I used to have the "original" food tree, which was popular too but quite messy and instable (and it broke after a time). This improved version is fantastic! It is much more stable, easier to maintain, and the openings are also easier for the cats to handle. As the owner of two cats who inhale dry food if given in a bowl, this tree is the perfect way to allow me to have food out for them during the day, as they really only pick out the pieces of food they want to when they are hungry, plus actually seem to have fun trying to plan for getting the pieces to fall down.