AnimAll Premium Amethyst Crystals, 5 l is a silica gel cat litter from the German company AnimAll International GmbH. Silica gel is dried polysilicic acid gel: chemically it's the same silicon dioxide as ordinary sand, but with a huge internal surface area — 800 m² per gram. Thanks to this, moisture and odour disappear into the litter instantly, while the litter itself never turns into a sticky mass or clings to paws. The 5 l bag weighs 2.1 kg, and the granules are purple.
What sets the Premium series apart
The AnimAll premium series uses selected large granules of 4–8 mm. They absorb even more, stick less to paws and fur and are carried out of the tray less often, making them ideal for long-haired breeds. The bag has a plastic zip lock so that, once opened, the silica gel doesn't absorb moisture from the air and lose its properties. There's also a handle for easy carrying. Well-dried silica gel can be recognised by its transparent crystals, meaning it will absorb the maximum amount of liquid.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | silica gel, pore surface 800 m²/g |
| Type | absorbent, non-clumping |
| Granules | large, 4–8 mm, purple |
| Volume / weight | 5 l / 2.1 kg |
| Layer in the tray | 3–5 cm |
| Full change | at least every 4 weeks |
| Packaging | bag with zip lock and handle |
Pros
- Absorbs instantly. Moisture and odour go inside the granules.
- Doesn't stick to paws. Large granules are tracked around less.
- For long-haired cats. Less gets caught in the fur.
- Saves time. A full change only every 4 weeks.
- Hygienic. According to the manufacturer, it deals with bacteria.
- Convenient packaging. A zip lock and a handle.
Cons
- Non-clumping. Urine can't be removed separately — the whole volume works.
- Not flushable. It blocks drains.
- Crunchy underfoot. Some cats find the texture unfamiliar.
- Not for kittens that taste litter. Kittens that try to eat litter are better off with another type.
How to use it
Pour the litter into a clean, dry tray to a depth of 3–5 cm. Remove solid waste regularly with a scoop. Stir the litter every 1–2 days so moisture spreads evenly through the granules. Replace all the litter with fresh at least every 4 weeks, and wash the tray. According to the manufacturer, a 3.8 l bag lasts one cat about a month on average. Put used silica gel in the rubbish, not down the toilet — why this matters is explained in can cat litter be flushed down the toilet.
Silica gel or clumping
Silica gel is handy if you can't clean the tray every day and your cat doesn't mind the crunchy texture. Clumping litters — bentonite or tofu — let you remove urine separately and suit kittens; for comparison, see AnimAll Tofu Lavender. Similar silica litters are Kotix 10 l and Hvostik Green Small. A detailed comparison of all types is in how to choose cat litter. Switch your cat gradually by mixing the old and new litter.
Caring for a silica gel tray
When you change the litter completely, wash the tray with warm water and avoid strong-smelling chlorine cleaners — cats are sensitive to smells and may refuse the tray. The tray must be completely dry before refilling, or the silica gel will waste some of its absorbency on water. In a multi-cat home you'll need to change the litter more often, and it's better to have more trays — see which litter tray to choose for a cat.
Who it suits
Adult cats, especially long-haired ones, and owners who value clean paws and floors and want to change the litter only every few weeks. The full range is in the cat litter section.
Verdict
AnimAll Premium Amethyst Crystals is a silica gel litter with large 4–8 mm granules that instantly absorbs moisture and odour, doesn't stick to paws and is changed every 4 weeks. The packaging with a zip lock is convenient. The downsides are that it doesn't clump, can't be flushed and doesn't feel right to every cat.
FAQ
How often should the litter be changed?
Fully at least every 4 weeks, with solid waste removed regularly.
How deep should the layer be?
3–5 cm.
Can it be flushed down the toilet?
No, silica gel blocks drains.
Does it clump?
No, silica gel absorbs moisture throughout its volume.
How big are the granules?
Large, 4–8 mm.
Why stir it?
Every 1–2 days, so moisture spreads through all the granules.
Is it suitable for long-haired cats?
Yes, large granules get caught in the fur less.
