I had shopped the large chain pet store, home stores etc. Mostly the cat trees were poor quality and not solid enough not to fall over. Was nervous to buy such a large tree and not inexpensive but it is more than worth the money. Truly simple to assemble and heavy...oh my I could not lift pieces of it out of the box due to the weight and that told me before I assembled it that it was going to be a keeper. Tall as I am and our beloved Baker is 14 years old and not slim. Worried about that highest level but guess I had no clue how smart cats are. He quickly learned how to climb and loves it and roosts on the top level so he can survey his kingdom and know where his 'servants' are at all times. Couldn't tip it over if he tried...or if a human tried. Carpet on it is is top quality. Every thing about it says care in manufacturing and shipping.