I'm very disappointed with this purchase.  After reading all of the positive reviews I thought this was a going to be a winner.  My cats hated this scratching post.  They were interested when I first took it out of the box and then refused to use it.  I did everything I could to encourage them.  I gave it to a coworker - his cats showed mild interest and have used it only only a few times.  I would guess the cats don't like the feel of this sisal.  Waste of money.