes. It’s great if you have multiple cats or a cat that pees a lot, since the scoop can hold a large amount of litter at once. I found it easy and comfortable to use, from the length of the handle to the soft handle grip. I also like that it comes with an adhesive wall holder to store the scoop away when you’re not using it.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I personally see this scoop’s large size as a benefit, but some people might wish it were smaller, especially if you’re only cleaning one or two small boxes.
What We Liked
- Made of sturdy metal
- Comes with adhesive wall holder
- Large size is great for easily scooping big litter boxes
What We Didn’t Like
- Might be too large for some people’s preferences
#7 Best Long-Handled Scoop: TOYPORPOR 32-Inch Metal Cat Litter Scoop
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
If you have a bad back or knees and can’t bend all the way down, you might benefit from a long-handled scoop like the TOYPORPOR litter scooper. It has a long handle that screws on to the shorter base, making it less likely to come apart during use than extendable scoopers.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I did have one mishap at the beginning of testing, but that was more user error than the fault of the product. Pushing the handle the wrong way while scraping the bottom of the box can cause it to unscrew.
Otherwise, the scoop is fairly easy to use once you’re used to it. The long handle allows less flexibility for scooping the edges of the box, and it’s easier to use sitting down in a chair than while standing. I also found that some of my litter boxes slid while scooping since I wasn’t holding onto them, so this scoop is best for boxes kept in corners or on carpeting.
I also like that you can unscrew the long handle and use the shorter scoop on its own. This would be nice for people who are only temporarily disabled due to something like a surgery, so you aren’t buying a scoop you’ll only use for a handful of weeks or months.
One downside to the scoop is the foam on the handle. Many reviewers report it tearing over time, which might make it less comfortable to hold. It’s also worth noting that most people will still have to bend slightly to use the scoop since it’s not long enough to use while standing completely upright. This might be a dealbreaker depending on your physical limitations.
What We Liked
- Long, 32-inch handle
- Sturdy metal construction
- Easy to use
What We Didn’t Like
- Foam handle might experience wear and tear
- Long scoop still requires some bending
How To Choose the Best Cat Litter Scoop
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cat litter scoops. What works for one household might be useless in another, and everyone has different needs and preferences.
Here are some things to consider before purchasing a new litter scoop:
- Litter type: Depending on the type of litter you use, you might need a different type of scoop. For instance, wooden pellets are much larger than most clay litters and thus require a scoop with larger holes.
- Material: Most cat litter scoops are made of plastic or metal. While both hold up well in my experience, plastic will generally break easier—a solid metal scoop might last you a lifetime. Another consideration is that metal scoops are heavier, which might be a dealbreaker for those with back, arm, or wrist pain.
- Length: Most cat litter scoops have short handles that require you to bend down to scoop the box, but there are a few longer-handled scoops on the market that can be helpful for those with bad backs or knees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should I scoop my cat’s litter?
Aim to scoop your cat’s litter box one to two times a day. Some cats are picky and might need more frequent scoops to keep them from peeing elsewhere, but most cats will be happy with this routine. If your cat is fussy and you don’t have time to scoop more often, consider adding an extra litter box to resolve the problem instead.
How often should I fully change my cat’s litter?
Your cat’s litter box should be completely emptied, scrubbed, and refilled with new litter around once a week, or as soon as you notice an odor that doesn’t go away after scooping.
Where shouldn’t you put a cat litter box?
Avoid placing litter boxes in areas with a lot of noise, such as the laundry room. Don’t put them near appliances that let off heat, as this can worsen the smell of the box. Keep the litter boxes open with multiple exits—not hidden away inside of furniture. Also keep the litter away from your cat’s food and water.
Lastly, remember that your cat’s litter boxes must be easy for them to get to. They shouldn’t have to go out of their way, such as climbing down basement stairs each time they have to pee.
Should have tried the Litter Lifter Pellet scoop since you liked the regular Litter Lifter so much. Hands down the best pellet scoop. Most of the pellets will fall immediately thru the scoop, a shake or two and the rest will fall thru.
Fantastic post! Your insights into the often overlooked cat litter scoop are spot-on. It’s great to see appreciation for this unsung hero in cat care. Kudos for highlighting the importance of eco-friendly options and innovative designs. Cheers to the cat litter scoop, a small tool making a big difference! 🐾✨