i to have heard this story but i have heard a few important additions too:
in the event of spatial dissorentation:
1) throw the duck out of the storm window. ducks never fly into ground and fly clear of the clouds.
2) staple the cats paws to the top of the instrument panel, facing forward.
take note of how the cat stares at the duck at follow the cats responses to follow the duck.
3) in case of the cat falling asleep have a dog on the floor, if space allows between the front seats. again with it's feet stapled to the floor. if you fly a small plane you will have to attach it to the rear seat some how.
the dog will constantly bark at the cat to keep it awake. and if as you suggest the cat is young and doesn't give a s**t you will still live, as the cat will want to land as soon as possible too.
i hope these important points also help save a few extra lives.
regards andys
ps i appologise to any pilots who love their animals just a little to dearly. hux