Cat brought Squirrel into my parents bedroom

[MissT]

Hi,

I'm in Alberta Canada, I am out at my parents place in the country and their cat brought in a Squirrel. They are away for a few days.

I washed the squirrel with saline solution on the parts that seemed to have made contact with the cats mouth, and I put some neosporin on it. It is in a cat carrier, a fabric one with quite a few blankets.

I have some fish amoxicillin.

I can't find any puncture marks on it. But it is laying on it's side. It looks like its front arms aren't moving. When it moves it pushes with its back legs. it's resting a lot and chatters sometimes. It doesn't appear to be cleaning or grooming anything and doesn't sit up.

I can't get to a vet, it's midnight and I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Is it in shock still? Will it's legs start moving? I don't know what to do, I keep checking on it. But I am so tired.

Please help me with ideas about how I can help this poor little guy!
Please!
I can see if someone will bring me more supplies in the morning.

Please help.

Thank you

[SophieSquirrel]

Hi,

I'm in Alberta Canada, I am out at my parents place in the country and their cat brought in a Squirrel. They are away for a few days.

I washed the squirrel with saline solution on the parts that seemed to have made contact with the cats mouth, and I put some neosporin on it. It is in a cat carrier, a fabric one with quite a few blankets.

I have some fish amoxicillin.

I can't find any puncture marks on it. But it is laying on it's side. It looks like its front arms aren't moving. When it moves it pushes with its back legs. it's resting a lot and chatters sometimes. It doesn't appear to be cleaning or grooming anything and doesn't sit up.

I can't get to a vet, it's midnight and I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Is it in shock still? Will it's legs start moving? I don't know what to do, I keep checking on it. But I am so tired.

Please help me with ideas about how I can help this poor little guy!
Please!
I can see if someone will bring me more supplies in the morning.

Please help.

Thank you

Without disturbing the squirrel can you take a photo and post? Does it seem to be a baby (smaller than average squirrels). Warm, dark and rest for tonight. PLEASE check back on the board in the morning and post what's going on. Make sure the squirrel is dry after the saline wash. In absence of puncture marks don't worry about fish amox, probably a mechanical injury. Do you have a small syringe (with no needle) to hydrate. If you hydrate with a syringe go very slow only a drop at a time and see if it will lick water - do not push water into it's mouth with syringe. You can get free syringes at most drugstores. Someone may have a rehabber near you so again check back in.

[MissT]

Without disturbing the squirrel can you take a photo and post? Does it seem to be a baby (smaller than average squirrels). Warm, dark and rest for tonight. PLEASE check back on the board in the morning and post what's going on. Make sure the squirrel is dry after the saline wash. In absence of puncture marks don't worry about fish amox, probably a mechanical injury. Do you have a small syringe (with no needle) to hydrate. If you hydrate with a syringe go very slow only a drop at a time and see if it will lick water - do not push water into it's mouth with syringe. You can get free syringes at most drugstores. Someone may have a rehabber near you so again check back in.

Hi!

Thank you so much, I will take a picture right away and post it. It doesn’t seem to be too young, but I don’t think it’s a full adult. I’m thinking it’s a Red ground squirrel?
I have been trying to dry the saline wash, I have been checking in on it lots, it’s not dry yet. I didn’t know that their fur holds so much moisture. And repels so much as well. Is there an easier way for me to dry it without disturbing it too much?

It is in the spare room so it’s dark and quiet besides the times I go in to check.

Yes I have small syringes to hydrate. When would be a good time to do it? Should I try now or in the morning?

Thank you so much!

[SophieSquirrel]

As long as it's warm in the room it will dry off as long as you didn't thoroughly soak it. Not stressing it is most important. It sounds like it is old enough to be out of the nest, probably a juvenile. Just keep it warm and in a dark place. Check in the AM an try hydrating again then.

As soon as Admin activates your PM (notification) messaging I will send you a private message about vet's or someone who can help in your area. Keep checking your thread.

[MissT]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bfegxbdob5h4z4d/IMG_1853.JPG?dl=0&m=

[MissT]

http://https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uywaalbtmhmk1e7/AAAy91YIHg7KgX4Kbn6V-Txba?dl=0&m=


I couldn’t figure out how to upload the pictures from my phone

[stepnstone]

I can't find any puncture marks on it. But it is laying on it's side. It looks like its front arms aren't moving. When it moves it pushes with its back legs. it's resting a lot and chatters sometimes. It doesn't appear to be cleaning or grooming anything and doesn't sit up.

Punctures from a cat seal up quickly and are usually not detected until they scab or abscess.
Any cat caught squirrel should be given antibiotics as a cat carries a Pasteurellosis bacteria
in their saliva that is deadly to squirrels. Clavamox (Amoxicillin;Clavulanic acid) is the recommended ab.
Pain management should also be administered and could help with it's limbs to reduce inflammation and
or swelling. Liquid Infant Ibuprofen may be used. We would need a weight to dose or a picture for a
reasonable assessment of weight.


Edit: Could not open (pic) link /site not found.

[cava]

This has good information on how to properly set up an environment for him. https://henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

Warm, dark and quiet is the best for him. You can offer a small, shallow dish of water in his enclosure but he probably won't use it if he is shocky or unable to move around.

The bite may have done nerve damage but until you see him try to move you won't know his limitations. He may be more active by morning. It goes without saying but put him someplace up high and away from cats. The stress will limit his ability to recover.

Please don't leave the board and please keep us posted with photos. The link you posted says it's invalid and doesn't show anything.

You can get a weight in grams on a kitchen scale. Hopefully Sophiesquirrel will come through with a vet but if that doesn't happen let us help you.

Thanks for trying with him.:Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

How’s this little one doing this morning? Please try to post a picture so we can estimate age and weight. An antibiotic is imperative even if it’s just to be on the safe side. Cat saliva will kill them. The teeth chattering can be a sign of pain.

[MissT]

301889301890

[MissT]

It's doing okay it seems,

It took some water from the seringe but seemed like it was still sleeping,
I hate calling it an it.
I'm unsure how to sex a squirrel.....
How do I do that?

But it was much calmer now, no teeth chattering. it was just greasy from the neosporin.

since it's really early the outside squirrels I don't normally see them until like 8/9am so maybe its not ready to be not like a sleepy nursing baby haha.
I was able to get to my computer to post pictures.. Sorry that the ones didn't work earlier.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to wash off the greasy spots on its foot? I just noticed it.

Thank you so much!

[Mel1959]

I don’t think the greasy spots matter and it’s probably best not to stress it. Is the only antibiotic you have the fish amoxicillin? Any people antibiotics? If so, please post what you have and the strength of the medicine so someone can help you dose it.

[SophieSquirrel]

It's doing okay it seems,

It took some water from the seringe but seemed like it was still sleeping,

I'm unsure how to sex a squirrel.....
How do I do that?

it was just greasy from the neosporin.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to wash off the greasy spots on its foot? I just noticed it.



Looks like a young red.

Is it just the photo or is there swelling on his/her chest?

Dawn is safe but you need to rinse off with warm water so he doesn't lick that too. Any application of antibiotic salves should be only enough to get into or lightly cover the wound with no excess. The less ingested by licking the better. After looking at the photo I would not worry about washing now, that squirrel needs rest and antibiotics.

Are there any human antibiotics in your parents medicine cabinet? There are several people on here who can help you properly divide tablets and dose.. Not sure about Canada laws on over the counter antibiotics for farm animals. Do you have a Tractor Supply, Rural King, Big R or other such farm store nearby?

Here is a photo on sexing. Much younger squirrels but you get the idea.

301892
Photo credit Mary.cc

[MissT]

I don’t think the greasy spots matter and it’s probably best not to stress it. Is the only antibiotic you have the fish amoxicillin? Any people antibiotics? If so, please post what you have and the strength of the medicine so someone can help you dose it.

ok. Yes the only antibiotic I have is the fish amoxicillin, Is there a way I can make that work?

I have asked people I know but none have anything.

I'm still asking people but I may have to wait until tomorrow to get it because that is when my friend will be back.

[MissT]

Looks like a young red.

Is it just the photo or is there swelling on his/her chest?

Dawn is safe but you need to rinse off with warm water so he doesn't lick that too. Any application of antibiotic salves should be only enough to get into or lightly cover the wound with no excess. The less ingested by licking the better. After looking at the photo I would not worry about washing now, that squirrel needs rest and antibiotics.

Are there any human antibiotics in your parents medicine cabinet? There are several people on here who can help you properly divide tablets and dose.. Not sure about Canada laws on over the counter antibiotics for farm animals. Do you have a Tractor Supply, Rural King, Big R or other such farm store nearby?

Here is a photo on sexing. Much younger squirrels but you get the idea.

301892
Photo credit Mary.cc


I think it might be a boy, But I didn't see a sack...

Here is a better picture I moved it out to give it some water. This is it's other side, If it is swelling it is probably around it's arm.
since this side doesn't look swollen to me. But I've never been this close to a squirrel before.

I do have a farrier supply store somewhat close by, little bit of a walk but I can do it.

I've done it before.

I did move its arms today the one arm it doesn't care, the other one it kinda makes a little noise. when I moved it a little bit.
Some pain management I think I need that too..

You guys here are wonderful. Thank you

[MissT]

301893

[MissT]

Also I think it may have brought a couple fleas. What can I do to make sure they don't spread to the other animals and to make sure they get out of the house?

[SophieSquirrel]

From what you wrote and what I am seeing that squirrel is in critical condition. It needs Subcutaneous fluids ASAP and assessment by a vet. I have sent you a PM (private message under notifications) regarding rehabbers in Alberta. Sounds like do not have transportation. This squirrel will not survive with self-dosing and oral hydration. In the mean time is it even taking fluids? If so you have to stay on it with the syringe (remember slowly) until we can figure out how to get him to a rehabber. You are in the middle of nowhere without necessary supplies or vet care.

To avoid this in the future the cat should be kept indoors.

[Mel1959]

This squirrel needs fluids ASAP. It looks severely dehydrated. I’m not familiar with dosing the fish amoxicillin. Can you post the strength of it?

[SophieSquirrel]

Can Admin Email this poster I have resources in Alberta for her. I fear the worst with this little one....

[MissT]

Thank you everyone I was able to get it to a vet. They think they can help it. But that’s all they told me. I want to know what happened.

But I would love to have the rehabilitation people’s numbers in Alberta. Just in case anything happens in the future. As well I think I would like to volunteer with them and maybe take some courses.

I don’t like this helpless feeling.

Thank you everyone

[Mel1959]

Thank you for getting it to a vet. Will they give you information on its condition? Please let us know if you get an update. :hug

[MissT]

I will call them tomorrow and see if they will tell me something.

[SophieSquirrel]

But I would love to have the rehabilitation people’s numbers in Alberta. Just in case anything happens in the future. As well I think I would like to volunteer with them and maybe take some courses.

List of Alberta rehabbers sent by PM earlier. Let us know what happened.

Great job and please do volunteer. There seems to be a shortage of rehabbers in Canada.

[MissT]

List of Alberta rehabbers sent by PM earlier. Let us know what happened.

Great job and please do volunteer. There seems to be a shortage of rehabbers in Canada.

That makes me sad that there is such a shortage.

Thank you so much.