Do you wash it before every single use? Every time you put a fork down on it, or maybe a piece of fruit that you just washed in the sink? Or maybe you ordered some take out and didn't cook anything, but you still touched the counter after washing your hands?

If you're really that careful about cleanliness then sure, but I'd guess the vast majority of people are not.

Also if the cat knows it's allowed on the counter, it's probably not going to care if you just washed it or are actively in the process of cooking.

[–] dingus@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I honestly don't cook so it is a non issue for me. I don't set my takeout and silverware directly onto the counter without a plate. I have always kept fruit and veggies in the fridge, even if you can technically leave them unrefrigerated. Maybe I'm weird, but I put things like apples and loaves of bread in the fridge, even before getting a cat. I get microwavable things that go directly from the freezer into the microwave.