I have so many pets, many of them rescues but they are not allowed in some areas like food prep and on my desk. I'm still the boss at my house, at least most the time.

My dad would have spazzed.

I would have made a joke "Are the cats also eating with us"?. Love my cat Zeus but the counter is off limits

Ask them who is the boss? If they say the cats, they could have that cat parasite, toxoplasma, that infects and alters humans' brains: [sciencedaily.com]

Cats on counters do not bother me, although I understand everyone's reasons. I have never had an illness from cats on the counters, although now and then I might find a little orange hair. LOL

I totally hear you ! I adore my cats - but kitchen counters , and eating areas are off limits ( at least while I'm able to catch them ...).

In a similar circumstance, I brought up a true story of a cat who was badly burned on a stove ... it worked ! In this instance, I suppose I would eat - assuming the cats are healthy and cared for - but that would be the last time ...

Cats on counters do not bother me. I have never suffered a foood-related illness from their being there.

Leave and don't accept an offer to eat there again. Go to a restaurant next time.

I'm not squeamish about that sort of thing, but if I were I'd probably have said something like, "Uh-oh! Your cat is up on the counter near the food!" as though I were calling it to my host's attention. That way it wouldn't be accusatory, but it would still drive home that it's something I find unsanitary or otherwise problematic.

be honest, maybe they need to learn this lesson ,even though late in life.

I'd have come up with a reason to leave.