Short answer: the Petmate Metal Deep Shovel is the best Petmate litter scoop for most cat owners, and the Petmate Ultimate 22972 is the one to get if bending over the box hurts. Those two cover most needs. The other three are a hidden-holder model, a jumbo plastic scoop, and a two-pack of that same jumbo scoop.
I compared all five Petmate litter scoops on material, mouth width, handle length, and edge design, using listing specs and the complaints cat owners raise most: handles that bend, scoops that clog, and clumps that won’t release. Prices change often, so the Amazon links show the current number. This review is part of our best litter scoop guide.
Disclosure: this post contains Amazon affiliate links. We earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Scores are our own editorial ratings.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Which Petmate Litter Scoop Should You Buy?
| If you… | Get this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Use dense clumping clay and break scoops | Metal Deep Shovel | Metal doesn’t flex under packed clumps. |
| Have back, hip, or knee pain | Ultimate 22972 | 17.5-inch handle means less bending. |
| Keep the litter box in a living space | Scoop N’ Hide | Holder hides the scoop and stores it upright. |
| Want a plain, cheap scoop that works | Jumbo Scoop | 4.7-inch mouth, simple plastic build. |
| Run two or more litter boxes | Jumbo 2-Pack | One scoop per box, same spec. |
List of Petmate Litter Scoop Reviews
| Image | Product | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Petmate Metal Cat/Kitty Litter Scoop, Deep Shovel 🏆 Editor’s Pick |
9.2/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Petmate Scoop N’ Hide Cat Litter Scoop with Discreet Holder 👑 Premium Pick |
8.8/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Petmate Ultimate Litter Plastic Scoop 22972, 17.5 x 4 x 6in 🥈 Runner-Up |
8.5/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Petmate Litter Scoop for Cats, Jumbo Size, Bleached Linen 💰 Best Value |
8.2/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Petmate Litter Scoop for Cats, Jumbo Size, Bleached Linen (2-Pack) | 7.9/10 | View on Amazon |
📋 How We Evaluated
We scored each scoop on five things, based on manufacturer specs and the recurring themes in owner feedback:
- Material and how well it resists bending or cracking
- Mouth width and sifting speed
- Handle length and grip comfort
- Edge design, meaning smooth or serrated
- Storage, cleaning, and extras such as a holder
Petmate Litter Scoop Specs Side by Side
| Model | Material | Key size spec | Edge / design | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Deep Shovel | Non-stick metal | Deep curved shovel | Smooth, non-stick | Dense clay, heavy use |
| Scoop N’ Hide | Brushed nickel finish | 6.5 x 5.5 x 12 in | Deep bucket with rake | Visible litter boxes |
| Ultimate 22972 | Plastic | 17.5 in long, 4.8 oz | Serrated scraper | Back-friendly scooping |
| Jumbo Scoop | 95% post-industrial resin | 4.7 in mouth | Smooth | Everyday value |
| Jumbo 2-Pack | 95% recycled resin | 4.7 in mouth, 2 scoops | Smooth | Multiple boxes |
Detailed Petmate Litter Scoop Reviews
Petmate Metal Cat/Kitty Litter Scoop, Deep Shovel🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Material | Non-stick coated metal |
| Design | Curved deep shovel |
| Grip | Non-slip ergonomic |
| Litter type | Listed for all litter types |
What We Found
A metal litter scoop doesn’t flex. That’s the whole pitch, and it matters most with dense clumping clay, where a thin plastic scoop bends right when you lean into a stuck clump. The non-stick coating helps waste release instead of caking onto the blade, so rinsing takes seconds rather than a scrubbing session.
The curved, deep shovel shape holds more per pass, which cuts down on trips to the trash. The grip is listed as non-slip and ergonomic. Check the slot spacing against your litter before you buy, because fine or crystal litters can slip through wide openings.
💬 My Take
This is the one I’d buy first for a clay-litter box. It costs more than a plastic scoop, and you’re paying for rigidity and a surface that stays cleaner.
Who It’s For
- Anyone using dense clumping clay who has snapped or bent a plastic scoop.
- Multi-cat homes that scoop two or three times a day.
- People who dislike scrubbing dried litter off a scoop.
If your wrists are weak or you scoop a lot, test the weight first, since metal is heavier than plastic.
✅ Pros
- Rigid metal blade won’t bend under packed clumps.
- Non-stick coating makes rinsing quick.
- Deep, curved shovel carries more per scoop.
❌ Cons
- Metal can scratch soft plastic boxes and liners.
- Heavier than plastic scoops, which tires some hands.
- Costs more than a basic plastic scoop. Check the current price on Amazon.
Petmate Scoop N’ Hide Cat Litter Scoop with Discreet Holder👑 Premium Pick
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 5.5 x 12 inches |
| Finish | Brushed nickel |
| Storage | Integrated hidden holder |
| Design | Deep bucket with rake |
What We Found
This one is half scoop, half furniture. The holder hides the scoop between uses and keeps it off the floor, shelf, or box rim. The brushed nickel finish looks better beside a bathroom sink than a bare plastic shovel does.
The scoop itself is a deep bucket with a built-in rake, so it picks up clumps and can reach into corners. A litter scoop with holder keeps a used scoop out of sight, but don’t expect it to seal in smell. Wash both the scoop and the holder on a schedule.
💬 My Take
Buy it for looks and tidiness. If your litter box sits in a living area, the holder earns its price. If the box is in a utility room, a plain scoop does the same job for less.
Who It’s For
- Apartment owners with a litter box in a visible spot.
- People who want the scoop stored upright and out of the way.
- Anyone who keeps losing the scoop.
At 12 inches tall, check shelf or floor clearance before ordering.
✅ Pros
- Holder hides the scoop and keeps it off surfaces.
- Rake edge helps with corners.
- Brushed nickel finish suits home decor.
❌ Cons
- Higher price, since part of it pays for the holder.
- The hinged holder has moving parts that could wear with daily use.
- Takes up more floor space than a bare scoop.
Petmate Ultimate Litter Plastic Scoop 22972, 17.5 x 4 x 6in🥈 Runner-Up
| Length | 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 oz |
| Edge type | Serrated scraper |
| Handle | Over-molded ergonomic |
What We Found
At 17.5 inches, this is the long handle litter scoop for people whose backs complain. You can stand more upright than with a short handle, and at 4.8 oz it’s light enough that the longer reach doesn’t tire your arm.
The serrated edge scrapes stuck clumps off the box floor. A smooth-edged scoop tends to skip over them. The over-molded handle is padded for longer sessions. The trade-off is storage. A 17.5-inch scoop won’t fit in a drawer or a small cabinet.
💬 My Take
Best pick if bending is the problem. It’s plastic, so it won’t last as long as the metal option, but it’s the easiest on your back.
Who It’s For
- Seniors or anyone with back, hip, or knee pain.
- Tall owners who hate crouching over a box.
- Households with several cats and big boxes.
Skip it if you’re short on storage space.
✅ Pros
- Longer handle reduces bending.
- Serrated edge lifts stuck-on clumps.
- Light at 4.8 oz.
❌ Cons
- Long handle is awkward to store in a small bathroom.
- Plastic won’t outlast a metal scoop.
- Feels light, which some owners read as flimsy.
Petmate Litter Scoop for Cats, Jumbo Size, Bleached Linen💰 Best Value
| Mouth width | 4.7 inches |
| Material | 95% post-industrial resin |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Handle | Ergonomic grip |
What We Found
The jumbo mouth is 4.7 inches wide, so you sift a larger area per sweep. That saves time on bigger boxes and in homes with more than one cat. The body is 95% post-industrial resin, which is a nice bonus if recycled content matters to you.
It’s a straightforward plastic scoop. There’s no serrated edge and no holder, so stuck-on clumps need extra effort. For daily scooping of loose clumps it does the job, and it’s the cheapest way into the Petmate lineup. For more low-cost options, see our budget litter scoop guide.
💬 My Take
This is a good default if you want something simple that works. I’d only move up to metal or the long-handled model if you have a specific problem to solve.
Who It’s For
- Budget-minded owners who want a reliable everyday scoop.
- Homes with large litter boxes.
- Buyers who prefer plastic to metal for quiet use.
If you often fight cemented clumps, look at the serrated Ultimate model instead.
✅ Pros
- Wide 4.7-inch mouth sifts faster.
- Made in USA with recycled-content resin.
- Light and quiet against plastic boxes.
❌ Cons
- Plastic can hold onto odors over time.
- No serrated edge for stuck clumps.
- No storage holder included.
Petmate Litter Scoop for Cats, Jumbo Size, Bleached Linen (2-Pack)
| Quantity | 2-pack |
| Mouth width | 4.7 inches |
| Material | 95% recycled resin |
| Handle | User-friendly design |
What We Found
This is the same jumbo scoop as the model above, sold as a pair. The spec is identical, including the 4.7-inch mouth and the resin body, so the only decision is whether you need two.
A pair makes sense if you run litter boxes on separate floors, or if you want a clean spare while the other one dries. Compare the per-scoop price against the single before you buy, since bundle pricing changes.
💬 My Take
It’s the same scoop, so the score gap comes from the extra scoop you may not use. Buy it for a two-box home. Everyone else can stick with the single.
Who It’s For
- Homes with two or more litter boxes.
- Foster households that scoop constantly.
- Anyone who wants a backup on hand.
Single-cat, single-box homes won’t need the second one.
✅ Pros
- Two scoops, so a spare is always ready.
- Same jumbo mouth and resin body as the single.
- Easy to keep one scoop at each box.
❌ Cons
- A second scoop is wasted in a one-box home.
- Same plastic odor concerns as the single.
- No serrated edge.
Metal vs Plastic Litter Scoops
This is the real decision inside the Petmate lineup. One model is metal, the rest are plastic or plastic-bodied, and the gap shows up in daily use. For a broader breakdown, see our metal vs plastic litter scoop comparison and our plastic litter scoop guide.
| Metal (Deep Shovel) | Plastic (Ultimate, Jumbo) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rigidity | Doesn’t flex under packed clumps | Can bend with dense clay or hard pressure |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter, easier on wrists |
| Box wear | Can scratch soft plastic boxes and liners | Gentler on box surfaces |
| Cleaning | Non-stick coating rinses quickly | Smooth plastic is easy, but can hold odors over time |
| Noise | Louder against the box | Quieter |
| Typical cost | Higher | Lower |
My call: metal wins for clay litter and heavy daily use. Plastic wins on weight, noise, and price. Both are fine for light-use, single-cat homes.
What to Look For Before Buying a Cat Litter Scoop?
Start with your litter, then your body, then your space. Those three decide almost every purchase.
Match the Scoop to Your Litter Type
| Litter type | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Clumping clay | Rigid blade, ideally metal, plus a serrated or flat edge for stuck clumps |
| Crystal / silica | Narrow slots so granules don’t fall through unnoticed, and a smooth, thin edge |
| Paper or pellet | Wider slots, since pellets are larger, and a lightweight scoop |
| Tofu or plant-based | Medium slots and a gentle edge, since clumps can be softer |
Slot size varies by model, so check the product images and owner photos against your litter before ordering. For tofu pellets, see our litter scoop for tofu litter guide.
Material and Durability
Metal outlasts plastic in most homes, and a non-stick coating keeps waste from caking on. Recycled-resin plastics trade a bit of rigidity for lower environmental impact. If you’ve broken a scoop before, that’s your sign to go metal. To compare other metals, see our stainless steel litter scoop and aluminum litter scoop guides.
Handle Length and Ergonomics
A long handle, like the 17.5-inch Ultimate, lets you stand while you scoop. A cushioned grip helps if you scoop daily. Weight matters too: metal is heavier, so try to picture twice a day for a year.
Mouth Width and Edge Design
A wider mouth, such as the 4.7-inch jumbo, covers more ground per pass. A serrated edge scrapes clumps stuck to the box floor. If you use a liner, go easy with any hard edge.
Storage and Odor
A holder keeps the scoop tidy, but it doesn’t replace cleaning. Measure the spot where it will live. A bare scoop needs a bag, bin, or hook.
Quick Buying Checklist
- What litter do I use, and are the slots the right size?
- Will I scoop standing up, or do I need a long handle?
- Is my litter box plastic that metal could scratch?
- Do I have storage space for a long or tall scoop?
- Do I need one scoop or one per box?
How to Use and Clean a Litter Scoop?
A good scoop only stays good if you clean it. A simple routine takes about a minute.
- Slide the scoop under the clump and lift with a gentle shake, so clean litter falls back through the slots.
- Tip the waste into a bag or lidded bin. Don’t tap the scoop on the box rim, which can crack plastic.
- Scrape stuck bits off with a paper towel or the serrated edge if your scoop has one.
- Rinse with warm water and a drop of dish soap at least weekly. Use a dedicated sink or tub, not your kitchen sink.
- Dry it fully before you store it. A damp holder or bag breeds smell.
- Check the handle and blade for cracks each month and replace the scoop if you see any.
Frequently Asked Questions About Petmate Litter Scoops
How often should I replace my litter scoop?
There’s no fixed schedule. Replace it when the handle cracks, the blade warps, or the smell stays after a wash. Metal scoops tend to last longer than plastic ones.
Can metal scoops damage plastic litter boxes?
They can. Hard scraping may leave scratches in soft plastic, and scratches hold odor. Use light pressure, and consider a plastic scoop or a liner if your box is already worn.
Which Petmate scoop is best for clumping clay litter?
The Metal Deep Shovel. Its rigid blade doesn’t bend under packed clumps. The Ultimate 22972 is also a good fit because the serrated edge frees stuck clumps.
Which Petmate scoop is best for bad backs?
The Ultimate 22972. Its 17.5-inch handle lets you scoop with less bending.
Are recycled plastic scoops strong enough?
The jumbo scoops use 95% post-industrial or recycled resin. They suit light-to-medium use. If you scoop dense clay in a multi-cat home, metal is safer.
Does the Scoop N’ Hide control odor?
It hides the scoop and keeps it contained, which helps. It isn’t a sealed container, so you still need to wash the scoop and holder regularly.
How do I clean a litter scoop?
Rinse with warm water and dish soap, dry it fully, and keep it out of your kitchen sink. Check the packaging for dishwasher guidance before you try it.
What size slots should a litter scoop have?
Match the slots to your litter. Fine or crystal litters need narrow slots, while pellets work with wide ones. If granules fall through, the slots are too wide.
Is the 2-pack worth it?
Only if you have two boxes or want a spare. The scoop is the same as the single jumbo model.
🎯 Final Verdict
The Petmate Metal Deep Shovel is the best Petmate litter scoop for most homes. It’s rigid, it rinses clean, and it handles clay without bending. Pick the Ultimate 22972 if your back is the problem, and the Scoop N’ Hide if the box lives where guests can see it.
On a tight budget? The Jumbo Scoop is a solid, simple choice. Get the 2-pack only if you have two boxes.
Related Litter Scoop Guides
Written by Mishu
A passionate cat lover and indoor living enthusiast, Mishu is the founder and voice behind Indoor Living Cat – a go-to resource for cat owners who want to create the happiest, healthiest life for their feline companions indoors.
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