The best cat litter scoops you can buy

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The Insider Pick:

  • After reading the reviews and testing a variety of cat litter scoops, we've settled on the Duranimal Durascoop as our top pick. Durably constructed from aluminum, this scoop is surprisingly strong, and the ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use.

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Compared to dogs, cats tend to be fairly low-maintenance pets. You don't have to take them for a daily walk and you can leave them at home all day if you have to. They also come with the benefit of using a litter box indoors, so you don't have to let them outside. Though training your cat to use a litter box is easy and convenient, you still have to do some cleanup. To keep the litter box fresh and clean, you should scoop it several times a week.

The cat litter scoop you choose is largely a matter of preference, though you should consider the options before you make your decision. If you're wondering what the differences are between the various litter scoops on the market, you'll be glad to know that we've done the research and we've tested the most popular litter scoops to bring you our top picks. Below you'll find our favorites for the best litter scoop in five different categories.

Read on to learn why the Duranimal DuraScoop is our top pick and why you should also consider the Litter Lifter, the PetFusion QuickScoop, the Purrr-Fect Scoop, and the iPrimio Sifter.

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The best cat litter scoop overall

cat litter scoop
Durascoop

Why you'll love it: The Duranimal Durascoop is our top pick based on its strength, durability, and comfortable design. 

If you’re going to be scooping your litter box several times a week, you need a tool that makes the job as quick and easy as possible. The perfect litter scoop would be lightweight but durable, comfortable to use, and highly efficient at scooping clumps and sifting clean litter. For a cat litter scoop that meets all of these specifications and more, we recommend the Duranimal DuraScoop Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop.

The Duranimal DuraScoop Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop features an end-to-end all-aluminum construction. Though it is all-metal, it has an ergonomic molded rubber grip on the handle, making it comfortable for frequent use. The scoop itself is deep enough to contain even the largest clumps while the slots are wide enough to let clean litter sift through without sticking. As an added bonus, the 90-degree corners and the flat-edged blade make it easy to get into the corners of your litter box.

The Happy Cat Site says the curved sides of the scoop help to prevent litter scatter, and our testing confirms this to be true. A detailed review of the scoop from Cat Health praises the ergonomic design, the perfect balance, and the molded grip handle, all features that make the scoop comfortable and easy to use.

With more than 4,700 reviews on Amazon, the Duranimal DuraScoop Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop has a 4.8-star rating. Customers love the sturdy design as well as the deep scoop, though some comment that small clumps and very fine litter may sift through the slots.

Pros: End-to-end all-aluminum construction, very strong and durable, molded rubber handle for comfort, large size yet still lightweight, ergonomically balanced, mirror finish won’t rub off, resistant to corrosion and rust, great for multi-cat households, easy to get into corners

Cons: May be too large for smaller litter boxes, slots may be too wide for very fine litter

Buy the DuraScoop Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop on Amazon for $12.99 (originally $15.99)

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The best affordable cat litter scoop

cat litter scoop
Litter Lifter

Why you'll love it: Not only is the Litter Lifter affordably priced, but it is surprisingly durable and it is designed to sift even the finest litter, making your job easier than ever.

Top-of-the-line cat litter scoops sell for upwards of $20, but many of them don't live up to the hype. If you're looking for a simple cat litter scoop that will get the job done without emptying your wallet, we recommend the Litter Lifter. In testing, it stood up well against some of the pricier models and it sifted even the finest litter we tested it with.

Made from lightweight plastic materials, the Litter Lifter may not look like anything special, but it gets the job done at an affordable price. With its lightweight but durable construction, this litter scoop is easy and comfortable to use, even for heavier clumps. It features a generously sized scoop which makes quick work of larger litter boxes and the narrow slots ensure that even the finest litter falls easily back into the box where it belongs.

Fluffy Kitty names the Litter Lifter one of its top three picks for the best cat litter scoops. The review mentions that it's affordably priced and remarkably efficient, even for fine litter and smaller clumps. Cat Litter Help gives the Litter Lifter 3.5 out of 4 stars, noting that the unique size and shape is perfect for larger litter boxes while the shallow depth is ideal for lifting waste from the surface of the litter box.

The Litter Lifter is one of Amazon's Choice products and it has over 700 reviews with a 4.7-star rating. Buyers love the price as well as the fact that it sifts even the finest litter. There are some comments, however, that the scoop may be too large for smaller litter boxes and that it may not be deep enough to contain very large clumps.

Pros: Priced under $10, made from durable plastic, lightweight construction, narrow slats can sift even the finest litter, strong enough for heavy messes, comes in assorted colors

Cons: May be too large for smaller litter boxes, scoop may be too shallow for very large clumps, larger litters may get stuck more easily

Buy the Litter Lifter on Amazon for $9.99

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The best non-stick cat litter scoop

cat litter scoop
PetFusion

Why you'll love it: With its durable construction and antimicrobial coating, the PetFusion QuickScoop makes scooping the litter box quick and easy.

The PetFusion QuickScoop offers great value and it's very durable. Whether you choose clumping or non-clumping litter, you need a scoop that will contain waste while allowing clean litter to fall back into the box. Some litter scoops are made with materials that scratch easily which can sometimes cause litter to stick.

Cleaning your litter scoop in addition to your litter box is an extra chore that no cat owner wants to deal with, so consider buying a nonstick litter scoop. After testing several models, our favorite non-stick scoop is the PetFusion QuickScoop.

Made from durable ABS plastic, the PetFusion QuickScoop is more rigid and sturdy than the average polypropylene scoop. Not only is it durably constructed, but it has an anti-microbial and nonstick coating which makes it both safe and easy to use. The handle features an ergonomic grip for comfort while the scoop itself has high walls to prevent scatter and variable slots for quick sifting. As an added bonus, it comes with a wall mount and it is covered by a 12-month warranty.

The PetFusion QuickScoop has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and while there are not as many customer reviews for this product as for other models, testing revealed this scoop to be one of the best scoops.

Not only did we find it sturdy and comfortable to use, but the nonstick coating ensures quick sifting and easy clean-up. We also found that the straight, tapered edge makes it easy to lift even stubborn clumps.

Pros: Made from durable ABS plastic, ergonomic handle grip for comfort, high walls to prevent scatter, slots allow for quick sifting, antimicrobial and non-stick coating, comes with a wall mount, straight edge lifts clumps well

Cons: Some types of litter may stick more than others, scoop is more shallow than some models

Buy the PetFusion QuickScoop on Amazon for $15.95

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The best standing litter scoop

standing cat litter scoop
Purr-Fect

Why you'll love it: With a 34-inch handle and an ergonomic design, the Purrr-Fect Scoop Standing Litter Scoop enables you to scoop your litter box in a matter of seconds without bending or stooping.

Stooping over the litter box is a recipe for a sore back. If you have trouble bending down to clean out the litter box, a traditional litter scoop may not be the best fit. Fortunately, there is a solution – a standing litter scoop. These scoops feature long, sometimes telescoping handles that enable you to scoop the litter box from a standing position. Our top pick for standing litter scoops is the Purrr-Fect Scoop.

With a 35-inch handle, the Purrr-Fect Scoop Standing Litter Scoop is comfortable and easy to use. It features an ergonomic handle with an angled design and an integrated D grip for maximum maneuverability and power. This scoop can handle loads up to 20 pounds, enabling you to scoop even the largest litter boxes in a matter of seconds. Plus, with its wedge shape, it's easy to scoop corners as well as the bottom of the box.

In testing the Purrr-Fect Scoop Standing Litter Scoop, we found that it held up well against heavy loads and the length of the handle made scooping very comfortable. A review from Fluffy Kitty confirms the strength and durability of this scoop, while another review from Pet Convenience notes that the integrated D grip makes it possible to scoop from any angle. Plus, the scoop itself is generously sized for large litter boxes and multi-cat households.

With more than 300 customer reviews on Amazon, the Purrr-Fect Scoop Standing Litter Scoop has a solid 4.5-star rating. Buyers love the sturdy design and the comfort-grip handle, though some comment that the slots may be too wide for fine litter.

Pros: Relieves back strain, 34-inch handle, durable but lightweight steel construction, comfort grip handle, integrated D grip for maneuverability and power, scoop from any angle, can lift up to 20 pounds

Cons: Slots may be too wide for very fine litter, scoop is not as deep as some models, scoop is narrower than some handheld scoops

Buy the Purrr-Fect Scoop Standing Litter Scoop on Amazon for $18.00 

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The best litter scoop with a deep shovel

cat litter scoop
iPrimio

Why you'll love it: With its durable aluminum construction and deep shovel design, the iPrimio Sifter scoop makes cleaning even the largest of litter boxes a breeze.

If you have a larger cat or multiple cats, you might find that your litter box fills up rather quickly. Scooping a multi-cat litter box with a regular plastic scoop is an exercise in frustration because the typical scoop isn't sturdy enough to handle very large or heavy clumps.

A scoop with a deep shovel, on the other hand, lifts and contains even the largest clumps, making quick work of even the biggest litter boxes. After testing several models, we found the iPrimio Sifter with Deep Shovel to be the best option in this category.

The iPrimio Sifter with Deep Shovel is constructed from solid cast aluminum with a nonstick coating and a reinforced front edge. These features contribute to the durability of the scoop while also making it easy to lift even the largest clumps. With its tapered edge and ergonomic handle, this scoop is great for getting into corners without straining your wrist. The spacing of the slots is also optimized for quick-sifting action, letting only clean litter return to the box.

A review from The Happy Cat Site notes that the bolstered, tapered front edge is much sturdier than the typical plastic scoop and we completely agree. These features also make it easy to reach into the corners of the litter box, as a review from Bestalyze confirms. This review also comments that the combination of the deep scoop and the sturdy slots minimizes the need for shaking – clean litter falls through easily while clumps stay behind for easy cleanup.

With more than 2,250 reviews on Amazon, the iPrimio Sifter with Deep Shovel has a 4.8-star rating and it receives rave reviews from customers. Users love the durability of the scoop as well as the convenience of the wall mount hanger. There are some comments, however, that it is too large for smaller litter boxes and that the plastic grip on the handle may come loose over time.

Pros: Durable aluminum construction, ergonomic grip handle for comfort, reinforced front edge and tapered front edge, slots ensure that only clean litter returns to the box, nonstick plated, comes with a wall mount hanger, covered by lifetime warranty

Cons: May be too large for smaller or narrow litter boxes, plastic grip on the handle may come loose over time, some types of litter may stick more than others

Buy the iPrimio Sifter with Deep Shovel on Amazon for $12.95

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Check out our other great cat gear guides

cat
Necoichi

The best litter boxes you can buy

Cats are known for being clean and self-sufficient. All they need is a good litter box to take care of business. Completely automatic and self-cleaning, the Litter-Robot 3 is compatible with any premium clay clumping cat litter, and it's ideal for multiple-cat households.

You should also consider the Nature's Miracle High-Sided Litter Box, the CatIt Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan, the Nature's Miracle Disposable Litter Box, and the Omega Paw Roll Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

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The best cat carriers

With its durable, high-quality construction and excellent safety features, the Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier is our top pick for cat carriers. Not only will your cat be traveling in style, but he'll be safe, secure, and comfortable throughout the entire trip.

You should also consider the Necoichi Ultra Light Portable Cat Carrier, the Pet Magasin Luxury Soft-Sided Cat Carrier, the Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Kennel, and the Pet Gear 1-GO2 Plus Traveler Rolling Backpack Carrier.

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The best hairball medicine

Hairballs are inevitable for cats, and if your feline is extra fluffy, it may be a chronic problem. Luckily, there are plenty of great hairball remedies, medicines, and prevention tools out there. Our top pick is Tomlyn Tuna Flavor Laxatone Gel, which gently lubricates your cat's digestive tract to relieve hairball-related constipation and to prevent the formation of hairballs in the future.

You should also consider Canidae Grain-Free PURE Control Hairball Control Cat FoodVet's Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid SupplementsNutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel, and Feline Greenies Hairball Control Smart Bites.

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The best cat litter

Cats are picky about the litter in their boxes, so it's important to choose a formula that's healthy for your cat and easy to clean. Our top pick is the Precious Cat Ultra-Premium Clumping Litter because it's a hard-clumping litter that traps liquids and odor without generating tons of dust.

You should also consider the World's Best Clumping Formula Litter, the Purina Yesterday's News Unscented Litter, the Pro-Sense Fresh Results Crystal Cat Litter, the Ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter, and the World's Best Multiple Cat Clumping Formula Litter.

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The best cat scratching posts

Cats need to scratch, so to save your sofa and your curtains, you need a sturdy cat scratcher or scratching post. In our research, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is the best of the bunch because it offers the ideal combination of functionality and durability without detracting from your home décor. 

You should also consider the PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge, the 4Claws Wall-Mounted Scratching Post, and the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher.

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The best cat toys

We've poured over reviews for the best cat toys on the market to come up with our top pick, the Bergan Turbo Scratcher. Despite its simple design, this toy will activate your cat's instincts for play while keeping your furniture safe from his sharp claws.

You should also consider the Cat Charmer Wand Toy, the Yeowww! Banana Catnip Toy, the Hartz Just for Cats Kitty Frenzy Cat Toy, and the FroliCat Bolt Laser Toy.

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The best cat beds

Cats love to sleep in the weirdest places, but sometimes they just want a nice bed to curl up in. There are all kinds of cat beds out there, but the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is our top pick with its unique dual-purpose design as a scratcher and a nice big cat bed your kitty can stretch out on.

You should also consider the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Cat Bed, the Armarkat Cave Cat Bed, the K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed, the Original Kitty Cot World's Best Cat Perch, the Twin Critters KittiKubbi Handcrafted Cat Cave, and the K&H Outdoor Kitty House.

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The best cat fountains

Cats like to drink fresh running water, so a cat fountain is a great way to encourage them to stay hydrated. The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is the best one you can buy with its free-falling stream, generous basin, integrated filtration system, and adjustable flow control for maximum freshness.

You should also consider ceramic PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain, the stainless steel Pioneer Pet Raindrop, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station, and the PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Cat Fountain.

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The best cat food

Cats need lots of protein and fat in their diets to be healthy, so it's important that you feed them the best cat food you can buy: ZiwiPeak's wet food. Packed with premium ingredients that are ethically farmed and locally sourced, ZiwiPeak sets a new standard for quality when it comes to nutrient-rich cat food. 

You should also consider Acana's dry cat foodNature's Variety wet cat foodWellness grain-free cat food, and Castor & Pollux's organic cat food.

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The best cat treats

Cat treats can be a reward for good behavior, a way to clean your cat's teeth, or a supplement to their diet. Of all the cat treats we tested with our feline friends, the PureBites Freeze-Dried Cat Treats are our top pick because they're made with real meat to satisfy your cat.

You should also consider the Wellness Kittles Crunchy Cat Treats, the Orijen Tundra Freeze-Dried Cat Treats, the Sojos Certified Organic Catnip, the Virbac CET Oral Hygiene Chews, and the Prime Taste Treats Jerky Treats.

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The best flea prevention for cats

Fleas are no fun for your cat, but luckily, it's easy to get rid of those pesky pests. The best flea control product for cats is Bayer Advantage II, a monthly topical preventive that guards against fleas in all life stages, is highly effective, easy to apply, and completely waterproof.

You should also consider the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar, the Natural Chemistry De Flea Pet Shampoo, the Vet's Best Natural Flea & Tick Spray, and the Novartis Capstar Flea Control Tablets.

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The best cat collars

Cats can wear collars, too, and if you have an outdoor cat, it's good to have a collar with ID tags. The Rogz Catz Breakaway Cat Collar is the best one you can buy with its long-lasting durability, adjustable design, and important safety features like its reflective surface and a breakaway safety buckle.

You should also consider the GoTags Custom Embroidered Cat Collar, the Blueberry Adjustable Breakaway Cat Collar, the Bayer Seresto Cat Flea Collar, and the Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker.

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Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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