Do people not let their pets on tables/counters? I don't mind my cat goes on tables or even my bed, but my parents keeps telling my cat to get off the table and my cat is not allowed in my parent's room, especially not their bed. I don't see the problem with it, if I want to eat food, I'll wipe the table first. Even without pets, there could be dust, flies, roaches, or any insect that came from outside that could've made the table dirty. Not allowing a pet on there won't change anything.
My cats are not allowed on the table or the counters just for hygiene reasons. Like, I know I can just wipe them down, but it's kind of an unsettling feeling when you're cooking to see a piece of litter they tracked up there.
As far as my bed goes, I think they spend more time sleeping there than I do.
I don't let the cats on the kitchen table if I'm there, since I don't want the cats eating my food... Especially since there is no guarantee that whatever I'm eating is safe for a cat to eat. And also, our cats are very very fluffy, which means they shed fur everywhere. I don't want cat fur in my food. I don't care if cats go on the other tables, but I take them off the kitchen table whenever try to get onto it.
That being said, we absolutely allow the cats in our beds. It is so nice laying down next to a fluffy little animal that trusts you. I don't know why anyone would want to miss out on that.
The only way I'd own a cat is if they could go outside to do their business. That sand box is disturbing, and knowing they have walked on poop before walking all over the place is even worse.