If cats think it&#x27;s generally okay to be on the table, they may jump when the table&#x27;s used for cooking. And fur doesn&#x27;t make a good condiment.<p>If the cats are told table&#x27;s off-limits, they&#x27;ll still be there when you don&#x27;t see them, but will have somewhat better discipline in your presence. That is, purring around the cooking person legs, expressing the desire to get some treat.<p>At least mine behave this way (in one apartment we&#x27;ve lived in, kitchen table was prohibited for cats, in another it wasn&#x27;t).