Male cat pretending to nurse

Question
I have a two year old male cat and recently brought in 3  kittens (they are about 7 months old). Dipp (the two year old) has been allowing them to "nurse". Is there a way to break the habit,he is not trying to. Occasionally he will get upset with them but then gives in to them. He also bathes them like he is the mother kitten. Will this soon pass or something I should I intervene?  

Answer
Hi Erin, Thank you for the interesting question! Let's start with the easiest answer first. If your male cat is bathing the new kittens this is nothing to worry about. Cats that live together will often bathe each other. This is just showing that they accept each other and it is good to see as this means your cat is having no problems with the new kittens moving in. Regarding the nursing. Yes, this will eventually pass but it may take several months. The new kittens are feeling uneasy in their new home and are seeking comfort with your kind old Dipp. I am surprised that he is accomodating them, although I have seen this before with a male cat. Once the kittens are older and are feeling very established in their new place this behavior will lessen and should  eventually end. I realize it is unnerving to watch, so an idea to break it sooner and have them seeking comfort in a more appropriate way, would be to put a cat sweater or t shirt onto Dipp! He could become quite fashionable and have these kittens leave him alone at the same time!! You can just buy him a small size dog t-shirt or sweater and put it on him. When you first put it on he will roll on the floor and act like he is dying but usually within a few hours he won't even notice he is wearing it. Get a style that is quite long and goes as far down his belly as possible!
Good Luck Teresa