I lived with baseboard for 2 years in Virginia. It’s a horrible, expensive way to heat a home. That plastic window-sealing kits (~$12 at the hardware store) are a worthy investment. Don’t forget heavy curtains, floor rugs… and a sweater. Brrrr. I could rarely afford to heat my cottage above 60. (of course I was busted broke at the time. but 60F in a Virginia winter cost about $60, that was in 04-05)
I never had any trouble with my cats. Although a hard plastic Rubbermaid laundry basket got melted once from sitting too close. I don’t think the exterior panels are hot enough to burn to a brief touch. Keep flammables well clear (you need to keep baseboard clear for air circulation anyway) and turn it off when you’re out of the house (unless this would cause the pipes to freeze, in which case, you just fret about a short all day long…).
Well, I survived the experience, but I’m not a fan.