Unless that was YOUR cat, how could it be your fault it was out there in the first place? Even I have come to the realization that you can't save ALL the kitties that need saving. Still doesn't stop you from feeling bad about it though, just makes me hate people more.
What would I have done? I would have stopped, rolled down the window and tried to see what kind of kitty we had, but when it took off, "hey, you had your chance" and then kept on driving. You risk a good deal of personal harm if you try to pick up a strange scared kitty that doesn't want to be rescued.
I'm wounded that you think I can't answer a question without mockery. I answered your exercise question quite nicely a couple of weeks ago.