My cat enjoys scratching both surfaces, it’s compact and moveable so if it doesn’t work in one spot it may work in another. My cat is not super enticed by the ball but doesn’t need it too much no big deal. I have it under a desk that doesn’t weigh very much so it wiggles a bit when scratching but doesn’t seem like it will fall or anything. My suggestion is to brace it under something with some weight so it doesn’t move around if possible.

Really like this scratcher. This is my second one. It's sturdy under a good table. Out of the way from under foot. And my 5 furbabies dig it! 😉

It’s a really convenient and a great product to tuck under a table but my cat hasn’t used it yet! Not sure why. I think she enjoys scratching the couch more.