To a cat, it makes sense that you shoo the cat off the table. Clearly you may want to use the table if you are there, so the cat should make way when you are around.
To a cat, it makes NO sense that you want the cat to NEVER use the table. If you're not using it right now, why shouldn't the cat use it?

So, I think:

A human believes that because they obtained an item, they have a right to forbid a cat from ever using it.
But a cat believes that they have the right to use any item in the house that is not currently being used by the human.

I gotta say, it' s not obvious that the human is right...

[–] Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 month ago

I agree with all your points except that a cat who sees you actually using the table will want to join in! For the attention mostly, but also to do stuff with you.