Moff - try putting tape over the knobs so they can't accidentally be turned on. It's kind of a pain when you want to use a burner - having to take tape off and then put it back on again, but it could be a lifesaver in the long run.
That would have scared the be-geebies out of me. Glad my stove is electric and the knobs are on the back, not that my son's cats have ever ventured on to the stove tho.