If your mama cat has a new litter of kittens, you've probably been counseled by well-meaning friends and family to keep them safe from male cats. The story that male cats are notorious kitten killers has its basis in fact but that doesn't mean that male cats never act fatherly.
Typical Tom Behavior
Domestic male cats as well as male cats in the wild aren't known for their fathering skills. Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats don't tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. Male cats have been known to kill kittens, usually kittens that they didn't father. This behavior is a throwback to instincts from wilder days when killing a rival's young would keep the rival from spreading his genes about the countryside and giving the killer a better chance of advancing his own genetic agenda.
Anything is Possible
Not all male cats kill kittens and some have even been known to participate a little in caring for their own young by cleaning and playing with them. People have even reported having their tom cats turn up with litters of kittens in tow, as if to inform their humans that they were living up to the responsibilities of fatherhood.
Females Are More Helpful
Although typically male cats aren't known to be the biggest helpers when it comes to caring for the babies, female cats often help their friends and family when it comes to looking after the little ones. Some female cats act as midwives, attending a birthing and helping to clean the newborn kittens. Female cats have been known to "babysit", watching over and even nursing another cat's kittens. And mama cats often foster kittens that aren't their own, even taking in babies of an entirely different species, like squirrels, raccoons and rabbits.
Playing It Safe
If you have both male and female cats in your family, it's best to play it safe and not allow the male cat access to the newborns, at least not unsupervised. If you feel that your tomcat might have some fatherly instincts you can gradually introduce him to the babies, but only after they're a bit older, like after the six to eight week mark. But be ready to intervene if he shows the slightest bit of aggression and continue to keep him separated from mama and her babies.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Writer Bio
Elle Di Jensen has been a writer and editor since 1990. She began working in the fitness industry in 1987, and her experience includes editing and publishing a workout manual. She has an extended family of pets, including special needs animals. Jensen attended Idaho and Boise State Universities. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications.