Saved young squirrel from a cat attack

[fuyiman]

Hi all, yesterday I heard a loud noise in the bushes of my house. A little squirrel was screaming as a young cat was trying to catch him. The squirrel looked exhausted. I was able to catch him and put him in a cage. He is now safe, eating well, drinking well, etc. He seems all good now. I was planning to release him in an area where there are barely any cats. Is that ok? The place is about 10 kms from my place. I don't want to release him in my area as there are practically cats everywhere. He seems too young to be able to run fast. Just would like any advice, thanks!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi all, yesterday I heard a loud noise in the bushes of my house. A little squirrel was screaming as a young cat was trying to catch him. The squirrel looked exhausted. I was able to catch him and put him in a cage. He is now safe, eating well, drinking well, etc. He seems all good now. I was planning to release him in an area where there are barely any cats. Is that ok? The place is about 10 kms from my place. I don't want to release him in my area as there are practically cats everywhere. He seems too young to be able to run fast. Just would like any advice, thanks!

Hello Furyman:
Thank you for finding the The Squirrel Board! I suspect that from what you have described in post that this Squirrel may be a baby and not an adult or an injured adult. An healthy adult would not ordinarily be caught on the ground staring into the eyes of a Cat! If this is a Baby, he cannot simply be let go as the same or worse will happen to him in no time whatsoever! Babies have no ability to survive on their own! Cats are just one of as multitude of predators that would love to find a vulnerable little Squirrel to torment, kill and eat! If this is a baby, there is no place in the wild where he will be safe and there is no way in which he will survive on his own. Again, if this is a baby; if for some reason a predator does not find him immeditely, he will die from lack of water and food and will be in abject fear the entire time!

Can you post some photos of your Squirrel next to a ruler or tape measure? What is he eating and drinking and how are you giving these? Have ever taken care of a Squirrel before? If this Squirrel is a baby or young Squirrel; and are you willing to invest the considerable time (and also a bit of money for supplies, etc) to raise him for release? Are there any Rehabbers in your area? I am posting a link to the Baby Squirrel Care Guide from Henry's Pets. There are 6 pages of guidelines for Baby Squirrel Care. I would suggest taking a look at this: https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

Please post the photos of your Squirrel ASAP! Thanks!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[CritterMom]

Can you put a pic up so we can see what he looks like, and whether he is actually able to be on his own yet?

[fuyiman]

Hello Furyman:
Thank you for finding the The Squirrel Board! I suspect that from what you have described in post that this Squirrel may be a baby and not an adult or an injured adult. An healthy adult would not ordinarily be caught on the ground staring into the eyes of a Cat! If this is a Baby, he cannot simply be let go as the same or worse will happen to him in no time whatsoever! Babies have no ability to survive on their own! Cats are just one of as multitude of predators that would love to find a vulnerable little Squirrel to torment, kill and eat! If this is a baby, there is no place in the wild where he will be safe and there is no way in which he will survive on his own. Again, if this is a baby; if for some reason a predator does not find him immeditely, he will die from lack of water and food and will be in abject fear the entire time!

Can you post some photos of your Squirrel next to a ruler or tape measure? What is he eating and drinking and how are you giving these? Have ever taken care of a Squirrel before? If this Squirrel is a baby or young Squirrel; and are you willing to invest the considerable time (and also a bit of money for supplies, etc) to raise him for release? Are there any Rehabbers in your area? I am posting a link to the Baby Squirrel Care Guide from Henry's Pets. There are 6 pages of guidelines for Baby Squirrel Care. I would suggest taking a look at this: https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

Please post the photos of your Squirrel ASAP! Thanks!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Thank you for all the info. I actually tried to release him today, but he followed me and went back to the cage. So I will take care of him. I am giving him water, peanuts and also some pieces of pear. He seems to love all. I also went to get him some wood chips for bedding, he seems to enjoy it very much. I will put a picture of him tomorrow. Thanks again!

[fuyiman]

Can you put a pic up so we can see what he looks like, and whether he is actually able to be on his own yet?

Yes, definitely will put a picture of him tomorrow. Thank you

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Thank you for all the info. I actually tried to release him today, but he followed me and went back to the cage. So I will take care of him. I am giving him water, peanuts and also some pieces of pear. He seems to love all. I also went to get him some wood chips for bedding, he seems to enjoy it very much. I will put a picture of him tomorrow. Thanks again!

Thanks for your care of this Squirrel! Please read the Henry's Guide! ( https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/ )

Squirrels love nuts and fruits they can and will develop a very serous disease called Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) if they are permitted this type of diet. This results from an absolute deficiency in Elemental Calcium or from excessive phosphorus intake. It is usually both. The nuts and fruit diet WILL result in a depletion of Calcium and development of MBD. Many of us who have been at the intake end of Squirrel care have seen one or more cases of MBD. This results in fractures, decreased appetite, neurologic problems including seizures and oftentimes, death! Also, it is very painful. Captive Squirrels including the babies that are being raised for eventual release are given Rodent Blocks as their primary diet. This should comprise at least 80% of a captive Squirrel's nutritional intake. The remainder should be healthy vegetables, healthy fruits and natural foods! Here is a link to Henry's Healthy Diet Pyramid: ( https://henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/ ) and to go "Full Henry's with you, here is a link to Henry's excellent MBD information pages: ( https://www.henryspets.com/what-is-m...-bone-disease/ )

I would suggest ordering Henry's Picky Blocks immediately. The maximum to be eaten would be 3 daily and if your Squirrel consumed 2 full blocks, that would be enough. The remainder of nutrition would be from the Healthy foods. When the Squirrel is eating Blocks regularly, it is fine to give a rare treat of a nut such as a raw in-shell Pecan. Other blocks are available but they are not as tasty as Henry's. Options include Envigo 2018 also called Harlan/Teklad (this is what I use as a base for my Squirrel Blocks) and can be ordered in reasonable amounts from eBay. Ecosandy is the seller I use on eBay for the Envigo Blocks.

Another option is Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet and these are hard extruded Blocks similar to the Envigo Blocks and these are available in many local Pet stores such as Petco. I would recommend going this way as you can get these Blocks immediately without having to wait for shipping!

Please post the photos preferably with a ruler or some reference for size determination.

Thanks again for caring for this little Squirrel!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[fuyiman]

Thanks for your care of this Squirrel! Please read the Henry's Guide! ( https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/ )

Squirrels love nuts and fruits they can and will develop a very serous disease called Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) if they are permitted this type of diet. This results from an absolute deficiency in Elemental Calcium or from excessive phosphorus intake. It is usually both. The nuts and fruit diet WILL result in a depletion of Calcium and development of MBD. Many of us who have been at the intake end of Squirrel care have seen one or more cases of MBD. This results in fractures, decreased appetite, neurologic problems including seizures and oftentimes, death! Also, it is very painful. Captive Squirrels including the babies that are being raised for eventual release are given Rodent Blocks as their primary diet. This should comprise at least 80% of a captive Squirrel's nutritional intake. The remainder should be healthy vegetables, healthy fruits and natural foods! Here is a link to Henry's Healthy Diet Pyramid: ( https://henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/ ) and to go "Full Henry's with you, here is a link to Henry's excellent MBD information pages: ( https://www.henryspets.com/what-is-m...-bone-disease/ )

I would suggest ordering Henry's Picky Blocks immediately. The maximum to be eaten would be 3 daily and if your Squirrel consumed 2 full blocks, that would be enough. The remainder of nutrition would be from the Healthy foods. When the Squirrel is eating Blocks regularly, it is fine to give a rare treat of a nut such as a raw in-shell Pecan. Other blocks are available but they are not as tasty as Henry's. Options include Envigo 2018 also called Harlan/Teklad (this is what I use as a base for my Squirrel Blocks) and can be ordered in reasonable amounts from eBay. Ecosandy is the seller I use on eBay for the Envigo Blocks.

Another option is Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet and these are hard extruded Blocks similar to the Envigo Blocks and these are available in many local Pet stores such as Petco. I would recommend going this way as you can get these Blocks immediately without having to wait for shipping!

Please post the photos preferably with a ruler or some reference for size determination.

Thanks again for caring for this little Squirrel!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Thank you so much, will look into all this. I am from Canada, so not sure if I can get access to everything, but will definitely look into it. Thanks again!

[fuyiman]

Thank you so much, will look into all this. I am from Canada, so not sure if I can get access to everything, but will definitely look into it. Thanks again!

[fuyiman]

He seems to be between 13-15 cm in length

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

He seems to be between 13-15 cm in length

Thanks for posting the photos of you little Squirrel, Fuyiman! I have been working relatively long hours and don't get on TSB as often as I would like. Others are her who can offer help and encouragement!


Could you also obtain a weight of your baby Squirrel? I do have a couple of additional suggestions after seeing the photos and that would be to get a high quality water bottle and use this. There is nothing really wrong with a bowl of water as it appears you have except I would ensure it is filled full so the Squirrel doesn't need to lean over and you can also place a number of clean, smooth 1-2 cm stones in the bottom of the water bowl up to about 2cm from the top which will help keep the bowl from tipping over and prevent your Squirrel from dipping too far forward when drinking or even falling into it and possibly drowning or aspirating the water. Also, if you are going to raise this Little One for release, a larger cage such as one of the Critter Nation cages with no wider than 1/2 inch bar spacing would be something to strongly consider. Using Fleece or flannel in the bottom of the cage would be something also to consider. Your Squirrel will a nesting box wher he can sleep and have some peace and this can be placed high up in the new cage. He will also need some clean, bug-free branches for him to climb on and access his nesting box.

Did you read the Henry's Baby Squirrel Care Guide. He will most likely need some formula and quality Blocks but what is he eating now? What are his sources of nutrition?

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[fuyiman]

Thanks for posting the photos of you little Squirrel, Fuyiman! I have been working relatively long hours and don't get on TSB as often as I would like. Others are her who can offer help and encouragement!


Could you also obtain a weight of your baby Squirrel? I do have a couple of additional suggestions after seeing the photos and that would be to get a high quality water bottle and use this. There is nothing really wrong with a bowl of water as it appears you have except I would ensure it is filled full so the Squirrel doesn't need to lean over and you can also place a number of clean, smooth 1-2 cm stones in the bottom of the water bowl up to about 2cm from the top which will help keep the bowl from tipping over and prevent your Squirrel from dipping too far forward when drinking or even falling into it and possibly drowning or aspirating the water. Also, if you are going to raise this Little One for release, a larger cage such as one of the Critter Nation cages with no wider than 1/2 inch bar spacing would be something to strongly consider. Using Fleece or flannel in the bottom of the cage would be something also to consider. Your Squirrel will a nesting box wher he can sleep and have some peace and this can be placed high up in the new cage. He will also need some clean, bug-free branches for him to climb on and access his nesting box.

Did you read the Henry's Baby Squirrel Care Guide. He will most likely need some formula and quality Blocks but what is he eating now? What are his sources of nutrition?

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Hi, I will try to see for the weight. I still feel he is a little scared, so I want him to relax a little. I feed him bits of pears, peanuts in the shells and I provided him with some calcium through Tums (little pieces). He seems to like it. I always keep the bowl of water shallow since I don't want him to drown. I will definitely look into getting him a real cage shortly, and also looking for Henry's blocks, but they are extremely expensive here. I did read most of the guide, it helps a lot. Never knew taking care of a squirrel was like taking care of a kid, but I enjoy it, and want this little one to get strong and back on his feet. As he is now, I really think he should stay with us. I did get attached to him, so would never consider relocating him. I do feel he is comfortable near my house, only issue is the number of cats. They are like hawks. Last time I let him walk on my balcony, and 2 cats were roaming in my land so I was there to protect him. Thanks a lot for all the valuable info you've given me.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi, I will try to see for the weight. I still feel he is a little scared, so I want him to relax a little. I feed him bits of pears, peanuts in the shells and I provided him with some calcium through Tums (little pieces). He seems to like it. I always keep the bowl of water shallow since I don't want him to drown. I will definitely look into getting him a real cage shortly, and also looking for Henry's blocks, but they are extremely expensive here. I did read most of the guide, it helps a lot. Never knew taking care of a squirrel was like taking care of a kid, but I enjoy it, and want this little one to get strong and back on his feet. As he is now, I really think he should stay with us. I did get attached to him, so would never consider relocating him. I do feel he is comfortable near my house, only issue is the number of cats. They are like hawks. Last time I let him walk on my balcony, and 2 cats were roaming in my land so I was there to protect him. Thanks a lot for all the valuable info you've given me.

Hi Fuyiman:
Thanks for adopting this little Squirrel. If you don't mind a couple more comments---As you may have noticed from my prior post on your thread, I am extremely concerned about the nutritional support this baby gets. It is truly a disaster; although not necessarily unrecoverable, for your Squirrel to develop Metabolic Bone Disease. I would recommend the Henry's blocks but I do understand that they cost around $80 dollars in Canada. Another option that I did not mention earlier but has been used by other members of TSB would be Oxbox Blocks. There are availably on Amazon.ca and are quire reasonable in cost. You may be able to get them same day or next day! You Squirrel should have at least 80% of his non-formula diet consisting of healthy Blocks and the remainder of the non-formula diet be concentrated toward the bottom of Henry's pyramid and give nuts only as rare treats! My suggestion would be; with the recognition that you are in Canada, to immediately order the Oxbow Blocks. Since you Squirrel is young and growing, I would recommend the OXBOW Garden Select Mouse & Young Rat Food 2 Lb bag. This formulation has great similarity to Envigo 2018 which is my preferred Block. Here is a link from Amazon.Ca;

https://www.amazon.ca/OXBOW-Garden-S...s%2C137&sr=8-1

Also, as I suspect this Squirrel is not really weaned, some formula might be good to try ASAP. Probably the most commonly used formula for Squirrels over the age of 4 weeks would be Fox Valley 20/50. I do not know if this is available in Canada however. Royal Canin Baby Dog Powdered Milk may be an option. I know that is available in Canada although it cost about $80;

https://www.amazon.ca/Royal-Canin-Ba...s%2C124&sr=8-1

It would be good to know a weight and size of your Squirrel and also his species in order to guesstimate his age. He appears to my dim eyes to be an Eastern Gray but I may be wrong. That being said, other than some flying Squirrels, I believe the American Red Squirrel is the only other (or one of the only other) species of Squirrels found in Quebec. I will try to do a little research on this when I get home from work. Others probably know far more than I about this and it may be that they can take a look at you Squirrel and tell right off what the species is and the approximate age of your Squirrel!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[fuyiman]

Hi Fuyiman:
Thanks for adopting this little Squirrel. If you don't mind a couple more comments---As you may have noticed from my prior post on your thread, I am extremely concerned about the nutritional support this baby gets. It is truly a disaster; although not necessarily unrecoverable, for your Squirrel to develop Metabolic Bone Disease. I would recommend the Henry's blocks but I do understand that they cost around $80 dollars in Canada. Another option that I did not mention earlier but has been used by other members of TSB would be Oxbox Blocks. There are availably on Amazon.ca and are quire reasonable in cost. You may be able to get them same day or next day! You Squirrel should have at least 80% of his non-formula diet consisting of healthy Blocks and the remainder of the non-formula diet be concentrated toward the bottom of Henry's pyramid and give nuts only as rare treats! My suggestion would be; with the recognition that you are in Canada, to immediately order the Oxbow Blocks. Since you Squirrel is young and growing, I would recommend the OXBOW Garden Select Mouse & Young Rat Food 2 Lb bag. This formulation has great similarity to Envigo 2018 which is my preferred Block. Here is a link from Amazon.Ca;

https://www.amazon.ca/OXBOW-Garden-S...s%2C137&sr=8-1

Also, as I suspect this Squirrel is not really weaned, some formula might be good to try ASAP. Probably the most commonly used formula for Squirrels over the age of 4 weeks would be Fox Valley 20/50. I do not know if this is available in Canada however. Royal Canin Baby Dog Powdered Milk may be an option. I know that is available in Canada although it cost about $80;

https://www.amazon.ca/Royal-Canin-Ba...s%2C124&sr=8-1

It would be good to know a weight and size of your Squirrel and also his species in order to guesstimate his age. He appears to my dim eyes to be an Eastern Gray but I may be wrong. That being said, other than some flying Squirrels, I believe the American Red Squirrel is the only other (or one of the only other) species of Squirrels found in Quebec. I will try to do a little research on this when I get home from work. Others probably know far more than I about this and it may be that they can take a look at you Squirrel and tell right off what the species is and the approximate age of your Squirrel!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

My little squirrel got very agitated in the cage in the week-end. I saw he had a burst of energy. I brought him to the park around 200m from where I found him, where there are so many squirrels and no cats. He climbed a tree. I waited there around 1 hour, and he didn't want to come back. He seemed so happy. So I think he is happy now. I had given him blocks for a couple of days, maybe that helped him gain all this energy. Was so amazed by his progress. Whenever I tried to take him back from the tree, he would go higher up, so at the end, I felt he didn't want to go back to his cage. I still go to the area every day to bring peanuts and blocks, however, I do not see him. I think he is having fun with some other squirrels in the area. Anyways, I am just happy to have saved him and glad he wanted to return to the nature.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Thanks for the update, Fuyiman.
I hope your Squirrel is ok in the wild! I truly don't know how old he is and I don't know whether he might have already been in the wild naturally before you found him during the standoff with the cat. If that would be the case; he may be able to do well now in the wild. I suspected from your posts, however, that your Squirrel was too young for a safe release at this time and needed more time to mature and then be permitted to have time in a protected environment as part of a Soft-Release Program where he would be able to "wild up" while protected for a time outside during which his natural instincts would be permitted to be kindled. I don't know what stage in life he was truly in when you found him! I hope he will be OK! Please continue to go out there and look for him and maybe give him continued opportunities to return to his cage and be released again when we know for certain that the time is right and after he had been in a Soft-Release program!

Thanks you for caring about this little Squirrel. Please provide further updates!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel