As cat parents, we know felines have their own mysterious way of showing love. But one devoted tabby named Moose has captured the internet’s heart by proving that even male cats can be doting partners and tender fathers.
A Cat Dad With a Gentle Soul
In a viral TikTok video shared by owner Aysha Clever (@ayshaclever), Moose is seen snuggling against his pregnant mate, Cheeto, gently resting his head on her round belly with a paw draped protectively across her. The clip—now boasting over 1.1 million views and 313,500 likes—later reveals the two cats nestled together with their newborn kittens, showing the world what true feline family bonds look like.
“People say that animals don’t feel emotions,” Clever told Newsweek. “But I sure learned a lot about love from watching the bond Cheeto and Moose shared.”
From Pregnancy to Parenthood
Cheeto gave birth on August 6, welcoming her first kitten, Karat, and a day later, her second, Mango. Heartbreakingly, a third kitten was stillborn. Moose stayed by Cheeto’s side through it all, grieving with her and continuing to offer comfort.
Unlike most male cats, who usually play little to no role in kitten care, Moose surprised everyone. He cuddled with Cheeto, cleaned the kittens, and even hilariously tried to nurse them himself.
Clever admitted she was nervous about letting Moose meet the babies—since male cats can sometimes react aggressively—but Cheeto seemed to want his support. Their “cuddle puddle,” as Clever describes it, quickly grew from two to four.
What Experts Say About Male Cats and Kittens
While Moose’s fatherly devotion is rare, it isn’t unheard of. According to Cats Protection (UK), male cats can form bonds with their kittens if introductions are handled carefully. Still, experts typically recommend waiting until kittens are 4–6 weeks old before meeting their dad, since males may display stress-related behaviors like hissing, swatting, or growling.
That’s why Moose’s gentle presence has resonated with so many online—he’s not just an exception, he’s a reminder that every cat has their own unique way of loving.
TikTok Reacts
The internet couldn’t get enough of this feline love story.
- “First cat dad I’ve seen actually care about their babies,” wrote one commenter.
- Another joked: “Better baby daddy than most humans.”
- A third added: “He’s such a good Papa and she’s such a beautiful Mama.”
Takeaway for Cat Parents
Moose’s story is a sweet reminder that while cats are often seen as independent, they’re capable of deep emotional connections—with us, and with each other. If you’re introducing kittens to their father, remember: patience, gradual exposure, and supervision are key.
FAQ
Q: Do male cats usually help care for kittens?
No. Most male cats play little to no role in raising kittens. However, some—like Moose—can show surprising affection if introduced properly.
Q: When is it safe to introduce a father cat to his kittens?
Experts recommend waiting until kittens are 4–6 weeks old. Early introductions should be supervised to avoid stress or aggression.
Q: Can cats feel grief or emotional bonds?
Yes. While not in the same way as humans, many cats show behaviors that suggest attachment, bonding, and even mourning when a companion is lost.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to lifo@snugglesouls.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
EN
DE
ES
PT