We had 2 stray cats take up residence in our barn last fall , one being a female whom we decided to name "Plain Jane" and the other soon became Dana's bestest Buddy, "Tobbacco"  a male cat.  So of course the inevitable came into play and  "Plain Jane" gave birth to 2 little kittens. "Tobbacco" just loved "Plain Jane" to death and spent a lot of time laying with her and the kittens.  Just like a real little human family.  Mom, Dad and the kids!

Then one day just as the kittens were starting to eat mice and other things their Mom would bring them we found  poor little "Plain Jane" dead as a door nail  in one of the  stall in the back barn.  Not injured or bleeding on anything, just dead?

 I worried about the babies but it wasn't long  when I noticed  "Tobbacco"  seemed to be taking over looking after the kittens?

 He would lay down with them ever so gently.  Then all curled up protectively with them.  And he takes them hunting at night like a Female cat or Mother cat would do!  He actually lays with the babies and lets them pretend to suckle on his nipples like Jane would for them. He sleeps with them like this, giving them comfort and replacing their lost Mom ..... What do you think of that!!

Just had to share this with you knowing how you would appreciate his efforts as a parent even if a male TOM cat!!!  Since "Intact",outdoor Tom's are well known for staying away from kittens and even for injuring, occasionally killing kittens, we think "Tobbacco" is a Super Special DAD!!!