I loved your story - his paternal instincts remind me of Meatball, a male Siamese who lived with me years ago. I had a new mother cat with a littler of six kittens (not his) and I found him nestled in the kittie box, six kittens cuddled up to his belly, searching for a milk source, or just sleeping and purring. I swear he winked at me! He was just giving mom a break.
I think the blue soft paws are great! I never got any for Grasshopper and have often wondered how they worked. And if the cats minded them. I think they're much kinder than declawing - no forum, please!
So, Frankie, m'boy, you have a wonderful day! I caught your pic first thing this a.m. when I went to work, and thanks to Frostfrogs post, I decided to take a little time to tell you how much joy you brought me. Congratulations!!!