Mount the pole horizontally and it changes the whole game. Now your cat gets a long sisal surface to stretch along and rake, and because it sits up the wall it nudges them to jump for it, which is exercise dressed up as play. Your furniture gets a break in the bargain.The poles fit on the front or the back of the mounting plank, which lets you build doubled-up posts and mix diagonal, vertical, and horizontal runs into one interlocking climb. That variety is a gift in a multi-cat home. Anchor one plank into a stud and use the drywall anchors for the second, though for the steadiest result and easy expansion later, aim to hit studs with both.