Then again, it would have been funny to see the cat trying to paddle around down there.

Err...I don't think he likes the idea....
Luckily, as this is a seasonal thing and I have lived here three years, I knew what to expect and don't keep anything at 'flood level' down there, that can be easily damaged. Got out a water pump from the shed and let it run its course. Some of my neighbours got it worse, being closer to the water. One of them had their basement become a swamp, it was awful.