This product is GREAT!!! its tall but thin so it doesn't take up more space than just the 2x2 foot or so base size. I have 2 cats and they are on this constantly. i can't say how great of an investment this was -super cheap for the value. It is very good quality and has held up well for the past 1 1/2 that i've had it. the posts are solid w/ screw holes that screw one pole to the other. they love to run up and down it and chase each other on the tree, too. The posts are great for scratching and they each sit on the two platforms at the top. they're sisters and very close, so many times they even both share the top platform even though its a squeeze. they pretty much never use the bottom part and hardly ever go into that middle box section, which i thought they would like the most! but they love the size of it so that they can run around all over it, and the carpet is great to grip and they can walk sideways and stuff on it. It hasn't fallen apart at ALL, no carpet coming up, or shedding, or anything like that, and i think it will last many, many more years. it still looks just as great as when i first bought it except that on the top platform there is a bunch of hair that collects to the sides, but easy to brush off and clean it. The springy ball thing did come off however, but that's pretty expected. its just an elastic string tied to platform but you can buy a replacement one or put something else there yourself really easily (while it WAS on, however, they REALLY really liked that too!). i'm just amazed at how well this product worked out. easy to assemble, came easily in the mail and everything. would definitely recommend to anyone!! :)