Your kitten’s growing quickly and gaining more confidence by the day. Assuming you adopted him after his second month, he should be well-adjusted to his new environment the end of month three. Of course, he’ll still discover new things daily. Your continuing job as parent and protector is to ensure his environment remains safe.

Month 4:

During the fourth month—when your kitten’s still within his major stage of socialization—his senses will develop fully and his eyes will change to their permanent color.

He’ll begin to lose his baby teeth as his adult teeth start pushing through. To help with the soreness, give him a makeshift chew toy, like a drinking straw or a cold washcloth that’s been wrung out and placed in the freezer.

At this point, you should feed your kitten at least three times daily, giving him dry food to free-feed on in between meals. Before the end of the month, schedule a follow-up appointment with the vet, including a second de-worming.

Month 5:

Your kitten will continue teething in month five, though he’ll probably already have his new incisors.

Don’t be surprised if he takes to nibbling on your finger. This gives you an opportunity to massage his gums with a natural reliever or cold gauze. Most of his adult teeth will be in place by the eighth month, however, you can still expect more beyond the first year.

In month five, you may want to purchase a scratching post to keep your couch, curtains, and carpet safe from his new claws. When you visit your vet, ask how to properly clip your kitten’s nails. It can be nerve-wracking at first, but you’ll get the hang of it! As far as nutrition goes, don’t change a thing until you’re past the six-month milestone—which is just around the corner.

Month 6:

You’re at the six-month milestone—already half-way through the first year! It’s been an amazing few months and there’s much more to look forward to. At this point, your kitten will be long and lean at three-quarters his adult size—far from the little fur ball you once knew. Think of this as his teen phase. That said you should stick with the kitten formula, although you can reduce the feedings to twice daily, with dry food to nibble on in between meals.

Since your kitten will be well into puberty, you should talk to your vet about having him fixed during your sixth-month visit.

Some experts even recommend spaying or neutering around four months given the overpopulation of dogs and cats around the world. Preventing unwanted pregnancy ensures your cat’s offspring won’t be killed in an animal shelter one day. According to the Humane Society of the United States, over 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters every year.

If you’re unsure about the procedure, keep in mind the benefits well beyond population control. Studies have shown neutered/spayed pets are calmer and more content because the urge to reproduce is eliminated.

Since they won’t feel the need to seek out a mate, they’ll be less apt to leave home and put themselves in harm’s way. Neutering your male cat can also control inappropriate urination. In females, spaying decreases the incidences of breast cancer. Overall, you’ll find spaying or neutering to enhance your pet’s life and increase his lifespan, too.