Rescued my Cat From Tree; Could he be ill?

Yesterday my boy disappeared after it started to rain. And it didn't just rain - it rained all through the night and all day today. We found him when he finally decided to start meowing really loudly - my boyfriend found him and rescued him for me. He was so happy that he was too busy rubbing on the tree to jump down to Tyler's back (which was only a couple of feet away, and we all know he'd jump that any other day).

I gave him some food and he started cleaning himself after eating a little bit. Child rubbed all over me and climbed into my arms. I'm so happy he's home - I was worried about him. I'm still worried, though. I don't know a ton about cats, and unless it's suppose to be that fast, he felt like he had a quick heartbeat going.

How well can cats handle rain like that?

What is the normal pace of a cat's heartbeat and how can I monitor his to make sure it's not beating too fast?

Should I watch for signs of illness?

Poor little guy! I would say he's probably fine. Just got pretty scared.

Think of all the stray kitties in the world who sometimes can't get out of the rain when they're out prowling around. I have a few strays that wander our neighborhood who come to our house during and after storms. They're irritated and wet but otherwise are fine. Maybe keep him in for a few days and keep an eye on him. Extra love and treats.   As for checking for the heart rate and respiratory rate, I usually tell the husband to time me a minute while I watch the cat breathe. 

Normal heart rate for a cat is 160-240 beats a minute.

Normal respiratory rate 20-30 breaths a minute. 

Hope your little boy has forgotten all about his night in the rain! 

I remember once years ago I had a girl who got out.. I was living in the country... I searched and searched until it was dark.  The next day I found her absolutely flat to the grass, not game to move.  It seems the cows had gathered around her, curious at this strange little furry creature and she just went rigid and stayed that way, even after they'd wandered off.

When I found her her, cold and damp, her heart was going so fast and she was obviously just terrified.   I took her straight inside to the couch and just cuddled her, giving her warmth and security, and when I felt I could leave her for a moment, I got the rescue remedy - just perfect for times like that.  Lots of loving and the essences and she was just fine.

Is your avatar your boy?

We're keeping him upstairs with us from now on. He's not 100% on board with that - he meows like crazy from time to time - but he does enjoy all the attention he's been getting since his rescue. We're observing his breathing, and my boyfriend mentioned it seemed like he was sneezing more and had a little rasp. He doesn't sound as bad today, however.

I figure one of the neighbor's dogs (we're pretty sure who) chased him up the tree and he got stuck there. I never understood how a cat, one that climbs up trees from time to time, could get stuck.

And yes, my avatar would indeed be my brat.

ComaCat said:

We're keeping him upstairs with us from now on. He's not 100% on board with that - he meows like crazy from time to time - but he does enjoy all the attention he's been getting since his rescue. We're observing his breathing, and my boyfriend mentioned it seemed like he was sneezing more and had a little rasp. He doesn't sound as bad today, however.

I figure one of the neighbor's dogs (we're pretty sure who) chased him up the tree and he got stuck there. I never understood how a cat, one that climbs up trees from time to time, could get stuck.

And yes, my avatar would indeed be my brat.

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Awwww, just wanted to send some good vibes to you and kitty!