Crossword Genius

Umpteen pets scratching can (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oodles

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This could be a double definition.

'umpteen pets scratching' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'can' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oodles that I've seen before include "wealth" , "Informally, great quantities" , "Very many, lots" , "Tons, scads" , "A lot" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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