I have two 10-year old cats.  I bought this tree so they would have something to climb on besides my new furniture.  Didn't work--they're still all over the furniture, but that's not because they don't like the tree.  They use it for sleeping, scratching and  to step onto the windowsills.  Wish they played on it more, but that's just them. The tree is very solid, sturdy, and very heavy.  There was a pretty powerful chemical odor that dissipated after a week or so, and I can stilll smell it if I get up close, but I don't think that's keeping the cats away.  Definitely worth it.