If it's working out well for you and the cats then I'd continue to do it. As for the jumping up on counters, I've given up on scolding my cats for this. Sunny eats up on the counter and when it's hot they lay up on the counter as well as my glass dining room table. They're totally indoor cats so I'm not too worried about catching something from them. Good luck. I was hoping to see some pictures of your cats.