I didn't think the cats got on the counters until I saw the feetprint on the white counter after they had walked around on the newspaper...kind of hard to ignore that evidence.
If we put something new on the table and leave the room, they have to check it out. It's better to set it on the floor then put it up to save the hassle. (yes they are rotten it seems).
They do not bother any type of food, meats, dairy etc left on the table since they don't get "people food", but if you sit down with a vanilla wafer, you're fair game.
I don't do table runners...my tables are runneth over with "stuff" right now.