Cat food is divided into adult cat food and kitten food. Generally, we choose cat food suitable for each age group of cats. However, some pet owners think that it doesn't matter whether a kitten or an adult cat eats adult cat food or kitten food, as they can get the same nutrition. Is this idea correct? 
I. The difference between adult cat food and kitten food
Most adult cat food sold on the market today is acidified food. Acidified food means that after feeding cats, they will produce acidic urine, with a urine pH of 6-6.5. Clinically, it has been found that adult cats, especially those aged 3-10 years, are most prone to developing magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) urinary stones, which account for more than 90% of urinary stones in cats.
Eating acidified foods, which maintain urine pH at 6-6.5, can effectively prevent the formation of magnesium ammonium phosphate kidney stones. Acidified foods are those that utilize a large amount of animal protein, along with phosphoric acid and ammonium chloride. Animal protein is rich in sulfur-containing reactive acids, such as methionine. These reactive acids can produce sulfuric acid in the cat's body, which is then excreted in the urine.
Excessively acidified cat food with a pH below 6 can cause excessive loss of potassium and calcium through urine, which is detrimental to a cat's health. Kittens primarily consume milk, which produces acidic urine. Feeding them acidified food will hinder healthy bone growth and development, which is one reason why kittens should not be fed commercial adult cat food. Pregnant and lactating cats should not be fed acidified food, as it can impair the healthy development of the fetus or kittens.
Cats over ten years old are prone to developing oxalate urinary stones. Oxalate urinary stones form in an acidic urine environment, and feeding them acidified foods will increase the risk of urinary stones in older cats. Therefore, older cats should not be fed acidified foods. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of non-senior cats found to have oxalate urinary stones abroad, which may be related to the widespread use of acidified foods for adult cats, especially those foods that lower the urine pH to below 6.
II. Healthy Diet for Kittens
Kittens under 10 months old should be fed kitten food. Once they reach 3 months, it's best to give them some meat each week, such as beef or chicken. Felines need a significant amount of meat, unlike dogs. Alternatively, you can feed them a variety of flavorful and convenient canned cat food. Sometimes, a diet consisting solely of meat can cause indigestion in kittens under three months old. This is because they have fewer digestive enzymes, which can lead to diarrhea. In such cases, you can give them some gastrointestinal medication, such as yeast tablets or lactase. Another convenient and effective option is to crush and mix a nutritional supplement like "BaMiBao" into their cat food.
III. What do kittens eat?
When feeding kittens under 3 months old, soak the cat food in milk or warm water to soften it, making it easier to digest. Once they reach 3 months, avoid feeding them overly soft food, as this can negatively impact their dental health. Ensure they have sufficient water while feeding them cat food; you can give them cooled boiled water, but avoid tap water. Mineral water is also an option, as kittens don't drink much, and it helps maintain adequate hydration. One bottle can last about two or three days, so it's not a problem to consume.
Cats shouldn't always eat the same cat food for a long time. You can change the flavor of their cat food every month or two. You can also make some homemade treats for your cat, but be careful to use less salt and mix it into their food so your beloved kitten can enjoy it. Be careful not to spoil them by feeding them too much. If they become picky eaters, it's very bad for their health and they'll be much harder to feed. Correcting a cat's picky eating habits is very difficult.
The reason why there are kitten food and adult cat food is that they are designed for different cats. Choosing the right cat food for cats of different ages is beneficial and harmless. Therefore, pet owners who can afford it should choose the right cat food for their cats.
