The Intergrooved Scratching Post was surprisingly easy to assemble, with no extra tools required. I was able to assemble the entire structure within about fifteen minutes, although my husband insisted on administering the final "coup de grace" by tightening the screws a bit more. It was refreshing to find the screw holes located exactly where they should be, with no extra or missing parts. The Plateu, which is the model we tested, is sturdy and sound, with none of the wobbling that is sometimes seen in other posts. In fact, it is sturdy enough to hold a human seated on the bottom shelf. My son calls it the "Cat Worship Station," and often sits there to brush and pet Bubba, who loves the attention, as well as the Plateau.

Lately, Bubba has had to give up some of his lounging time in favor of a more secluded area, because Jaspurr and Joey have met the Plateau and claimed it for their own. The grooves provide a perfect training surface for little kitten claws and they often conclude a "King of the Hill" game with a hearty scratch by the victor. It took a bit of growing for them to be able to reach the highest platform, but at twelve weeks, they both are able to surmount it with a "stretch, hook, and pull" method. In another week or two, I expect they will be able to make it in one jump from the lower platform.

The Intergrooved scratching post lives up to its advertised qualities in every way, and promises to provide many years of healthful exercise to the lucky kitties who own one.