the visible brightness of tubes has nothing to do with how good they are. Its just how far the heater pokes up through the cathode sleeve. More likely it needs caps and other stuff updated.
Best I can suggest is put it somewhere that the cat can't lay on it and the kids can't reach it until they are are old enough to know to leave it be. Having neither children nor felines its not something I've ever had to fuss with. My dogs leave the stereo gear alone.