Definitely not plush. Nor is it for larger cats. I have 2 adult cats, 14lbs, 8lbs and a kitten that weighs 4lbs. My kitten and the smaller cat love it. They literally started climbing on it before I finished putting it together. The cubby hole is their favorite. Unfortunately my other cat cant use it. My concern is if my kitten out grows it too then I wasted my money.