Depends on the cat. The last two I had used the table top, with or without table cloth or runner. I think because the table was up against windows in the wall to look outside. The cat I have no does not use the table at all. She will sleep on the chairs but doesn't go on the table top. Now just you watch. Now that I have said this she will START using the table top. LOL! It's hard to keep cats off the table. When mine used it, I would just wipe it down with a bleach cleaning wipe. I didn't use table cloths, runners would just get washed. You can train them to stay off tables and counters. Google for ways to do that. But I found it is only effective if someone is home all day.