Many years ago a cat destroyed a TT (not mine) when it jumped up and starting batting at the arm, catching claws in the exposed cartridge wires. It had what I believe would be called a "hissy fit" and beat the heck out of the arm, cartridge, record, you name it before jumping off and zipping out of the room. As it jumped, it dumped the TT from its position atop a 4' rack onto the floor. It happened fast and we were too shocked to do anything but look at each other, then clean up the aftermath. It was not pretty.
I, thankfully, am a dog guy. So, I won't even mention the dog jumping onto a Maggie and busting the panel, nor the numerous tail-wagging episodes seen through the years.