Cat turns on faucet and destroys home

[Catherine]

Never under estimate clever pets.  

So faucet is a north American word. I think I mostly use the word tap. Many of the new style faucets are hands free and can be turned on and off with a nudge. If you have a cat that is asking for trouble.
The cat shouldn't have been left alone, but even one day of water running would be enough to do serious damage. The cat probably turned it on full. 

Jack Russells are a clever dog. Leaving Toby alone for a moment was asking for trouble. It could have been worse. At least you were able to clean up and dry things off. Did he sit and watch you do the work. Clever of him to be sitting on towels drying off.

I would be scared to have one of the new voice activated units like Siri and Alexa.  What if your pet figured out what sounds to make to get results. I know a parrot could imitate your voice. Could a guinea pig squeak just so and get Alexa to order a case of lettuce. They would certainly be motivated.

We may have to rethink our homes if we plan to have pets.