Father cat

Hi! I am new to the site, but have a question. My cat recently had kittens. The mother is a light tabby, the father is a himalayan/siamese mix. The kittens are 4 weeks old tomorrow and VERY active. I noticed today that the father, who has been very curious about the kittens, who often follow him around and play with his tail... etc., has began trying to carry the kittens around like the mother cat does. Has anyone had this experience? He often will bat at them and harmlessly play with them. I am keeping an eye on him to be sure it doesn't escalate into anything serious. I find it strange. I grew up with a lot of animals, as my mom worked for a vet my entire childhood. She said she had never seen a father act this way. Is it something I should be concerned about? The mother seems totally okay with it, he hasn't hurt the kittens and spends a lot of time playing with them and grooming them. He just turned a year this week, so he is still extremely playful and kitten like himself.
 I'd love some insight!! 

Thank you! 

my oldest male cat before he was neutered would play with his babies but i had never seen him carry them by the neck. good question.. im interested in what answers you get. gorgeous daddy

Krawr813 said:

 I noticed today that the father, who has been very curious about the kittens, who often follow him around and play with his tail... etc., has began trying to carry the kittens around like the mother cat does. Has anyone had this experience? He often will bat at them and harmlessly play with them.... The mother seems totally okay with it, he hasn't hurt the kittens and spends a lot of time playing with them and grooming them.

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Male, even toms, being help mothers or at least, well wishing uncles, are not so very unusual. Many had witnessed this.   It doesnt even need to be the biological father, as long as the stud/tom is best friend with the mom.

Good you are watchful, as there is some danger. Unpleasant scenes has also happened, at least with some not so friendly toms. Some forumites has occured to it.

Him being so deeply attached to them, and letting them bite on his tail, no, surely no active danger here.   

The only danger I can see, is him being not used to carry them in the neck. As he is just learning it following moms example.   If maximal unlucky, here may happen some accident yes.

These playful battings can also happen to be too rough if maximally unlucky.

Otherwise, it should be OK...   

I know this answer is not a real answer for you, you must still take a deep breath and make your own decision.  But so is it!  

Good luck!

FWIW, my neutered toms love kittens and one feral went so far with his kitten love that he swiped an older kitten from the neighbour and brought him home. He carried the kitten into the barn like a mother would have. It was cat feeding time and he never showed up right away (this old guy never missed a meal) and then I heard an odd muffled and weird meowing sound and in he comes, dragging this bedraggled kitten and he lovingly raised him to a very nice cat. I have also seen Zabbie and Jack carry kittens around and do their best to be a momma. Not all toms, entire or neutered, can be trusted however.