Flying Squirrel in Shock!

[amaranth320]

My cat brought in a flying squirrel about forty-five minutes ago. There wasn't a scratch on the little guy, and he was breathing, but not moving. Not even blinking his eyes. He looks full grown and otherwise healthy, so I put him in a box with a covered heating pad on medium, put a cloth over the box to keep it dark, and left him in the bathroom so our pets can't bother him. I don't have access to any Rescue Remedy. Is there anything more I can do to help the little guy?

[SammysMom]

Be sure the box is half off of the heat so he can get off of it if needed. Is he moving or blinking at all? Does he feel cool to the touch? Putting a bit of something sweet like molasses on his gums will help to raise his blood sugar which drops in shock. He does need to be warm before giving this. Offer very warm fluid to avoid dehydration too.

[amaranth320]

Is he moving or blinking at all? Does he feel cool to the touch?

He did feel cool to the touch when I picked him up. And no, he wasn't moving at all. His eyes were open, and even when I tried gently closing his eyes, they'd open again. I thought he was dead at first until I saw him breathing. I just checked on him, though, and he's sitting up and moving around in the box a little. Thank goodness! I was afraid he was a goner for sure.

Our back yard (where the cat caught him) is completely surrounded by a high fence. No cats/dogs can get into it except our own, though we have some oak trees that the squirrels nest in. Do you think if I lock our animals inside for the night and sit his box outside with the heating pad in it, he'll climb out when he feels better? Or should I keep him inside longer?

[SammysMom]

I think I might keep him overnight, but others with more flyer experience will have more advice.