Same here, just a kitten at the time :/ granted there were 5 kittens running around the house so not easy to keep track of all, especially with chaotic kids (yours truly) and daily chores, work etc
We're really careful about checking the washer & dryer before we start it everytime! Honestly this sneaky cat gets into many places she shouldn't be. It's just habit now
This reminds me of a cat that I used to have that my grandmother was babysitting. She liked to sleep in the dryer and one day grandma didnt notice she was in there...