Peter, you are correct on count #2.
My wife built a tree-like cat scratch post from old blue carpet and a cardboard tube not unlike the ones used for SVS cylinder subs. It doubles as a little cat castle (has 2 little tunnels inside it as well. She really should make them for a living and sell them for ridiculous amounts of money. Buying one at the store costs around $150 for something of that size. It cost her about ten bucks.
You should see what she's been doing with baby mobiles lately.

"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."