we are by the fully open and screened patio door at the front, in the living room. I am on the couch, and the cats are next to me, on the scratch post. Good investment that scratch post though it is already destroyed at 300$ after less than a year.

The cats are often on it. And use it to scratch actually too. The random toy suspended on it (on the scratch post) has never ever gathered their pleasure or attention much at all. I introduced them to it but it left them cold. Otherwise, clever design for something they say should be better quality at that price.