This went up in about two late night hours with 7 month-old cat's help.  The material is fur-like, very soft.  He didn't go tearing around on it when he saw it, as I expected he would, being such a climber, so I enticed him to each level with a treat. After that you couldn't keep him off of it.  He's an Abyssinian/DSH with stripes so he blends in beautifully. The top two platforms are favorite places for surveying his entire kingdom below, and the penthouse is the perfect hideaway with optional viewing perspectives.  So much more for the money than what can be found in the stores. The toys are fun, too.  Love it!