I had an older pole that shredded when the cat clawed on it because it had carpeted poles. This one with the rope covered poles has been great. The pole is very sturdy and my cat loves all the sitting places especially the high ones. I have a dog so I didn't attach the rope on the bottom because he would have played tug-of-war with it. But I have to say I was very pleased with this pole. It's very tall so if you don't want a tall pole don't get this one....but even being this tall it is still very sturdy. Well constructed.