Wow, it sounds as though all cats might be cut from the same bolt of cloth as far as wanting to always be exactly where they shouldn't be. I wonder if this is because cats like to be in control all the time and the driver is in control of the car? The cat thinks he has to be where stuff is going on, I think... center of attention, so to speak. I think that most cats have a natural fear of cars, my cat does and she practically grew up in one. The difference lies in which car it is that she's looking at. She recognizes our car and doesn't fear it, but anyone else's car she will have a fit over.
So, kfander, your cats seemed to enjoy their cages for the most part? My cat loves her travel carrier, but prefers to be let out once she's in the car so she can basically make a nuisance of herself much easier. She will enter the box all by herself if I leave it lying open on the floor and doesn't freak out when I close the door on the box. Although she does complain a bit once I lift the box and start carrying it to the front door. A lot of cats never see the interior of a car unless they are about to visit the vet, so they don't enjoy the experience at all. There's just something about getting man-handled and poked by strangers that brings out the wild cat in the tamest kitty.
