Would a nursing cat take on a baby squirrel?
NO DON’T, you should not even try. You have no idea if the squirrel has any dangerous diseases and bugs the it could pass on to your cat and her kittens. I have tried raising baby squirrels and rabbits but they have always died anyway. They need a special kind of milk. Cats could get away with lactose free milk so if it was a stray kitten it would work (have done that as well) Nursing is an instinct and yes I have heard of cats nursing other kittens…I had two female cats, one got pregnant and the other shared nursing the kittens even though she didn’t have milk at first. Her milk did come in about a week later so they both took care of the litter!!! I know how you feel as you seem like a caring person but take it to an animal shelter or call them to pick it up. (put it in a box first). You may also try leaving it where you found it. The mom may come looking for it if it fell out of the nest.
I had an orphan beagle pup that was accepted by a Mother cat. She nursed him and cleaned him every bit as wonderful as her own babies. It’s was something to see. As for the squirrel, it’s possible but infant squirrels stay small longer than a pup. You’ve got what we call a pinkie. These guys need very good care and they are protected under federal law. The best thing to ensure this little one survives is to contact a wildlife rehabilitator or a wildlife sanctuary provided the infant cannot be returned to the Mother. Ask the kids to show you where the baby came from. If it’s by a tree…then the Mother will be looking for her baby. She has the ability to pick her baby up and put it in the nest….and she will given the chance. If this is not possible than please get some professional help. For tonight…. Please put the infant in a shoe box lined with soft clean cloths. Make a little nest with a small plastic bowl and soft cloths. Place a heating pad on LOW…half on and half off the bo
