my cats do not get on counters or tables (dinning area) but I have a small cat bed by my sewing machine (an extension table)- the cats sleep there when I am working on the other cutting table - my ironing board is not accessible to the cats so they do not lay on it - I would just panick if they got burn by the iron that is alway on when I am quilting. And I have a couch and other places for them to sleep - So, they are content - I put away projects I am working on because they seem to leave with cats if I do not.... And I love my kittys. and I love quilting - so I try to make them all happy.... even me..