I was hesitant to purchase this cat tree. I was afraid it would not hold up well, but the price was right. I was pleasantly surprised when the tree arrived and was assembled. It's very sturdy. While my cats don't use the swing or basket, they love to sleep and perch on the shelves and the sisal posts are attacked on a daily basis!  This cat tree is holding up very well --  unlike my previous "carpet" tree which my cats had shredded and shabby in no time.