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Do you wish to experience a more convenient and hygienic litter scooping? Then use the best cat litter scoop! We’re about to present to you the candidates here, but we already have a clear winner. It’s the IPRIMIO Cat Litter Scooper with Deep Shovel.
If you’re not quite sure why we’re picking this product, or if you have questions about litter scoopers that you want answers for, then be sure to read through our litter scoop buying guide below. We’ll be discussing the various types of scoop you could choose from!
Before we dig into the details of the scoopers themselves, allow us to introduce to you the various types of cat litter scoops.
Generally, we categorize litter scoopers based on their material, shape, and holes. Check out each category to see which type of litter scoop fulfills your needs the most.
There are three basic types of cat litter scoop based on their material. These are metal, plastic, and carton.
— Stainless steel
What’s stainless steel?
Stainless steel refers to a family of alloy steel that contains 10.5% or more chromium. This chromium content, in turn, provides an additional protective layer on the steel’s surface, thereby preventing corrosion. Thus, stainless steel scooper can prevent rusting effectively.
Pros
A stainless steel scooper is hard enough to scoop the litter that sticks. It is also lightweight, so it’s handy and easy to use.
Because of this scooper’s corrosion resistance, it is highly durable and easy to maintain. This type of litter scoop is actually more affordable in the long run — it saves you money since it endures for a long time.
Cons
One problem with a stainless steel scooper is that it can be heavier to handle compared to other types.
— Cast aluminum
What is cast aluminum?
Cast aluminum, in essence, means “solid” aluminum. As opposed to “hollow” or extruded aluminum, cast aluminum is formed by pouring the extremely hot metal into a mold or cast frame, letting it set. Thus, it provides a solid structure, making it suitable for heavy-duty uses. In its purest form, cast aluminum can last 10 to 15 years without damage, which is why it could be a reliable material for litter scoopers.
Pros
A cast aluminum scooper is super hard that it can break down the litter that sticks. It’s also durable and extremely difficult to bend or break — thanks to the process in which it’s made. Because of its corrosion resistance and easy maintenance, it can last you for a really long time.
Cons
Since it doesn’t have hollow pores within its structure, cast aluminum is quite heavy. Moreover, scoopers made of cast aluminum usually belong to the high-cost range.
Plastic litter scoopers are quite common in the market. They also have their share of pros and cons.
Pros
Any plastic material is lightweight and easy to maintain. That’s also true for cat litter scoopers. They’re fairly cheap, too. And that’s why many cat owners still use them.
Cons
The main problem with plastic materials is that they’re non-biodegradable. Often, they end up in our landfills after bending or breaking — which happens pretty easily. In other words, they only endure for a very short while.
Among the kinds of litter scoopers in the market, carton scoops are probably the least common. And yet, they can also be efficient in scooping out your cat’s fecal matter.
Pros
Carton scoopers are biodegradable. So, they’re quite friendly to both your pocket and the environment. More than that, the carton is just lightweight, so scoopers made of this material are pretty convenient to use.
Cons
While we love their eco-friendliness, carton scoopers are not hard enough. Often, a carton scooper design with sifter holes is unreasonable. Also, they would easily absorb urine, so they endure only for a very short period.
Cat litter scoopers can also be categorized according to their shape. We recognize the three types as follows.
Litter scoop with an extendable long handle
— Litter scoops with extendable handles allow you to scoop the litter from a standing position. An adjustable litter scoop can also save you from having an aching back while cleaning up the litter box.
— Extendable scoopers often have telescoping handles with ergonomic design. Some of them even integrate a D-grip, allowing you to maneuver through the litter box more efficiently. Often, they feature a wedge shape so they can scoop corners and the bottom of the box with ease.
Litter scoop with bag
— If you prefer convenience, you might want to use litter scoops that come with a bag. These make your clean up sessions easy to accomplish. Using the bag or bin, you can collect the soiled litter as you scoop them. Then, you can transport the collected waste in one batch to the trash, allowing for fast disposal.
— These kinds of litter scoopers include a little bin that serves as storage for the scooped material. The scoop is also detachable from the bin. So, once you’re done with scooping, you can detach the scoop, tie the waste bag close, and simply throw away.
Cat litter scoop with stand holder
— If you want to conveniently store a litter scoop, choose one that has a stand holder. More than ease of storage, it also provides a hygienic way of storing the scooper while you’re not using it.
— These litter scoopers come with a caddy that stands on its own. After using and cleaning the litter scoop, you can just store it within the caddy. This stand holder is closed, so it minimizes the spread of airborne germs around your home.
One of the main categories in which cat litter scoops are classified is in terms of holes. In this classification, both the size and the shape of the holes matter.
Size of holes
— Litter scoop for small pieces. If the cat litter you’re using is fine-grained, you might encounter small pieces of soiled litter that you also need to scoop out. In this case, you need to use a litter scoop that’s suitable for small pieces. It should come with small holes that won’t miss those tiny bits of waste matter.
— Litter scoop for large pieces. If you prefer to save more of the unsoiled litter, you could use a litter scoop with large holes. This works well for large pieces of waste matter without scooping out extra granules of unused litter.
Shape of holes
— Litter scoop for pine pellets litter. If you’re using pellet litter, you need to find a scoop with holes that allow the pellets to pass through. Typically, such a scoop would feature long, uniform slits.
— Litter scoop for pearl litter. Crystal or pearl litter are typically round in shape. If you’re using them and want to save more unsoiled ones as you scoop, a litter scoop for pearl litter is the best one to use.
Without a solid handle, a litter scoop can easily break and cost you money. A strong handle allows you to take a stronger grip in case you have to remove a hard-sticking litter.
Non-stick litter scoops make your job so much easier. They prevent the soiled litter and waste material from sticking to the scoop’s surface, thereby minimizing the needed effort when cleaning up.
Having a deep shovel allows the scooper to reach the bottom part of the litter box — in case some fecal matter is buried deep beneath. It also minimizes the chances of bacterial contamination in your hand, especially when you have to dig deep to find the rest of the soiled litter.
When you have to use it regularly and religiously, an ergonomic litter scoop is always a delight to use. Find a scooper that doesn’t make your hand or wrist feel fatigued after use. Make sure the grip is soft enough to keep your hand from bruises. Also, take note of the angle in which the handle extends from the scoop’s head.
The answer depends on the size and shape of the holes of the sifter. There are sifters with holes that are small enough to make sure you can take away the tiny soiled pieces of litter. Choose them in case you’re using a fine-grained litter.
The answer is dependent on the material in which the scoop is made of. Even stainless steel might still suffer from corrosion after repeated exposure to cat urine — especially without washing. Just take note that the average pH value of cat urine is from 6.0 to 6.5. Find a scooper that retains its quality even when exposed to this level of acidity.
Now that you have an overview of what characterizes the best cat litter scoop, it’s time to check out the best brands on the current market.
1. IPRIMIO Cat Litter Scooper with Deep Shovel
Do you prefer using a cat litter scooper that’s designed by cat owners like yourself? If so, then the IPRIMIO Cat Litter Scooper might be the best one for you.
Made of cast aluminum, this scooper is highly durable and allows for super fast clean-up — it saves your time.
What we really like about this scoop is that it does not hold odors, so you can maintain a fresh environment around the storage area. It’s also pretty convenient — thanks to its accompanying plastic hanger. This hanger holds the scooper while not in use. With a 3M sticky tape, you can just position it anywhere you want to.
If you like to be playful with colors, you can choose the silver variant instead of the black nonstick. It’s already lightweight, but there’s also a plastic ABS version in case you want an even lighter one.
Overall, it has earned the trust of many cat owners. If you’re looking for a litter scoop that doesn’t bend, and something with small holes for small pieces — this could be the best cat litter scoop for you. It stays clean even after use!
Durability
This cat litter scoop is physically hard to bend or break — thanks to its super solid handle. In this sense, it’s so much better than plastic.
Since its made of cast aluminum, the IPRIMIO litter scoop doesn’t easily get stained. That means cleaning it won’t take so much of your time. It’s even resistant to rust.
Comfortable to use
With an ergonomic grip handle, this IPRIMIO litter sifter lets you scoop with ease and comfort. I find this feature really helpful, especially since I’m prone to having hand fatigue.
Shape and size effectivity
Among other factors, the size and the shape of your sifter must be effective for it to take care of small pieces of litter. You might find it helpful to know that this scooper has the optimal spacing for sifter forks, i.e., 4 mm, and has an ergonomic edge scooper design — leaving no gaps and no more misses every time you scoop! Thanks to its deep shovel, you can dig right into the bottom of the litter pan without so much effort.
Easy to maintain
If maintenance has cost you so much time and effort before, the IPRIMIO non-stick litter scooper can save more of them now for you. Thanks to its Teflon coating — the very same material in non-stick pans — it doesn’t stick to soiled litter and waste matter. That makes for a very easy way to clean and maintain this sifter.
Drawback
Just a slight drawback here. This cat litter scoop has a plastic handle with some cast aluminum wedged into it. In that case, the plastic is very hard and feels durable. But it’s still plastic — and you know, it might not be the kind of material you prefer.
2. DuraScoop Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop
If you want a completely aluminum sifter from end to end, this could be your preferred sifter. The DuraScoop Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop makes sure that while it’s lightweight, its end-to-end aluminum material allows it to survive multi-cat household tests.
So, it has earned the trust of many cat owners for over 15 years now.
Meanwhile, it has a retro design with vintage color options. Well, this product seems to be saying that being entirely aluminum doesn’t have to look boring.
Durability
DuraScoop wants to be true to its name, and we think it has accomplished just that. This is a litter scooper that doesn’t bend even when you have to scoop out a large clump.
Because of its material, it’s corrosion-resistant. That means it won’t rust and therefore lasts for years. Its solid metal handle is actually coated with comfortably molded rubber, so it quite feels good in your hands and doesn’t feel like breaking ever.
Comfortable to use
As I’ve just mentioned, this DuraScoop Jumbo sifter has a rubber-coated handle. So, it’s actually an ergonomic grip handle with just the right length, width, and shape for your hands and wrist. Whenever I’d use this scooper, my hand won’t feel tired even if I had to dig deep into the bottom of the litter box.
Shape and size effectivity
This cat litter scoop also features an optimal spacing of sifter forks. At 5mm, this spacing is great for pine pellets or for wood pellets.
Meanwhile, the scooper design itself is ergonomic. Its edge works quite nicely around the corner of the litter box. Also, with its jumbo size, you can finish scooping in no time.
Easy to maintain
With a mirror finish, the DuraScoop Jumbo litter scoop is quite easy to maintain. Unlike other scoopers, it’s not coated, plated, or painted — so there’s nothing to rub off and wear out over time. That would be the case even if you had to scrub this aluminum scooper during clean-up time
Drawback
As for catching small pieces of soiled litter, this scooper might be a little ineffective. For that matter, you’ll need a scoop with even tinier holes. Also, it doesn’t have a non-stick coating, so some litter can stick to its surface.
3. CO-Z Solid Aluminum Alloy Cat Litter Scoop Sifter Deep Shovel with Flexible Long Handle (1PC)
If you prefer a litter scoop that has an aluminum alloy body and some color options, then this CO-Z cat litter scoop could be an excellent choice.
With a near-perfect average rate, this cat litter scoop is a rising star among its competitors. It helps ease the woes of many cat lovers out there — reaching and cleaning those deep litter box corners without too much effort.
Durability
This CO-Z cat litter scoop has an aluminum alloy body that makes it effective against corrosion and rust. Its high waterproof performance allows it to last for several years. It also has a higher loading capacity compared to other sifters — enabling you to scoop more in less time.
Comfortable to use
Not every sifter is shaped perfectly. Apparently, this CO-Z scoop won’t shy away in terms of shape. Because of its hardened ergonomic grip with reinforced rubber, this scooper could sit comfortably on your hand while in use.
Moreover, it has just the right length, width, material, and shape to let you scoop without stressing out your hands.
Shape and size effectivity
Like the DuraScoop Jumbo, this CO-Z sifter also has the optimal sifter-fork spacing of 5mm. It also features a deep shover design but in a bigger size — allowing you to scoop more in one dig. This could cut your litter box cleaning time into half.
Easy to maintain
With an aluminum alloy material, this scooper keeps poop from sticking to it. So, it’s just easy to clean right after use. No need to waste your time scrubbing this scooper.
Drawback
Despite its great sifting potential, this litter scoop is quite heavier on the hands compared to other sifters. It also has larger sifter holes, which might make it difficult to catch smaller clumps of litter.
4. Sand Dipper Jr – Long Handle Back Saver Hygienic Cat Litter Scoop
Are you in for the best cat litter scoop that saves your back from aches while sifting? Then the Sand Dipper Jr Long Handle Cat Litter Scoop could be the product that suits you — especially if you often suffer from back pain.
With a lightweight aluminum ski pole technology, this is the kind of scooper that keeps you from bending over just to clean your cat’s litter box. So, it prevents you from inhaling harmful litter dust.
Because of its long handle, the Sand Dipper Jr can provide you a more hygienic way of disposing of your kitty’s litter — you only have to deal with it at an “arm’s length.”
Here’s a bonus. It also comes with a one year warranty — something that’s really unique with this scooper and not present among its competitors. This guarantee might come in handy just in case the handle suffers bending or some other damage.
Durability
With a marine-grade stainless steel basket, the Sand Dipper Jr is no ordinary scooper. Its material ensures it can last you for years.
It also requires less bending compared to the usual scoopers out there. This means having lesser back strain for you when sifting through your cat’s litter box.
Comfortable to use
This long handle cat litter scoop has over 27” of reach. That alone could save you from a lot of backaches. It also features a secure handle that’s comfortable to use. Its accompanying wrist loop makes storage and hanging pretty easy.
Moreover, the Sand Dipper Jr also keeps you from coming face to face with your cat’s waste. In other words, disposing of litter can now be a more hygienic experience — you can do it from a distance.
Shape and size effectivity
The Sand Dipper Jr’s scooping part, i.e., the rugged stainless steel basket, is 4 inches in diameter. With large holes in between the thin wires, this scooper easily lets the unused litter particles to stay in the box, while sifting the big clumps effectively. This means it’s quite useful for separating large waste matter from the fine granules of litter.
Easy to maintain
Since the mesh itself is made of stainless steel, maintenance is not a problem with this cat litter scoop. It naturally prevents rust and corrosion, allowing it to last for many years.
Drawback
While this product finally seems to be perfect, it has some drawbacks that could leave you opting for the more traditional scoopers. Its steel basket is a little too small to handle the sifting job all at once. That means you might have to sift repeatedly.
Also, its round design prevents this scoop from getting into the corners of the litter box. So, you might find it hard to dig into these corners without leaving traces of sticking litter in the box.
Would you rather use a litter scooper with a bag? And, would you prefer something that’s 99% biodegradable? Well, you might be looking for the Dispoz-A-Scoop cat litter scoop.
These are the kinds of disposable scooper bags that are environment-friendly. Also, if you’re looking for a scooper that comes in handy when cleaning up your yard, walking your pet, or traveling, this could be your preferred scoop.
And since the bags are disposable, they’re just cheaper compared to your traditional cat litter scoopers. Each pack appeals to the satisfaction of both your pocket and your outdoor-loving cat.
Comfortable to use
The Dispoz-A-Scoop Bags are both easy and comfortable to use. Simply scoop the waste matter, seal the bag, and toss it to the trash.
They’re also easier to use than traditional scoop bags. It has a self-sealing closure feature so you’ll experience odor-free disposal. Just press it against the ground to seal, and you’re done.
Shape and size effectivity
Each bag (6″ L x 4-3/4″ W) is wide and large enough to use for bigger chunks of waste material. So, this might be the scoop you’d prefer for a one-time, quick disposal solution. Definitely, it’s the kind of litter scooper that saves time & reduces dust exposure.
Drawback
Since this scooper is disposable, its not that durable. You need to keep the wire from breaking and getting through the cardboard’s side. So, you might have to tape both sides before use.
6. Kitty Kan Disposable Litter Scoops
Another biodegradable scooping solution is the Kitty Kan Disposable Litter Scoop. Made from 100% scrap cardboard, it lets you dispose of your kitty’s waste without adding more to the pile of trash that sits in landfills for years.
Many cat owners prefer this product, not only because it’s pretty cheap, but it also saves water and requires no use of harsh chemicals for clean-ups. The cardboard scoops themselves decay along with the fecal matter, so it cleanlier and healthier overall. From one litter box cleaning to the next, it doesn’t spread diseases and parasites from cat waste.
Moreover, cat owners like it because it’s perfect for use while traveling with their feline buddies.
Comfortable to use
You can use the Kitty Kan disposable scoopers in just a straightforward manner. Just scoop and dispose of it. No washing needed — except for your hands.
Shape and size effectivity
This scooper has three long holes in it, so it should work either for pellets or for bigger granules. As each cardboard piece comes out of the package flat, you just have to follow the lines and fold them to form the shape of the scooper.
Drawback
Since it’s made of cardboard, the Kitty Kan disposable scoops might not handle scooping heavy clumps very well. Also, having only three holes might not be enough for thorough sifting, and may cause the cardboard surface to carry more of the unused litter that you’re not supposed to throw away.
The answer depends on the kind of scooper. If it’s disposable, it doesn’t need cleaning with water — only disposal. For scoopers that are used with flushable and biodegradable litter, there’s one easy to clean them up from sticking litter. Here’s how:
Here’s an accompanying video for the above steps:
Now you may ask the question: can I wash it in the dishwasher?
Absolutely not! We strongly recommend against it! Doing so will raise your risk of suffering from toxoplasmosis.
You can safely scoop and change the litter while pregnant. But, it’s still better to avoid the risk of contamination and have someone else do it. Take note that the main concern here is toxoplasmosis — a parasitic infection that could pass from cat poop to you and then to your baby.
You can use a non-stick litter box to avoid sticking in the first place. If the litter still somehow sticks, or if you’re using an ordinary box, it’s possible that the litter’s depth is not enough.
Some kitties tend to dig deeper into the litter. In that case, your kitty might reach the very bottom of the box and bury the sticky waste matter in there. Be sure you’re maintaining the litter depth at 3 to 4 inches unless the manufacturer has a different recommendation.
Also, maintain the habit of daily scooping in order to keep the soiled litter from sticking hard into the box. You can also use a strong clumping litter so they don’t easily break, deform, and let the waste matter spread into the box.
For the sake of simplicity, we’ve summarized the similarities and differences between metal and plastic litter scoopers.
| Metal Litter Scoop | Plastic Litter Scoop | |
| Strength | Hard | Flimsy |
| Durability | Lasts long | Breaks easily |
| Cleaning | Easy; doesn’t collect stains | May collect stains through time |
| Weight | Medium weight to heavy | Lightweight |
| Biodegradability | Non-biodegradable | Non-biodegradable |
| Price | Expensive | Cheap |
Overall, metal litter scoops look like the more preferable option among non-disposable scoopers. While plastic ones appear to be easier on the budget, they are not as sturdy and may break easily — prompting you to buy again and again and spend more in the long run.
At this point, we already have a choice for the best litter scoop 2019. It’s the IPRIMIO Cat Litter Scooper with Deep Shovel. Here’s why.
So, aren’t you excited to level up your scooping experience and make it more convenient? Let the IPRIMIO Cat Litter Scooper be your partner!
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