scratching cat blamed for accident.--importance of pet carriers  

Amen to that!!! It drives me BONKERS to see people driving with their pets on their laps... What if you got into a head on collision??? What do you think would happen to that pet??? It would be a nice cusion for you between the steering wheel and your chest....... poor animals.

I agree it is very important to have your pets either in carriers or in seat restraints (for larger dogs)
I dont understand why people do this
The wouldnt drive with their child on their lap so why do it with their pet?

Before I went to the humane shelter to get my kids some kittens I stopped at Walmart and bought a pet carrier. I knew a cat would not do well in a car. Dogs seem to love to ride in cars and hang their heads out the windows but it tends to freat cats out. I always put my cats in the carrier even if we are just driving across town.

I always have my cat in the carrier going to either the vet or the cattery, going on Holiday..the exception was the time He was so freaked out leaving the cattery when I got back,we couldn't get him back into the carrier! He stayed in the passenger footwell all the way back...I don't think an unrestrained pet in a car is a good idea...which reminds Me..anybody see the photo in the papers last week of the gator on the car parcel shelf ?! It wasn't a good idea for the Driver,as He'd committed a robbery,and He was caught when a witness remembered the gator!

My cats always go out in their carrier. It is just easier that way and they feel safer to in the carrier than running around loose and getting nervous.

MIne was always in the back of my pickup chained to the pick up for I didnt want them jumping out at the wrong time

Hi mooch! Well, I am glad somehow that is has happened just to stress the importance of securing your pets when traveling. And I am equally glad that they are both alright except for minor injuries. I hope people will abide with this and realize the importance of pet carriers. Just my thoughts dear friend. Take care and have a nice day!

Gosh this really does bring it home, the accident could have been far, far worse. It is alright to have dogs in the back, they usually stay there but it is harder to keep cats in one place as they are so independent! Thank goodness this didn't end up an even worse story.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

I have never heard of anyone driving with a cat in their lap before that is just daft! It is obvious that it should have been put in a basket or something.

I would have never dared to have traveled with any of my cats freely roaming in the car they would have caused havoc!!

I know that some cats may be relaxed and happy to travel unrestrained in a car but the majority aren't and I am pretty sure that it is already illegal to carry a cat unrestrained in a car here! I have only ever once taken my cat in the car without a carrier but that was when she was injured and she was tightly wrapped in a blanket whilst I held her on the way to the vets - she was more like a baby than a cat! Luckily she was ok after treatment! xxx