I'm not sure if you can train a cat to stay off food surfaces; but you sure can teach them that it's naughty behavior! keep a spray bottle with water handy, when ever you catch them on the table or counter, spray them with a nice strong stream; they'll get the hint pretty quick I used to have cats, poor babies passed on... I know they got on the counter when I wasn't home, cuz' cats like to be 'up' but, at least they didn't do it when I was around. another thing you could try.. spray a sheet of plastic with adhesive, just somethine cheap... lay it sticky side up over your work area.. they HATE sticky paws.