I'm not sure about the whole food thing. My Himalayan weighed 6.5 lbs, and my tabby weighs 11lbs. Food was/is always available when wanted. My boyfriend has two cats. He gives them 3/4 of a cup per day between the two of them, with an occasional treat of Fancy Feast. One weighs 16 lbs, the other about 18 lbs. As far as the counter thing goes, mine has done that within the last couple of years. The vet said it happens suddenly. One day they can get on the counter, the next they can't. I just lift her up there for her treats!