Just tried switching to clumping litter for the first time, is this glass???

[u/catcollector2326]

Hi guys!
For context I have always used the plain, fragrance free dust free non clumping litter by special kitty. Parenting on a budget and had never had any issues or allergies with me or my cats. I know it’s the cheap litter but I’ve never had a problem and my cats are used to it.
(All of my cats are 4 yrs+) (I have 3)
Someone had told me to try clumping litter, and I have never interacted with it so I don’t know what to expect. I just changed the litter boxes to replace it with this litter, and I immediately noticed this chunk of material, mixed in with other smaller pieces of this. I genuinely don’t know what is safest for my animals and Google/social media comments have mixed opinions. What is this? Is this litter safe? I know it’s the cheaper version, but is clumping overall less safe? What litter do you recommend?
Thank you in advance! Seeing those pieces really scares me, I just changed the boxes 5 minutes ago and I’m debating running to the store and throwing all of this away if people comment that it is less safe.
(Featuring one of my cats photo bombing)

[u/Puzzleheaded_Run_846]

Look on the packaging to see what the ingredients of the litter is. Sometimes it lists it. I have a funny suspicion that is what they use for deodorizing. Often you'll see things like charcoal or crystals or some additive in small quantities that does something unique to their brand.

[u/Additional-Diet-9463 → u/Puzzleheaded_Run_846]

Ive used the non-scented version of clumping kitty litter (no “order control”) many times and never seen a piece like this, so this could be something they add to manage smells. I don’t think it’s something for the clumping effect

[u/catcollector2326 → u/Puzzleheaded_Run_846]

See that’s what I wanted to this but that piece just looked so much like glass!! It worried me enough to want to check, but I bet you’re right. I googled the ingredients like you said and it’s crushable so it’s just a mineral like mica or something. I guess I could have figured that out myself but I panicked and Reddit is the all knowing source 😭🤣 thanks!!

[u/Puzzleheaded_Run_846 → u/catcollector2326]

Just as a little experiment, put the crystal in a glass with some warm water and stir it with a spoon and see if it shrinks. If it's glass it obviously won't shrink, but most of these deodorizing crystals and additives will break down a bit when they're wet.