I prefer option A

Which one is tougher? I'm thinking about cat claws. When cats jump down their hind paws tend to slide a bit on smooth surfaces so there will be scratches. Jumping up their front claws might dig in a bit. Plus there's always those kodak moments when the cat misses the jump, flops to the floor (clawing all the way down), then walks off with the "I meant to do that" attitude, nose in the air, looking supremely unconcerned...

That was quick! Kode, the countertop is no doubt tougher, but we don't worry about that part. The cover panel can be replaced. Plus, in the long run, we'll put a comfy cushion on top that fits to the size. Aesthetically, which appeals to you more?

Hi Kode, I laughed a bit when I played the "I meant to do that" image in my head. Usually, our cats start grooming themselves whenever they miss a jump as if they totally meant to terminate that jump just so they could clean themselves. Hahaha...

I like Option A. It just looks more special.

LOL, yeah, the "pfft, I meant to do that because there's this patch of hair that's just not laying right and I gotta fix it now" thing is classic cat behavior.

I like option A, both upper and lower surfaces done in countertop looks more unified to me.

I like option "B". For me, I don't like the look of a countertop material where you wouldn't be using a counter. However, I think either choice would look very nice. It's not really like you can make a mistake here.

Man that was fast! July 2 you were in sketchup and July 9 they are installed?

I like the B option too :)

I like option A. It might make a nice plant shelf, too. Assuming the cat wouldn't knock a plant over.

I prefer the countertop. It looks more unified to have both tops match.

The cabinets look great BTW!

I much prefer the cover -- looks too matchy-matchy otherwise; very 1980's somehow. (Not that there's anything wrong with that! ;-) ) It's warmer, too.

In a frenzy of sibling rivalry gone awry, either of our cats will miss a jump/hit a wall and then go tearing after his brother and take it out on him. We've learned to differentiate real battles from pride-saving feints.

I like the counter on top but would like it even more if the top part could be thinner and more like the cover panel choice.

circuspeanut; LOL; sounds like our cats. Our cats are indoor cats except for our front deck which is completely self-enclosed with railings. When we were doing our renos we decided to extend the kitchen which meant taking in only part of our front deck. Couldn't take in the whole thing because then where would the cats go for their outdoor break?

I like the cover. The countertop looks fine, but it's a countertop. A countertop should go on top of a counter. You've got a cat lounge going on up there. And it's too matchy-matchy for me. Oh, and the cover on top makes it look more like a piece of furniture. Whew.

All this talk about cats jumping makes me realize the fun I've been missing out on since we're down to only one cat now, and he's too old too jump up on anything. His favorite spot to sleep is on the bed, but I have to lift his fatness up there at his bidding. I love that old guy.